2PM’s Ok Taecyeon (옥택연) and Thai actor Max Nattapol (ณัฐพล ดิลกนวฤทธิ์) are set to redefine narratives in BL (Boys’ Love) dramas, marking a pivotal moment in their careers and cultural representation. Taecyeon, renowned for his achievements in the K-pop industry, now steps into the spotlight of Netflix’s highly anticipated J-drama “Soul Mate.”
Meanwhile, Max, a prominent figure in Southeast Asian entertainment, is celebrated for his dynamic performances in the BL genre, continuing to captivate global audiences with his compelling portrayals. Their ventures into BL dramas highlight a significant shift in Asian entertainment, emphasising narratives that entertain and resonate across diverse audiences. Here’s what the two stars said about their contributions:
The K-pop idol recently confirmed his debut in the upcoming J-Drama “Soul Mate,” set to stream on Netflix. Directed by Shunki Hashizume, the series unfolds a decade-long love story between two young men across Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo. Embracing this new challenge, the singer shared, “There were so many types of characters and genres that I hadn’t tried yet, I’d been wanting to gradually broaden my spectrum and discover new sides of myself and portray my character with sincerity.”
Meanwhile, Max, already a sensation in Thailand for his roles in BL series such as “Bad Romance” and “Together with Me: The Series,” continues to captivate audiences globally. Reflecting on his warm reception in the Philippines, the actor said, “It’s nice that Filipinos love our actors. They told me that this could be another home for me. I’m so grateful to all of them. I’d love to work here again, perhaps even in a BL series.”
From their statements and projects, we can conclude that their contributions truly underscore the increasing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media, marking a cultural milestone. Stay tuned as their journeys unfold on screens worldwide, promising stories of love, growth, and cultural connection.
Sources: Koreaboo, The Manila Times
Melissa Royan contributed to this article.
