The series follows two men from different backgrounds whose paths cross by chance, sparking a connection that spans a decade. The project, written and directed by Shunki Hashizume, reportedly originated from discussions about the complexities of long-term, cross-cultural relationships.
Plot: A Fateful Encounter in Berlin
The story centers on Ryu Narutaki (Hayato Isomura), a university ice hockey player whose life is upended after he accidentally causes a career-ending injury to his best friend. Overcome with guilt, Ryu abandons his life in Japan and moves to Berlin, where he stays with a childhood friend, Sumiko (Ai Hashimoto).
Still unable to forgive himself, Ryu's life takes another dramatic turn when he is caught in a church fire. He is rescued at the last moment by Hwang Johan (Ok Taec-yeon), a Korean boxer who happened to be nearby. The two meet again shortly after at one of Johan's matches. Johan is also carrying the weight of his own past and fights to earn money for his sister's university tuition.
Despite their different worlds, a bond forms. Before they part ways, Ryu asks Johan to stay in touch, and they begin a long-distance correspondence between Tokyo and Seoul. The series follows their intertwined lives over the next ten years as they support, challenge, and grow to depend on one another while navigating personal hardships and the distance that separates them.
Meet the Leads
Hayato Isomura, 33, portrays Ryu Narutaki. Isomura is an established actor in Japan, known for his work in both large commercial franchises and independent dramas, building a reputation for his versatile performances.
Ok Taec-yeon, 37, plays the Korean boxer Hwang Johan. Many will recognize Ok as a member of the popular K-pop group 2PM. He has also built a significant acting career, appearing in series like the thriller Vincenzo and the fantasy-comedy Heartbeat. Having grown up in the United States, Ok gave up his U.S. permanent residency to complete his mandatory military service in South Korea, where his conduct earned him the nickname “Captain Korea.” According to the source material, Ok married his non-celebrity partner in a private ceremony in April 2026. For his role in Soul Mate, he underwent an intensive boxing and fitness regimen that continued throughout filming.
