The Promise of the Soul
| The Promise of the Soul | |
|---|---|
| 靈魂約定 | |
| Genre | |
| Written by | Joe Tsai |
| Directed by | Joe Tsai |
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | Taiwan |
| Original language | Mandarin |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 12 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 25 minutes |
| Production company | VBL Series |
| Original release | |
| Network |
|
| Release | 27 June – 5 September 2025 |
The Promise of the Soul (Chinese: 靈魂約定) is a 2025 Taiwanese Boys' Love television series produced by VBL Series. It stars Martin Wong and Kenji Fan in the lead roles and premiered on June 27, 2025. The series was broadcast on SET Taiwan, GTV Drama and VBL Series official YouTube channel, and is available for streaming on iQIYI and GagaOOLala.[1][2]
Synopsis
After a life-altering accident, Xia Cha finds himself inhabiting the body of his grandson, Xia Zefang. With his family gone and only memories left behind, he decides to continue his grandson’s daily life, attending college and sharing a dorm with Ye Haiyuan. As the two navigate their new reality, they begin to uncover a deeper connection that transcends time, identity, and the boundaries of love.[3]
Cast
Main
- Martin Wong as Xia Cha / Xia Zefang
- Kenji Fan as Ye Haiyuan
Supporting
- Yaron Qiu as Guan Ri Qing
- Din Lee as Chen Qian Sui
- Wei Hung as Jiang Bai Ling
- Kelly Liao as Haru
- Mariko Okubo as Hana
- Nelson Ji as Bai Zhou Qi / "Xiao Bai"
Guest
- Huang Hao Yung as Xia Cha (elder version) (Ep. 1, 12)
- Andy Ko as Hei Yu Bo / "Da Hei" (Ep. 11)
- Joe Tsai as Teacher Qiao (Ep. 4, 9)
Music
Track listing
| No. | Title | Performer | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "You’re the one I can’t live without (Opening Theme)" | Martin Wong & Kenji Fan | 3:06 |
| 2. | "You, the Answer (Ending Theme)" | Ray Huang | 2:41 |
| 3. | "Freeze" | Martin Wong & Kenji Fan | 4:30 |
| 4. | "A Hundred Excuses but U" | Ray Huang | 3:03 |
| 5. | "Walk Slowly" | Gu Yu-An | 3:47 |
| 6. | "Ivory Echo" | Tree of Life | 4:05 |
| 7. | "1% a day" | CN | 2:57 |
Reception
The series received generally favorable reviews. On MyDramaList, it holds a rating of 7.6 out of 10 from 2,700 users. On IMDb, it has a score of 7.0 based on 104 ratings.[4]
Critics praised the emotional depth and performances of the lead actors. HK01 highlighted the series’ exploration of body-swap dynamics and its bold romantic scenes.[5] Liberty Times noted the series’ supernatural themes and its resonance with older audiences.[6] MSN Taiwan covered the emotional finale and cast interviews.[7]
References
- ^ "阿公靈魂穿孫子身 《靈魂約定》第一集就有人領便當". Yahoo News Taiwan (in Chinese). 2025-06-28. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- ^ "《靈魂約定》探索身份與命運". Carture (in Chinese). 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- ^ "The Promise of the Soul – First Impressions (Ep. 1 to 4)". The BL Xpress. 2025-07-18. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- ^ "The Promise of the Soul (2025) – IMDb Ratings". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- ^ "靈魂約定 王智騫范麒智擔正BL劇 瘋狂裸露拍床戲 啞到慘火焚身". HK01 (in Chinese). 2025-07-10. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- ^ "《靈魂約定》融合奇幻與世代情感". Liberty Times (in Chinese). 2025-07-15. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- ^ "范麒智《靈魂約定》終映會落淚了 王智騫真情告白 不需擬草稿". MSN Taiwan (in Chinese). 2025-09-06. Retrieved 2025-10-08.