'Can This Love Be Translated?' has taken the global streaming charts by storm, reaching No. 1 on Netflix in 13 countries within just three days of its release.
The series also made a notable debut in the United States, which is Netflix’s largest market, entering the rankings at No. 10, signaling a successful push into North America. In Canada, it climbed to No. 7, drawing strong interest from English-speaking audiences as well.
The 12-episode romantic comedy, released in full on January 16, follows Ju Ho Jin (played by Kim Seon Ho), a multilingual interpreter fluent in six languages, who becomes the personal interpreter for global top star Cha Mu Hee (portrayed by Go Youn Jung). Japanese actor Fukushi Sota joins the cast as renowned actor Kurosawa Hiro, forming a central love triangle.
The screenplay was written by the Hong Sisters (Hong Jung Eun and Hong Mi Ran), known for hit dramas such as 'Hotel del Luna' and 'The Master’s Sun.' Explaining the concept, the writers said, “Love ultimately comes down to communication. What’s fascinating is that the language of love differs from person to person, making it surprisingly difficult to convey and truly understand one’s feelings.”
One of the drama’s standout features is its lavish international locations, spanning four countries. Filming took place at iconic sites including Kamakura in Japan, the aurora landscapes of Canada, and historic castles in Italy. “We chose Kamakura as the setting for the couple’s heart-fluttering first meeting,” the writers explained. “In Canada, we wanted the rare experience of witnessing the aurora to serve as a major turning point in the relationship.”
In the story, Ju Ho Jin is a man who can flawlessly interpret six languages but struggles to understand a woman’s heart. In contrast, Cha Mu Hee is adored by all yet hides her true feelings out of fear of abandonment. The drama centers on how a man who speaks in straight lines and a woman who speaks in curves gradually come to understand each other.
Praising Kim Seon Ho’s performance, the Hong Sisters said, “From Ho Jin’s innate sense of composure to the emotional turbulence caused by love, and even the cool-headed control he shows in unexpected twists initiated by Mu Hee. He portrayed everything beyond what we had imagined.”
They also commended Go Youn Jung, noting, “She had the challenge of playing both Mu Hee and her character within the story, Dorami, yet she pulled it off flawlessly. Watching Go Youn Jung’s vibrant and ever-changing visuals against stunning international backdrops will be a true delight for viewers.”
Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Comments on YouTube include remarks such as, “I thought my heart would stop during the kiss scene,” “I started watching because of Kim Seon Ho’s voice saying ‘I’m ready,’ then completely melted because of Go Youn Jung’s charm and Kim Seon Ho’s smile,” and “Their visuals together are next-level. The chemistry is insane.”
The Hong Sisters shared their excitement and nerves about the global release, saying, “This is our first time greeting audiences through a Netflix series, so we’re both nervous and thrilled to see how viewers around the world respond. Since the story of love, the most universal theme, unfolds against beautiful landscapes across multiple countries, we hope people everywhere can relate to it and enjoy it regardless of borders.”
'Can This Love Translated?' is now streaming on Netflix.
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