Netflix series ‘Soul Mate’ shows how queer love conquers all

The latest Netflix Japanese boys’ love (BL) series, “Soul Mate,” proves that even in queer relationships, love conquers all.

The long-awaited series stars Japanese actor Hayato Isomura as the ice hockey player named Ryu Narutaki and K-pop idol-turned K-drama star Ok Taec-yeon as boxer Johan Hwang.

Ryu leaves Japan and flies all the way to Berlin following a life-changing confession that makes him puzzled about his identity.

He will be stuck in a church fire and cross paths with Johan, who will save his life. Little do they know, the accidental encounter will alter the course of their lives.

Basics in Berlin

Ryu and Johan come from different walks of life, with the former having a traditional family and the latter left with no parents, forcing himself to work at an early age for his sister.

Their differences in upbringing will show their dynamic on how to embrace their queerness throughout the series.

They demonstrate that despite the inevitable hardships, the experience of being embraced without reservation is worth it.

Ryu will be faced by the past and navigate how he should overcome his fear to embrace his identity.

Meanwhile, Johan’s present teaches him how to embrace himself first in order to learn how to love others unconditionally.

Sacrifices in Seoul

Cliché as it may be, with love come sacrifices for both Ryu and Johan as they take on their journey on the show.

They will be met by challenges, which test if they are willing to sacrifice a part of themselves or stay in their comfort zones.

Jumping from Seoul to Japan, the couple will grow old together and be hit by the reality of earning a living at the expense of sacrificing their passions.

Johan will face all his traumas and fears and learn to stand up for himself and to stick to what is right despite having major setbacks.

Ryu will be met with another life that tests his character and decision-making without compromising his love for Johan.

Together, they will face these challenges that test if their love can endure all the pain and sacrifice it entails.

Jubilation in Japan

At the height of all these challenges, Johan and Ryu will be faced by a major setback in their relationship, which, for a second, will make you question if their love is worth fighting for.

When the honeymoon phase is over, secrets and misunderstandings will inevitably happen and also test their relationship.

Johan will endure all the pain to prioritize himself, while Ryu will settle for a life he was taught he should be living.

Despite the major setback, Ryu and Johan will still find themselves together finally learning how their love endures all.

Ryu and Johan’s love is a testament that queer love can last decades even when faced with challenges.

In this day and age of short-lived relationships, “Soul Mate” may serve as a reminder to queer people that long-lasting relationships still exist.

However, it doesn’t come easy. One should be ready for all the peaks and valleys that Ryu and Johan have learned to face in their 10-year relationship from Berlin to Seoul and back to Japan.

All eight episodes of “Soul Mate” are available to stream via Netflix.