Native Title	이 사랑 통역 되나요?
Also Know as	Can You Translate This Love?, Can Love Be Translated?, Can This Love Be Interpreted?, Can You Interpret This Love?, Can Love Be Interpreted?, Love in Translation, Yi Sarang Tongyeok Dwenayo?, I Sarang Tongyeok Doenayo?
Director	Yoo Young-Eun
Writer	Hong Jung-Eun & Hong Mi-Ran (Hong sisters)
Distributor	Netflix
Air Time	Friday
Content Rating	15+ - Teens 15 or older
Runtime	12 episodes
Genre	Romance, Comedy
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2026-01-16

As the new year unfolds, K-drama fans are buzzing with excitement for one of the most anticipated releases of 2026: "Can This Love Be Translated?". This Netflix original promises a delightful blend of romance, comedy, and cultural exploration, all wrapped in the signature charm of its star-studded cast and powerhouse creative team.

Overview

"Can This Love Be Translated?" (Korean: 이 사랑 통역 되나요?) is a 12-episode romantic comedy (rom-com) drama, each installment clocking in at around 60 minutes. Airing exclusively on Netflix starting Fridays, it marks the highly awaited collaboration between beloved screenwriter duo Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran – known for their witty, heartfelt stories – and director Yoo Young-eun, whose keen eye for emotional depth shines through in international settings. Premiering on January 16, 2026, the series explores the delicate dance between words and feelings, set against breathtaking global backdrops. It's a tale of love that transcends borders, languages, and even professional boundaries, perfect for viewers craving lighthearted escapism with a touch of emotional resonance.

Plot Synopsis

At its core, "Can This Love Be Translated?" follows the serendipitous journey of Joo Ho-jin, a meticulous multilingual interpreter, and Cha Mu-hee, a rising actress thrust into global stardom. Their story begins with a chance encounter in a Japanese restaurant, where a minor misunderstanding sparks an unlikely connection. Fast-forward, and Joo Ho-jin finds himself reunited with Cha Mu-hee as her personal interpreter for "Romantic Trip," a glamorous worldwide dating reality show. Paired with Japanese heartthrob Hiro, Cha Mu-hee navigates high-stakes interviews, red-carpet events, and romantic escapades across Japan, Italy, and Canada – locations that double as vivid characters in the narrative.

What starts as a professional gig quickly unravels into a whirlwind romance. Joo Ho-jin, bound by his code of neutrality and precision, finds his composure cracking as he translates not just words, but the unspoken tensions and flirtations between Cha Mu-hee and Hiro. Cha Mu-hee, outwardly poised but privately sharp-witted and vulnerable, challenges Joo Ho-jin with her unpredictable charm, forcing him to confront whether emotions can ever truly be "translated." As they travel from aurora-lit Canadian winters to sun-drenched Italian streets, their relationship ebbs and flows – filled with bickering, stolen glances, and moments of raw honesty. The tagline, "The most difficult language, yours," encapsulates the series' central question: Can love bridge the gaps that words fail to?

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

Kim Seon-ho as Joo Ho-jin: The stoic interpreter fluent in Korean, English, Japanese, Italian, and more. Firm and composed on the surface, Joo Ho-jin's world tilts when professional lines blur into personal territory, revealing a man who's all logic until love throws him off script.
Go Youn-jung as Cha Mu-hee: The enigmatic top star who skyrockets from obscurity to international icon overnight. Bright and bold in the spotlight, she's disarmingly direct behind the scenes, using her quick wit to test loyalties and hide insecurities.
Fukushi Sota as Kurosawa Hiro: The suave Japanese actor dubbed the "Prince of Romance." With his gentle demeanor and hidden quirks, Hiro injects playful rivalry and cultural intrigue, complicating the love triangle during "Romantic Trip" shoots.
Lee E-dam as Shin Ji-sun: The ambitious producer behind "Romantic Trip," whose sharp instincts and no-nonsense attitude keep the chaotic production – and budding romances – on track.
Choi Woo-sung as Kim Yong-woo: Cha Mu-hee's steadfast manager, a loyal confidant who navigates the highs and lows of stardom with quiet devotion.

Reception

Pre-Release Hype

"Can This Love Be Translated?" generated significant pre-release hype, thanks to the star power of Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung, whose on-screen chemistry is teased in every promotional still.

Innovative Storytelling

Early buzz highlights the series' fresh take on language barriers in romance, blending laugh-out-loud moments with poignant reflections on vulnerability.

Audience Appeal

Viewers are drawn to its relatable exploration of miscommunications in love, amplified by stunning international visuals.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Global Glamour

Filming spanned real locations in Japan (for that fateful first meeting), Canada (aurora chases and vast lakes), and Italy (romantic cobblestone walks), making every episode a visual feast.

Multilingual Magic

Joo Ho-Jin's linguistic prowess isn't just plot device – Kim Seon-ho delivers authentic interpretations, adding authenticity to tense interview scenes and flirty banter.

Poster Perfection

The main poster captures Joo Ho-jin and Cha Mu-hee in a tender gaze, earpieces in place, with "love" scripted in multiple languages – a subtle nod to the theme of emotional translation.

Hong Sisters' Touch

Expect their trademark mix of supernatural-lite whimsy (think four-leaf clovers as luck symbols) and razor-sharp dialogue, like Cha Mu-hee's bold line: "Whether it cuts or stings, go ahead. This time I’ll understand it."

Teaser Tease

Trailers showcase playful bickering, Hiro's confession causing translation mayhem, and Joo Ho-jin's exasperated quip: "Explain so I can understand. Your language is too hard for me."

Final Thoughts

"Can This Love Be Translated?" feels like a breath of fresh air in the rom-com landscape – a story that reminds us love doesn't need perfect subtitles to be profound. The Hong sisters' knack for turning everyday awkwardness into magic, paired with Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung's electric rapport, ensures this won't just be another K-drama; it'll be a conversation starter. Whether you're a language nerd, a travel dreamer, or just in need of a heart-fluttering escape, this series delivers on all fronts.