Netflix is bringing a new Japanese drama called “Soul Mate” to screens around the world on May 14, 2026. The series tells a love story between two young men from Japan and South Korea that takes place over ten years across Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo.
The show has gained attention because of its lead stars. One is a well-known Japanese actor from “Alice in Borderland,” and the other is a member of the legendary K-pop group 2PM. Here is a full look at who is playing whom in this eight-episode series.
Hayato Isomura Plays Ryu Narutaki, The Ice Hockey Player Running From His Past
Hayato Isomura takes on the role of Ryu Narutaki, a former ice hockey player who leaves Japan after a terrible mistake ruins his best friend’s life. He ends up in Berlin, where his childhood friend Sumiko studies fashion design. Ryu carries deep guilt and cannot forgive himself.
While wandering alone in a foreign country, Ryu goes into a church and gets trapped in a fire. He nearly dies before someone saves him. Isomura is known for his work in “Alice in Borderland,” “Kamen Rider Ghost,” and “What Did You Eat Yesterday?” This marks his first leading role in a Netflix production.
The character of Ryu spends the entire series searching for redemption. He struggles to move past his mistakes while forming a deep connection with Johan, the man who saves his life.
Ok Taec-Yeon Plays Johan Hwang, The Korean Boxer With A Hidden Pain
Ok Taec-yeon, a member of the famous K-pop group 2PM, plays Johan Hwang. Johan is a Korean boxer living in Berlin. On the outside, he seems calm and kind. But inside, he carries painful memories from his past that he keeps hidden from others.
Johan has a younger sister named Su A, whom he takes care of like both a mother and father after their parents died. When Johan rescues Ryu from the church fire, the two men feel an instant connection. Despite coming from different countries and speaking different languages, something draws them together.
Taec-yeon trained hard to build the body of a real boxer for this role. He has proven himself as an actor in shows like “Vincenzo,” where he played the villain Jang Joon-Woo. “Soul Mate” is his first boys’ love drama.
Ai Hashimoto Plays Shinonome Sumiko, Ryu’s Childhood Friend
Ai Hashimoto joins the cast as Shinonome Sumiko, Ryu’s childhood friend who lives in Germany. She is studying to become a fashion designer. When Ryu leaves Japan and shows up in Berlin, Sumiko is one of the first people he turns to.
Hashimoto is a well-known actress in Japan. Her presence in the series adds depth to Ryu’s backstory and gives him a connection to his past life before everything fell apart.
The Supporting Cast of Soul Mate Rounding Out The Story
Several other actors play important roles in “Soul Mate.” Here is the complete supporting cast:
- Koshi Mizukami plays Oikawa Arata, another close friend of Ryu from their teenage years. The two used to play ice hockey together before Ryu left Japan.
- Yutaro Furutachi appears as Aizawa Seiichi, one of Ryu’s teammates from his ice hockey days.
- Lee Jae-yi takes on the role of Hwang Su A, Johan’s younger sister. She sees her brother as both her mother and father figure since their parents are gone.
- Chihiro Kato (also known as Cent Chihiro Chittiii) plays Kakutani Madoka, an older colleague who works with Ryu at a nursing home.
- Ken Yasuda is cast as Hayakawa Kenichi, Ryu’s ice hockey coach from before he left Japan.
- Kaho Minami plays Narutaki Nanami, Ryu’s mother.
- Tomokazu Miura takes on the role of Narutaki Tadashi, Ryu’s father.
What Is Soul Mate About?
The story follows Ryu and Johan over ten years. After Johan saves Ryu from the fire, the two men grow close. They end up living together, and Johan shows Ryu around Berlin. Their bond becomes something deeper than friendship.
The series moves across three cities: Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo. The two characters face joy, pain, and suffering together. They clash with each other at times but also support one another through their darkest moments. Fate eventually twists their path in painful ways that test everything they have built.
The official synopsis from Netflix states:
“Haunted by guilt and doubt, Ryu flees Japan for Berlin and is saved by Korean boxer Johan. Their chance encounter binds their destiny for years to come.”
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Production Details And Theme Song
Shunki Hashizume wrote and directed “Soul Mate.” He is known for his work on “More Than Words.” The production company behind the series is ROBOT, and Koichi Murakami serves as the producer.
The theme song is called “Our Hearts ft. AiNA THE END” by STUTS & butaji. The song plays during the main trailer and sets the emotional tone for this decade-spanning romance.
All eight episodes of “Soul Mate” will be available on May 14, 2026. Viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and other countries can watch the series on Netflix starting at midnight Pacific Time on the release date.
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