Netflix is set to launch its latest Korean original series, Can This Love Be Translated?, on Friday, January 16, 2026, bringing a fresh twist to the classic romantic comedy genre. At its heart, the show weaves together the complexities of language, culture, and the universal challenge of understanding love. With a global cast, international filming locations, and an acclaimed creative team, anticipation is high for this 12-part series that promises both laughter and heartfelt moments.
The series stars Kim Seon-ho as Ju Ho-jin, a multilingual interpreter whose professional fluency masks his personal awkwardness in matters of the heart. Opposite him is Go Youn-jung as Cha Mu-hee, a globally renowned actor who dazzles on the red carpet but stumbles in her own love life. Their contrasting personalities and approaches to romance set the stage for a story that explores not only language barriers but also the deeper, often unspoken, misunderstandings that arise in relationships.
During a press conference held on January 13 in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, director Yoo Young-eun explained the inspiration behind the series. "The project began with the idea that everyone carries a language of their own," Yoo said, as reported by Korea JoongAng Daily. "As such, in the same way that languages differ across nations and cultures, the series explores how expressing love also varies from person to person." Yoo, known for the 2022 drama Bloody Heart, emphasized that the show asks a fundamental question: Is it ever truly possible to understand another person, especially in love?
Written by the celebrated Hong Sisters—Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran—the series marks their return to romantic comedy after more than a decade focused on fantasy projects like Hotel del Luna (2019) and Alchemy of Souls (2022-23). Their previous works, including Sassy Girl Chun-hyang (2005) and Couple or Trouble (2006), have cemented their reputation for crafting compelling character-driven stories. Director Yoo noted, "What really drew me in was the fact that this is a pure romantic comedy, something the Hong sisters haven’t done for a while, after releasing a lineup of fantasy projects. And I also found the emotional dilemmas that arose during the process of interpreting especially interesting."
The plot follows Ju Ho-jin, who can interpret Korean, Japanese, Italian, English, French, and Chinese. Despite his linguistic prowess, Ho-jin is described as "incredibly awkward at expressing his own emotions," according to Kim Seon-ho. The actor revealed the unique challenges of the role, stating, "While playing a multilingual interpreter, there were moments where I had to speak several languages in the same scene. I'd like to say that it was not easy." Kim dedicated four months to preparing for the part, meticulously memorizing lines in multiple languages and practicing their emotional delivery. "I had to memorize the lines exactly as they were written and then add emotion to them. I practiced repeatedly and spent my spare time studying grammar," he explained to The Korea Times. Yet, Kim humbly admitted, "Since my language skills have limits, I want to say that I only learned what was in the script."
Kim also spoke about the physical and vocal demands of the role, noting, "As an interpreter, I was inside a booth most of the time, working only through a monitor, which meant I had to be especially mindful of my voice. So, I paid close attention to my vocal condition and always started my mornings with warm tea." This attention to detail, he suggested, was just as taxing as the action scenes he had previously performed in other genres.
Go Youn-jung’s portrayal of Cha Mu-hee adds another layer of complexity to the series. Described as energetic and always "on the ground," Mu-hee’s character reflects Go’s own naturally bright and lively personality. "She is a character who meets Joo Ho-jin, the interpreter for her own language and adapts to a new environment while finding a new love," Go said. She emphasized Mu-hee’s internal struggles: "Because she became a top star so suddenly, she feels joy but also a lingering anxiety that this festival might end at any moment. I tried to express various emotions, including the excitement, anxiety, and doubt that come with meeting someone new."
The chemistry between the two leads was immediately apparent, even during the early stages of production. Filming took place in Korea, Japan, Canada, and Italy, giving the show a truly international flavor. Director Yoo recalled, "Filming abroad so early can be a burden, but seeing their synergy in Japan made me feel relieved. Their compatibility was truly the best." This global scale not only enhances the authenticity of the story but also underscores the universal themes of connection and miscommunication.
According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the series is more than just a cute romantic comedy; it is "about a multilingual interpreter who meets a woman whose way of expressing love is the complete opposite of his, resulting in a series of misunderstandings, which sometimes even makes the viewers frustrated." The show promises to deliver both humor and emotional resonance as the characters navigate their differences and learn to interpret not just words, but feelings.
For fans of the Hong Sisters, Can This Love Be Translated? represents a much-anticipated return to the genre that first made them household names. Yoo Young-eun expressed her excitement, saying, "I did my best to fully capture the strong chemistry between the two characters as they moved across romance, comedy and melodrama." She also hinted that viewers would see a new side of Go Youn-jung, adding, "If you watch the drama through to the end, I think the viewers will discover a side of Go Youn-jung that they haven’t seen before."
As Netflix continues to expand its slate of Korean originals, this series stands out for its unique premise, international scope, and the pedigree of its creative team. The show's exploration of emotional confusion, cultural differences, and the search for genuine connection is likely to resonate with audiences worldwide. Whether viewers tune in for the sparkling chemistry, the comedic misunderstandings, or the heartfelt moments, Can This Love Be Translated? is poised to become a standout in the rom-com landscape.
With its official release just around the corner, all eyes are on Kim Seon-ho, Go Youn-jung, and the Hong Sisters as they invite audiences to discover whether love, in all its complexity, can truly be translated.
