Netflix expanded its library of international television last week with the premiere of Soul Mate. Written and directed by Shunki Hashizume, the series launched on 14 May, presenting a global romance that explores themes of isolation and resilience.
The production spans three major cities—Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo—and follows the lives of two young men over a ten-year period. Japanese actor Hayato Isomura and South Korean star Ok Taec-yeon lead the international cast.
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The story begins in Germany, where Ryu Narutuki, played by Isomura, is living in self-imposed exile. Once a promising ice hockey player, Ryu fled Japan to escape the guilt of an accident that disrupted his teammate’s career. While sheltering in a church in Berlin, he becomes trapped during a sudden fire.
Hwang Johan, a South Korean boxer portrayed by Ok, rescues Ryu from the building. Despite their different languages and backgrounds, the encounter establishes an immediate bond between the two men. The series documents how they support each other through individual hardships, moving from a chance encounter into a central relationship that shapes their respective futures.
A Darker Shift in Streaming Romance
Commentators have noted that Soul Mate marks a tonal shift for the streaming service’s romance block. While successful series like Heartstopper rely on a lighter, optimistic tone, Hashizume’s project leans into the complications of trauma and long-distance separation. The series documents the ten-year period as the characters experience both intense mutual support and sharp personal conflicts before circumstances separate them.
The supporting cast features several notable Japanese and Korean performers, including Ai Hashimoto as Ryu’s childhood friend Sumiko, alongside Koshi Mizukami and Ken Yasuda. The soundtrack features the theme song “Our Hearts,” a collaboration between the producer STUTS, butaji, and the vocalist AiNA THE END, which underscores the melancholy tone of the series.
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The release of Soul Mate arrives at a busy time for the platform’s drama divisions. With Heartstopper scheduled to conclude with a feature-length film this coming July, Netflix is positioning Soul Mate to appeal to audiences seeking complex representations of relationships.
The series is produced by the Japanese studio ROBOT and represents a significant investment by Netflix into cross-border East Asian co-productions. By shifting between European locations and major Asian metropolitan areas, the series addresses a global audience, showing how shared experiences can overcome geographic barriers. All episodes are currently available for streaming.
