Netflix Announces ‘Soul Mate’ Starring Hayato Isomura and Ok Taec-yeon
Written and directed by up-and-comer Shunki Hashisume, Soul Mate is a live-action series starring Hayato Isomura and Ok Taec-yeon who deliver a love story that endures over years and years, despite the physical distance that lives between them. Following the two men to Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo, this epic love story begins when Ryu Narutaki (Hayato Isomura) leaves his life in Japan behind and heads off into the world. He meets a boxer named Johan Hwang (Ok Taec-yeon) and his life is changed forever.
The series was born over a cup of coffee between Hashisume and the show’s executive producer Dai Ota. “We arrived at the ultimate destiny story, where people from different cultures and backgrounds meet in a foreign land and their lives intersect,” Ota tells Netflix. “The story, filled with life’s joys and pains, combined with the exceptional performances from Isomura and Taec-yeon, will warm the hearts of viewers.”
Interest in Soul Mate instantly kicked up a notch when it was announced that Hayato Isomura and Ok Taec-yeon were cast in the leading roles. Both men, notable in their own right, boast impressive resumes full of accolades and successful projects. Ok Taec-yeon is a member of the Korean boy band 2PM and has a long list of acting roles to his name.
He says he was instantly drawn to the project. “The character of Johan Hwang intrigued me, and his inner struggles and pain stayed with me long after I read the script. To prepare, I lost weight and underwent boxing training, and I’ve continued to train diligently during filming to portray Johan as best as I can.”
Hayato Isomura is an accomplished and respected actor in his homeland of Japan. “The script moved me with its story of love amidst sadness and pain, and the incredible 10-year story arc crafted by director Hashizume has truly immersed me in the character. Working with Ok Taec-yeon has been inspiring; his charm draws me in more each day. Filming in Japan, Korea, and Germany gives the project a truly global feel.”
With both Hayato Isomura and Ok Taec-yeon on board, Soul Mate has our attention. Watch this space as more information regarding this promising production unfolds.
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Featured Image: Courtesy of Netflix
