The new year opens with a flutter of romance and laughter as Can This Love Be Translated? arrives on January 16, promising a fresh, feel-good start for rom-com fans.
Centered on an unconventional yet irresistibly charming pairing, the series tells the story of Joo Ho-jin, a brilliant multilingual interpreter, and Cha Mu-hee, a world-famous celebrity whose life is anything but predictable. From their very first encounter, their connection is equal parts chemistry and chaos—and the newly released teaser offers a tantalizing preview of a romance that is as heartfelt as it is hilariously complicated.
Taking on the role of Ho-jin is Kim Seon Ho, an actor cherished by audiences for his memorable performances in When Life Gives You Tangerines, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, and Start-Up. Known for his ability to balance warmth, humor, and emotional depth, Kim brings quiet charm and sincerity to Ho-jin, a man who can translate countless languages with ease—except when it comes to his own feelings. Opposite him is Go Youn Jung, a rapidly rising global star whose work in Sweet Home, Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow, and Resident Playbook has showcased her striking presence and emotional range. As Cha Mu-hee, she embodies glamour, spontaneity, and vulnerability, creating a magnetic contrast that makes their on-screen chemistry instantly captivating.
Behind the scenes, Can This Love Be Translated? boasts an equally impressive creative team. The series is written by the legendary Hong Sisters, Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran, the visionary duo responsible for beloved hits such as Alchemy of Souls, Hotel Del Luna, and The Master’s Sun. Their signature blend of fantasy-tinged emotion, witty dialogue, and layered romance finds a new form here in a grounded yet globally scaled love story. Direction is handled by Yoo Young-eun (Bloody Heart), whose refined visual sensibility and emotionally resonant storytelling elevate the drama’s intimate moments as much as its grand settings.
Filmed across stunning locations in Japan, Canada, Italy, and beyond, the series unfolds like a cinematic journey, reflecting the cross-cultural nature of Ho-jin and Mu-hee’s relationship. Each destination adds texture to the story, emphasizing how love, much like language, shifts depending on context, culture, and timing. The sweeping visuals promise to be as transportive as the romance itself.
The newly released teaser poster and trailer set the tone for a love story built on both connection and misunderstanding. While Ho-jin excels at interpreting words, he finds himself at a loss when emotions enter the equation. As he and Mu-hee navigate their growing attraction, the series poses a central question: can feelings truly be translated, or must they be felt to be understood? Through tender moments, awkward missteps, and emotionally charged silences, the drama explores how easily hearts can miss each other—even when intentions are sincere.
Much of the show’s appeal lies in the contrast between its leads. Ho-jin’s calm, orderly, and methodical nature clashes beautifully with Mu-hee’s vibrant, impulsive energy, creating a dynamic that is both playful and poignant. Their push-and-pull is further complicated by the arrival of Hiro (played by Fukushi Sota), a charismatic figure affectionately dubbed “Japan’s Romance Prince.” His presence introduces new emotional stakes, sparking jealousy and raising questions about how love, rivalry, and longing are expressed—and misread—across cultural and emotional boundaries.
Adding another layer of meaning, the previously released date announcement poster captures Ho-jin and Mu-hee standing back-to-back, their shared earphones subtly linking them despite their physical distance. Scrawled across the image is the softly blurred word “love,” written in multiple languages—a visual metaphor for a romance shaped by misinterpretation, unspoken feelings, and the delicate art of truly listening to one another.
With its star-studded cast, celebrated creators, global settings, and a premise that blends humor with emotional honesty, Can This Love Be Translated? is shaping up to be a warm, swoon-worthy exploration of modern love in a multilingual world.
Can This Love Be Translated? premieres on January 16, exclusively on Netflix—just in time to let romance speak for itself, no translation required.

