2PM’s Ok Taecyeon Opens Up About Embracing His BL Debut

Fans are excited.

It was recently reported that 2PM‘s Ok Taecyeon would star in a new Netflix show.

On June 27, Sports Chosun reported that Taecyeon was filming a Netflix J-Drama titled Soul Mate. It tells the story of a Japanese man, Ryu, and a Korean boxer, Jo Han (also romanized as Yo Han). Over a decade, the two meet in Seoul, Berlin, and Tokyo and become closer as they heal one another’s wounds.

Hayato Isomura has been confirmed as Taecyeon’s co-star. He is a recognizable Japanese actor known for Alice in Borderland, Kinou nani tabeta?, Kamen Rider Heisei Generations: Dr. Pac-Man vs. Ex-Aid & Ghost with Legend Rider, Kamen Rider Ghost, and many more.

Soul Mate was initially described as a “bromance” in reports, while some added that it will go “beyond mere friendship.” This fueled speculation that “bromance” was really code for BL (Boy Love).

Shortly after, Netflix confirmed that Soul Mate is a BL J-Drama.

Netflix’s official social media accounts posted a photo of Taecyeon and Hayato Isomura sitting side-by-side. In the caption, the plot for the series was officially revealed: “Traversing the cities of Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo, the series tells a 10-year-long love story between two young men. From writer and director Shunki Hashizume (Scroll, More Than Words).” With that, Netflix clarified that it’s not a “bromance” but a “love story between two young men.” 

The tweet went viral instantly, with 647.6K views at the time of writing. Fans were shocked by Netflix’s announcement.

The listing for Soul Mate on Netflix is even in the LGBTQ+ category.

2PM fans are especially anticipating Taecyeon’s first BL drama. Although he has acted in many mainstream roles for many years, this will be different for him.

Now, Taecyeon has opened up about embracing his BL drama debut. In a statement, he shared that he was eager to “discover new sides of myself,” and he’s worked hard to portray his character “with sincerity.”

Because there were so many types of characters and genres that I hadn’t tried yet (…) and discover new sides of myself.

— Taecyeon

While this isn’t the first time a K-Pop idol has starred in a BL drama, this is still a remarkable step in LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation, as Taecyeon isn’t only from one of the hottest 2nd Gen K-Pop groups but it’s a mainstream Netflix production.

Read more below.

Netflix Confirms 2PM’s Ok Taecyeon Is Starring In BL Drama, Revealing First Look