This review may contain spoilers
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.
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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