"Soulmate," starring Isomura Yuto and Ok Taecyeon, explores the emotional journey of two lonely youths across three cities, streaming on Netflix.

Isomura Yuto and 2PM's Taecyeon star in "Soulmate," currently streaming exclusively on Netflix. Ryuu (Isomura Yuto) and Johan (Ok Taecyeon), two lonely young men who meet as if drawn together, connect their souls while striving to move forward in three cities: Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo. Their beautiful and emotional ten-year journey as 'soulmates' unfolds, as they wish to live together, encouraging each other while sometimes clashing, but the threads of fate cruelly entangle them... Recently, a special roundtable discussion featuring the lead actors Isomura Yuto, Ok Taecyeon, and the music creators STUTS and butaji was held, depicting the story's scenes through music. The four shared words that resonated beyond genre boundaries, creating a poetic dialogue that vividly colors the work's worldview. Additionally, a special video connecting the four was released by director Hashizume Shunki. -- Can you share your impressions of watching "Soulmate" after creating the theme song? STUTS: It was purely incredibly interesting, and I binge-watched it. It depicts sad events, but there is also salvation, and it ends with a very refreshing feeling. The characters Ryuu and Johan that you both played are simply wonderful, and I found their relationship very healing. butaji: At the stage of creating the song, I had only read the script. After watching the completed work, I was amazed by your performances. I felt that this is what it means for a story to come to life. -- What part of the script inspired you while creating the theme song? STUTS: It may sound vague, but I felt a somewhat spiritual and majestic atmosphere in this story, and I created music that matched that vibe. Listening to the completed piece, I thought it would be great to have butaji write the lyrics and melody. butaji: The first thing I thought about was 'love.' However, love is inherently very personal and exists within the relationship between people, so I believe it doesn't have a social aspect. But in this story, the friction between inner love and societal views on outing and family dynamics is depicted. I wanted to write a song about that struggle. -- What was your impression of the theme song after listening to it? Isomura Yuto: I was surprised to hear it was created during the script stage, but it blends so well with the world of the work that it doesn't feel that way at all. If we think of this work as a puzzle, I feel that STUTS and butaji completed the piece just before the final one that the audience will see. It's a song that resonates naturally and deeply. Ok Taecyeon: The lyrics and track express the story of Ryuu and Johan very well. In visual works, I believe music is what stays in people's memories the most, and this song ensures that their journey remains in the hearts of viewers, leaving a warm aftertaste. -- What discussions did you have while creating the song? STUTS: In the past, we often created by discussing together, but for this song, I finished the track quickly and sent it to butaji, who wrote the lyrics immediately. For the C melody, after the lyrics were added, we added more to the track and then had butaji add lyrics again. Overall, I think we clearly defined our roles more than in any previous collaboration. butaji: I've collaborated with STUTS before, but the initial track was already very expressive and rich. If we can share that feeling, the process naturally flows smoothly. -- Writing a theme song based on a work is different from regular music production, isn't it? STUTS: There are differences, but personally, I find it easier. Since there is an initial image to start from, I can expand from there. So I feel like I can create it quite enjoyably. butaji: I agree. There is a certain challenge that makes it rewarding and enjoyable. It's like threading a fine string, searching for and pursuing the connection between the original work and my music. I believe what comes out naturally is individuality, so I see it as something that emerges on its own. -- You both build your performances based on the script, but do you think there are similarities in the process of searching for expression in theme song creation? Isomura: I think we share the same feeling that something we can't hide comes out. The character Ryuu is entirely different from me, but when I perform, my expression inevitably comes through. I felt that there is a similarity in that. Taecyeon: I believe actors express themselves within the guidelines of the script. In that sense, there are similarities, but there are also differences from music. However, through the filter of the work or script, I think there is a commonality in expressing oneself through the song and lyrics. -- You all engage in various activities, including acting, music, and film festival production. What do you focus on in terms of 'creation'? STUTS: It's a very basic thing, but it’s about 'being satisfied with myself.' I never want to compromise when creating something, and once it's completed and released, it completely leaves my hands, so I want to ensure I finish it without regrets. butaji: I completely agree. But I always have some regrets, and I hope to keep climbing the stairs to avoid that. I think being satisfied is very important in many ways. Taecyeon: I feel the same way, but in reality, we often need to find a balance. Movies and dramas are more of a popular art than pure art, so they can't exist solely on ideals. While I never want to compromise, there are times when I have to bend due to reality. To avoid compromising as much as possible, I think it's essential to keep honing myself. Even so, there are moments when compromise is unavoidable, and when that time comes, I want to gather as much material as possible so I won't have regrets. Isomura: I think directors, screenwriters, and artists often create from scratch, but we join in later, so I feel there are parts where we can't participate creatively. However, works are made together, and I value what is born on set because I am a proponent of the set. I am drawn to performances that emerge spontaneously when various elements come together. That is the joy of this job. Taecyeon: I feel the same way. No matter how much we prepare, things change on set. STUTS: From a musician's perspective, live performances are exactly that. It’s something that is born in the moment with performers and the audience. I also change my performance according to the atmosphere of the venue and the band's playing. -- Finally, when you hear 'soulmate,' who comes to mind? Isomura: I had hardly thought about the existence of a 'soulmate' in my life until now. But after encountering this work, I began to think that a soulmate is someone with whom I want to share my life or someone with whom I can share this moment without words. When I think of such a person, it is definitely Taecyeon for me. Taecyeon: I'm not sure about Japan, but in Korea, the term 'soulmate' is rarely used. So when I think of a soulmate, I believe it will always be Isomura. STUTS: I have a friend, a rapper named JJJ, with whom I created many important songs. I can no longer meet him, but when I perform the songs we made together, I feel connected in some way. It's not about romance; it's a feeling of sharing something deeply in my heart. In that sense, he comes to mind as a soulmate. butaji: For me, it's singer-songwriter Orisaka Yuta. Even while creating songs, I find myself thinking, 'How much voice would Orisaka use?' or 'I need to work hard because Orisaka is working hard.' He’s someone who is always in the back of my mind, even though we hardly meet or communicate via LINE. I think we both feel that way.