For the first time, Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung are paired in the romantic comedy Can This Love Be Translated. This 12-episode drama isn’t just about language—it’s about understanding each other’s hearts. Can we truly understand someone else, especially when it comes to love?
Kim Seon-ho plays Ju Ho-jin, a multilingual translator fluent in six languages, including English, Italian, and Japanese. “I studied languages for four months, each with a different teacher,” he said at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Go Youn-jung plays Cha Mu-hee, a globally famous actress. The two meet when Ju Ho-jin is assigned as Cha Mu-hee’s personal translator during filming trips to several countries. Despite his language skills, Ju Ho-jin struggles to understand emotional “languages”—the language of love and unpredictable feelings.
Misunderstandings, charm, and cross-cultural chemistry create an unexpected bond between the actress and her translator. Japanese actor Fukushi Sota also appears as Hiro Kurosawa, adding more international flavor to the story.
The drama’s visuals are stunning, featuring locations in Korea, Enoshima (Japan), Canada, and Italy. Japan gives a warm, cozy feeling, while the aurora in Canada adds a magical touch. The series also includes several special cameos throughout the episodes.
Can This Love Be Translated?. (L to R) Kim Seon-ho in Can This Love Be Translated?. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2026
Why They Chose This Drama
Go Youn-jung shared that she accepted the role because the story felt unique and fairy-tale-like. “It’s both realistic and unreal. When I first read the script, it felt like a fairy tale. How could a translator and a global star come together? That’s what intrigued me,” she said at the Jakarta fan meeting.
Kim Seon-ho worked hard to convincingly portray a multilingual translator. He practiced delivering lines in different languages with the right intonation so it wouldn’t feel memorized. According to him, Japanese was the most challenging language, followed by Italian. “My character is good at understanding foreign languages but struggles to express his own feelings,” he explained.
Go Youn-jung focused on portraying a complex actress—happy with her success but anxious that sudden fame might disappear as quickly as it came. She expresses emotions ranging from joy to anxiety and doubt when meeting new people.
Kim Seon-ho also discussed with director Yoo Young-eun how to convey Ju Ho-jin’s personality subtly, through eye contact, tone, and gestures. Meanwhile, the director focused on Cha Mu-hee’s sincerity, showing how she often speaks in circles to protect her heart.
Can This Love Be Translated?. Go Youn-jung in Can This Love Be Translated?. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2026
Hong Sisters and Yoo Young-eun Bring Unique Chemistry
The drama is written by the Hong Sisters (Hong Jung Eun and Hong Mi), legendary writers behind Alchemy of Souls, Hotel Del Luna, and Sassy Girl Chun-hyang. Director Yoo Young-eun, known for Bloody Heart (2022), praised the natural chemistry between Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung, whose personalities are completely opposite: one logical and calm, the other transparent and easy to read.
The series shows how the language of love can slowly be “translated” through each character’s perspective. The beautiful international settings and universal messages about love and understanding are expected to resonate with global audiences.
“In the midst of language barriers, we may feel disappointment, but if we stand in the name of love and understanding, we can overcome anything,” said the director.
Can This Love Be Translated?. (L to R) Kim Seon-ho in Can This Love Be Translated?. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2026
Kim Seon-ho Wants to Speak Indonesian
During his Jakarta visit, Kim Seon-ho revealed his wish to become fluent in English to communicate with global fans. However, since he was in Indonesia, he jokingly added that he also wants to speak Indonesian fluently. Go Youn-jung laughed, agreeing with him.
They were warmly welcomed at the drama-themed installation in Kota Kasablanka, where hundreds of fans captured moments and greeted the stars. “Every time I come here, the energy from Indonesian fans is amazing,” said Kim Seon-ho.
Kim Seon-ho first visited Indonesia after starring in Hometown ChaChaCha and the film The Childe, successfully holding his first fan meeting on June 2, 2023, at Tennis Indoor Senayan. A year later, he returned for his Asia tour titled Color Full on July 27, 2024, held at a larger venue, Indonesia Arena, to accommodate the growing number of fans. Now, he’s back with his latest drama, Can This Love Be Translated?.
Can This Love Be Translated combines humor, romance, and cross-cultural conflicts in a sweet, emotional story. Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung not only display captivating chemistry but also bring depth to their characters. With the Hong Sisters’ clever script, stunning visuals, and universal messages about love, this drama is set to become a must-watch for K-Drama fans worldwide.
The 12-episode series is available on Netflix starting January 16, 2026.
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