How ‘Soulmate’ changed my view on friendship
Soulmate is a coming-of-age film about gaining the best friends and losing them. The South Korean movie Soulmate reflects the truth about growing up, falling in love, and parting ways with friends. Released on March 15, 2023, the film starred Our Beloved Summer’s Kim Da Mi and When My Love Blooms’ Jeon So Nee.
Wonder what it feels like to have a soulmate?
Kim Da Mi portrays the role of Ahn Mi So, a gutsy and free-spirited girl. On the other hand, Jeon So Nee plays an artistic and reserved girl named Go Ha Eun.
Soulmate | Han Cinema | Poster
Childhood best friends
It all started when they were young. Mi So was a transfer student and Ha Eun extended a helping hand to help her adjust to the new environment. Unlike Ha Eun who grew up with loving parents, Mi So was neglected by her mother.
Photo | IMDB
Despite being two different peas in a pod, the two girls have an undeniable bond with each other. They both share a passion for drawing and wish to be artists traveling the world someday.
Mi So leads a reckless life with a live fast die young motto. She shared with Ha Eun that she wanted to die at her peak age of 27. Ha Eun begged her to lead a long life so they can stay together.
Love triangle begins
But something changed when a guy stole Ha Eun’s heart. 20th Century Girl’s Byeon Woo Sok acts as Jin Woo, Ha Eun’s crush.
Photo | IMDB
After learning about her friend’s infatuation, Mi So met Jin Woo to let him know that her friend is admiring him. With Mi So’s hint, Jin Woo and Ha Eun became a couple after meeting on a group date.
However, it seems like Jin Woo has fallen in love with Mi So’s bold character. Where Ha Eun is soft and sweet, Mi So is rough around the edges and daring.
Mi So did not reciprocate his feelings and decided to run away from their small town. She rented a house on a hill, painting and working odd jobs.
Mi So meets Jin Woo, again
While working in Seoul, Jin Woo bumped into Mi So and had a quick catch-up. Unfortunately, a tragic incident befalls Mi So’s lover and business partner that left her in a vulnerable state. With no one to turn to, Jin Woo offered his place for a temporary stay.
Soulmate | CBI Pictures | Indonesia Trailer
But things got messy when Ha Eun decided to do a surprise visit. She saw her friend and boyfriend in a compromising situation, leading her to confront Mi So.
Mi So continues to work hard in Seoul while Ha Eun and Jin Woo plan their wedding. Pursuing her father’s dream, Ha Eun became a teacher supporting Jin Woo’s aspirations to become a doctor. But it seems like deep inside Ha Eun’s heart, she’s not at peace and ran off on their wedding day.
SPOILER ALERT: This part contains movie spoilers.
Motherhood begins
Ha Eun showed up at Mi So’s school and later revealed she was pregnant with Jin Woo’s child. The duo lived together and planned to raise the child with two mothers.
Photo | IMDB
But it seems like destiny has a different plan when Ha Eun passed away due to childbirth complications. Mi So stepped up to be the child’s mother, naming her after her mom Ha Eun.
To keep her best friend’s memory alive, Mi So immortalizes their moment together through a blog. She made up stories that Ha Eun ran away to pursue her passion for arts and live the life she wanted.
Platonic soulmate
This movie altered my brain chemistry when it was revealed that Ha Eun never had a chance to lead the life she dreamed of. I bawled when she didn’t get to finish her personal project of painting Mi So’s face.
Soulmate | CBI Pictures | Indonesia Trailer
It made me feel bad for Ha Eun who felt stuck in a life she did not want. And when she finally dared to leave her comfort zone, her journey ended too soon. At the same time, I understand Mi So’s struggle to survive in a cruel world. She may sometimes appear desperate but that’s the harsh reality for her.
Overall, this movie changed my view on friendships. Soulmate proved to me that your other half doesn’t have to be a lover. Sometimes our soulmate can be our best friend too. Having a platonic soulmate means having someone with a deep connection and understanding without being romantically involved.
In the end, Mi So never parts ways with Ha Eun as she takes care of her daughter. It implies that Mi So cherishes her soulmate’s loved one and will do everything possible to give her the life her mother did not have. Just like soulmates, their friendship did not end even with Ha Eun’s passing.
Watch the trailer here.
