2PM’s Taecyeon Stars In Upcoming BL Drama, His Co-Star Faces Massive Hate In Korea

As 2PM member Taecyeon gears up to appear in an upcoming Japanese BL (boy love) drama, his co-star has been subjected to harsh comments online.

Taecyeon

Recently, the social media account of Netflix released a teaser featuring Taecyeon and Japanese actor Hayato Isomura for the upcoming drama, Soul Mate. The drama, set to premiere on May 14, tells the story of a ten-year relationship between Ryu Narutaki (Isomura) and Johan Hwang (Taecyeon) spanning across Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Two lonely young souls follow each other around the world for 10 years chasing their once-in-a-lifetime connection…

SOUL MATE premieres May 14. Starring Hayato Isomura and Ok Taec-yeon. Written and Directed by Shunki Hashizume. pic.twitter.com/i20nL1qcdg

— Netflix (@netflix) April 27, 2026

After the teaser and the stills from the show were released, several Korean netizens made snide remarks about Isomura’s appearance, implying that he didn’t look good beside Taecyeon.

옥택연 주연 일본 BL드라마
스틸샷 공개됏는데
이 , 이게뭐고 pic.twitter.com/Je8mUfqiYZ

— 마리나 (@yourmarina88) April 28, 2026

Japanese BL drama starring Ok Taecyeon released still shots. This…What is this?

— The post above

안되겟다 원래대로 장우영이랑 하자 https://t.co/NLfCR7yMt1

— 재현 (@yeondinyoo) April 28, 2026

This won’t do. Let’s just go back to the original plan with Jang Woo Young.

— The post above

옥택연도 본인이 생각했던거랑 달라서 당황했을듯 https://t.co/PNQoQE5n2K

— 🌱RUBY (@monganggi) April 28, 2026

Ok Taecyeon himself must have been flustered by how different it turned out compared to what he had expected.

— The post above

Such comments, however, sparked broader backlash from netizens across the world. Many defended Isomura, pointing out that he was a master of his craft and didn’t need to rely on his looks to do his job well. Discussions about Korean netizens’ overemphasis on looks also became a heated topic.

Sometime you forgot how seriously terrifying korean beauty standard mindset until you see korean actor paired with actor of another country and people started bullying and mocking the other actor for not looking like cosmetic surgeon’s poster https://t.co/jezh2lAd17

— Ducky (@_Captain_Duck) April 29, 2026

as always ktw remains obssessed with shitting on actors who don't fit their so called standards. y'all deserve to watch those vertical bls with models who can barely move a facial muscle forever https://t.co/0djNf1kjD6

— minnie 💗 (@bytheforcebook) April 29, 2026

Hearing complaints that one lead isn't good looking enough. Screw the haters, I don't care what they think. Isomura Hayato is totally cute & charming in the trailer, & Taec's fans know they built a good bond during filming. Story: solid, scenes: beautiful, heartstrings: tugged 🫠 https://t.co/G0CvMekRmC

— Victoria 💚✨ (@phoqueenv) April 29, 2026

Whenever Korean actor is paired with actor/actress from another country for a drama, first thing you will see is viral tweets of korean fans making fun of the other actor’s appearance calling them ugly, not suitable for the pair.

— Ducky (@_Captain_Duck) April 29, 2026