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This could've been a movie. A bad one but at least shorter
This entire show was extremely underwhelming. I gave it a 1 cuz that's the lowest I can give.Script:
•I'll start with what was the worst part for me. The lines didn't sound like how normal ppl talk. It just didn't sound correct. I had to check if the script writer was Japanese cuz it felt super unnatural.
•Fire scene: I didn't care for Ryu enough as to be like "No! Don't kill yourself!". There was no foundation for that scene or character. I couldn't care less. We didn't see him being loved and cared for or caring towards others. He was just a dude within a team. To the point that until the story focused on him, I didn’t even realize he was the main character.
•There's a stupid useless naked scene for no reason whatsoever.
•They should've cut the military scenes. It didn't add anything to the plot and we would've miss seeing Johan and understood Ryu's feelings better. At least if we got to like Johan which I feel like we didn't really.
The characters don't have a character. That's how I can explain this entire mess in a sentence
•Arata saying he was prepared for the response was such a stupid line. He can say he thought he was prepared but prepared? How was he prepared? He tried to kill himself cuz he couldn't handle it ffs! Also, that storyline was wrapped up way too quickly, and he was far too casual about it. They’re trying to make it seem realistic, but it doesn’t feel real. In real life, someone in his situation would likely struggle much longer, maybe even attempt again, or blame themselves much more harshly than what was shown. He seemed way too positive for someone who hasn’t mentally recovered and is now also physically unwell.
•Also why tf is everything so random? Like what is the point of this show? Life is shit? Is that what it is?
Acting and directing:
•The characters spoke too slowly throughout the show. So when they actually needed to slow down to convey emotional weight, it didn’t feel meaningful. Also, why does everyone keep repeating the beginnings of their sentences? There’s so much stuttering that it loses its impact instead of adding depth.
•Seiichi and Sumiko have less chemistry than Sumiko and SuA.
It ruins the entire experience of the loss cuz I don't feel like she loved him that much as to not go out and try to meet some friends and a new man.
Editing:
Editing is a mess. Welp... This is 1/3 editing, 1/3 directing, 1/3 script writing. You don't know how much time has passed and you get lost.
I’m so frustrated that if I don’t stop myself, this review could go on forever about how bad this show is.
Don’t watch it. It’s a waste of time.
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Soul Mate
Stories like these are important. I went into this expecting a romance, mainly because that’s how the advertising presented it.Queer stories aren’t extremely taboo in Korea and Japan, but most productions centred around LGBTQ+ characters tend to be lower-budget shows with shorter episode counts and relatively unknown actors. In bigger flagship productions, queer characters are often pushed into minor supporting roles and used for comedic effect, with stereotypes becoming the punchline. Strong Woman Do Bong-soon and Vincenzo are two examples that come to mind.
I would still classify Soul Mate as a romance. It’s heavily implied that the two main characters are gay, and they both say they love each other by the end of the show. There are no real love interests outside of each other. This just isn’t a conventional love story — it’s much more restrained and subtle.
Personally, I wish it had been less subtle. High-profile queer stories in these countries often rely on implication rather than direct representation, and it feels like Soul Mate had the opportunity to do something more daring. The story works as it is, but at times it feels as though the restraint comes from a fear of fully crossing that line. One day we'll get a story that doesn't restrain itself.
I’m also tired of queer stories constantly ending in tragedy. What message does that send when so many of these stories conclude with one character dying?
Overall, I did like the show, even if I think it was slightly misadvertised. I do believe it’s a love story, but one that never fully commits to going all the way. Still, the performances are brilliant, the soundtrack is excellent, and the characters are genuinely compelling.
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I've been ugly crying since the last episode of the series.
Right now I’m sitting with a cup of coffee, puffy eyes, and unsuccessfully trying to find a way to describe this drama without spoilers. I usually have plenty to say, but this time I realized there’s no surefire way to talk about it.It’s so simple and complex at the same time. It’s a story that makes you think about the value of time and the profound impact one person can have on another. That pretty much sums up the entire series.
I really liked the way it was filmed. The series gives us snapshots of Narutaki Ryu’s and Hwang Jo Han’s lives — like flipping through a stack of old photos, just quick flashes of particular moments. I think it was a very smart approach for a story that spans ten years. We don’t need to see every single event to understand what they’re going through.
I loved the characters, because this isn’t just a story about their feelings, desires, and passions. No — it’s about choices, dignity, and how deeply someone can leave a mark on your soul. Don’t be fooled by the summary or your expectations: this is not a love story. It’s about two people who meet at the most difficult moments in their lives and continue walking through life together without putting a label or frame on their relationship.
As for the music, I really wanted it to be more memorable. It worked well enough as background, but I hoped for something stronger.
In the end, this show deeply affected me. I had knots in my stomach for most of it, and after finishing it this morning, I could do nothing but stare at the ceiling, absorbing everything I had just watched.
For me, that’s the sign of a truly wonderful series — one that reaches into your soul, touches your heart, and actually makes you feel.
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fantastic
this drama was one that make me cry the most even though they never kiss but the story the love the pain i felt every sensation that this dram could give me the lat 3 ep i cried like a baby overall one of the best drama of this year the chemistry between the 2 acotor was something that i can not explain the story was good i wish there are more ep but it ok the story was awesome…………………!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!omg how much i have to tap lollllllWas this review helpful to you?
This is not a love story, its a story about love.
You know when you watch a gay or LGBT movie and it does not center about being LGBT, like I don't know how to best explain it, like it's not just, oh, it's a gay movie. No, it's so, so, so much beyond that. I read somewhere about this movie that it's not a love story, it's a story about love. And that whole dialogue or line, it just touches so close to me because it's such a wonderfully written movie.One of the biggest hate comment thingy that they're getting, that this movie is getting, is that there was no kiss, there was no heavy romance, but it showed love at its purest form ever. And I loved that, yes, the main characters were guys and they were in love, but it was so much more than that. It showed a whole process of how they saved each other when they were at their lowest. It was two really, really, really good friends coming together. And even beyond them, there was their other friends and other family.
There was a scene where Ryu, the main character's parents, offered the Rumiko the same thing that her in-laws had offered her, that you can come live with us and you're always going to be family. And they both offered the same thing. Two sets of parents who were not hers offered the same thing, yet one was so much more warm than the other. And the other was actually legally binded. And I don't know what else to say.
A lot of the times people tend to reduce queer films to did they kiss, was there enough romance, was it explicit enough, but what this movie is trying to say is much quieter and much bigger. It says that love is not always loud. Love is something understanding and quiet and beautiful and warm. Love is staying and understanding, and it's becoming a home for another person. I think that's another reason why this movie feels so intimate. The relationship doesn't need constant romantic confirmation because the care is already overflowing from every scene.
It was such a beautiful movie. I don't know. The ending hit me in a really good way, but like most other times, I wish I had gotten more. I wish I had gotten to see them even more happier, but I was thinking, oh, I wish we could see them happy, but that's not even true. We did see them happy. We saw them happy. We saw them sad. We saw them go through a lot of phases and it was wonderful. This is truly a wonderful movie about love and how it really is all around us, but it's just difficult to find sometimes.
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An alright watch.
I hate the fact that the drama was advertised/classified as a BL because their relationship was portrayed of being really good friends more than lovers.It felt like watching two guys who became best friends (Soulmates) due to their life experiences and they never judged each other's life's choices.Granted Johan was gay while Ryu wasn't exactly sure of himself after he was confessed too by his teammate.I want to say the drama was more of Johan's growth but the stunt he pulled in distancing himself from Ryu the person he truly loved just pissed me off.I hate characters like Johan....who despite being seen in a vulnerable state by the one person whom they truly cherish choose a path that hurts both of them when a life changing event occurs.Ryu on the other hand,did he really find happiness in life cause he quit ice hockey something he did and enjoyed since he was a kid, despite graduating he got a job that was exhausting mentally, emotionally and physically.Then the person who seemed to have a connection with him 'broke up' with him in a disrespectful way then he joins his dad's company and planned to marry someone he wasn't romantically interested in.To be honest Ryu never got his happy ending.Was this review helpful to you?
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CROSS OVER SERIES
I would call it a Cross Over in all aspects of this series -- It crosses over the Normal BL's Agenda -- With the Bl'S that have come out recently this is Ultra Asexual or even non-sexual in all senses--There is no Physical & very little Dialogue between the Main's that would indicate differently -- It crosses the divide between Japanese Language / Culture & Korean Language / Culture -- The Languages are spoken so well there is an amazing flow almost merging the two spoken languages together by the end of the Series -- There are many props to be given for the Director Writer & the Actors to carry off this type of Emotional Non Physical Series in todays climate of Physical Nudity & Sexuality being over played -- You know for sure that there are Gay & Straight characters but I really could not say that the Main Characters are either -- There is a Scene where Yohan says he has fallen in Love with a Man it kind of gives you a gutted feeling when the only time it is openly discussed between Ryo and Yohan he is leaving but luckly the emotion in the Drama carries it & the Story in Nuanced enough to keep you engaged & I would suggest anyone to check it out -- It is well worth your time -- I watched it twice & each time I found something NewWas this review helpful to you?
it’s a love story with no romance
I can see why this has the low end of reviews but it is still a beautiful story of love, hardship and connection. if you watch the series expecting boys love it’s a 5/10 since there’s no real excitement or romantic scenes that make you giddy. but if you watch this series expecting love, hardship and connection, it’s a solid 8/10. minus 2 points for the abrupt plot turns.. but still lots to enjoy about this series. I’d still recommend it for the unique Japanese Korean boundary crossing mature acting and story. don’t let all the negative reviews deter you from watching this series! Reset your expectations and enjoy what this series offers.Was this review helpful to you?
Incredibly well written queerplatonic relationship (finally!!!)
I think this drama has been hit by misleading labels and expectations, and the fact that aspec relationships tend to be continuously mistreated by audiences who see any lack of explicitness in a relationship in media as something lacking.If you're aspec, though, or if you're in for a very deep, very profound, incredibly emotional queerplatonic relationship, this drama is for you (and me!).
I have seen the term "soulmate" used for queerplatonic relationships in Japanese media before (famously, the manga Banana Fish does so, for example) but I wasn't expecting to find that here, since a lot of the buzz around it made it seem like another regular BL. By episode 2, I was already starting to feel the qpr vibes and wondered if this was going to be sustained throughout or dropped somewhere along the line, but I'm happy to report that it's the heart of the narrative.
The drama tells the story of the relationship between Ryu, a Japanese ice hockey player struck by a very difficult personal situation (he isn't said to be explicitly aroace but what happens to him is very much a common problem among us, so read that as you may) and Johan, a South Koran boxer who is going through a personal crossroads that makes him choose between selling his integrity for financial stability or risking it all for his own truth.
That is just the starting point, since the entire drama spans years of Ryu's and Johan's relationship, focusing on pivotal moments in their lives and how their connection helps each other grow. Differently from other series where time skips make you feel you're missing the core of the story, this one uses the device really well and is able to showcase what you need to know to understand their dynamic. There's found family here, there's grief and loss, there's illness, there's career path changes. And, throughout it all, there's this intimate personal connection between two people who love each other, in the most genuine way possible, despite the expectations of what the allo-centric world (and audience) would like to label them as.
I don't know if the creator has spoken about whether they wanted to write a qpr or not, but that's exactly what it reads as. If you come in here looking for a regular allo BL, you're probably going to be disappointed (and join the squad of angry fujos in the comments and reviews) but if you're either looking for a qpr narrative or are willing to open your expectations to this kind of relationship, you're in for a treat (and some tears).
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Lovely leads, under developed stories
Loved the leads and there is a lot of interesting slots of life in this drama but there is something about this that failed to make it all the way in to my heart. As most of the twists could be smelled at least an episode in advance but I chose the word slots of life or maybe breezes of life as we never really truly get an invitation in to the life and true mindset of our leads making me feel left outside, making it hard tu fully immerse mysel in the story. Maybe they wanted to tell to many stories at once, maybe they felt like a medley of life from dramas past would make this feel refreshing and new... But all I felt was oh okay... so they went with that trope.That said again leads are lovely. And the binge was easy.
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THe drama gives me the same emotional feeling as dramas like I Told Sunset About You or Moonlight Chicken quieter, more intimate BLs that focus more on emotional connection than fanservice. The drama feels very soft and melancholic, almost like watching two lonely people slowly become each other’s safe place.
What really works is the chemistry. The relationship feels natural because the actors don’t overplay the romance . A lot of the emotional impact comes from small moments, silence, eye contact, and awkward conversations rather than huge dramatic scenes.
The atmosphere is probably the strongest part for me. The cinematography, lighting, and OST create this calm but emotionally heavy feeling that reminds me of indie romance films more than classic BL dramas.
My only issue is that the pacing can feel a little too slow sometimes, especially if you prefer more plot-driven stories. The drama spends a lot of time on emotions and mood rather than major events.
But honestly , that softness is also what makes it memorable. It feels less like a fantasy romance and more like a very human love story.
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Not a BL and that’s ok
Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge that they portrayed the characters v well, and I loved that the focus wasn’t solely on their sexuality but on isolation, loneliness, and need for human connection. And although this wasn’t necessarily a BL, it felt like they positioned it that way and for the most part, the romance was lacking. Even with the drawings and trips, these gestures and experiences still felt like a deep bromance. Two men completely comfortable with each other and sharing a beautiful bond. Skin-ship isn’t necessary to show romance, but there was barely any longing, tension, or intimacy while they were living together and growing closer. Part of me feels this may have been because Taecyeon was stepping outside his comfort zone as an idol-actor? Whilst he did well, the romantic chemistry didn’t fully land for me. These were grown (fine) men attracted to each other, and yet we never even got something as small as a face touch? Or an unnecessarily long and dragged out longing gaze? Thankfully, the ending redeemed it slightly in that aspect to confirm their romantic feelings for one another :(. Without that ending, it would simply be an incredibly touching bond between two queer male besties. I love but they definitely sold us a romance, so I’m a bit salty the chemistry and yearning was lacking.Was this review helpful to you?
