In this edition of our drama review, we’re diving into another successful production, this time from the iconic Hong Sisters. Let’s talk about ‘Can This Love Be Translated?’
Written by the renowned Hong Sisters and directed by Yoo Young-eun, ‘Can This Love Be Translated?’ tells the story of an unconventional relationship between an actress and a translator, brought together by fate under the most unexpected circumstances.
Joo Ho-jin (Kim Seon-ho) is a gifted polyglot who can speak multiple languages with ease, but struggles when it comes to understanding emotions and connecting with people. During a work trip to Japan, his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Cha Mu-hee (Go Youn-jung), an aspiring actress determined to make her breakthrough in the industry.
Their first encounter is anything but ordinary. Mu-hee wants to confront her ex-boyfriend at a restaurant, convinced he has cheated on her, but finds herself unable to communicate with his new girlfriend. In a moment of desperation, she turns to Ho-jin for help translating, sparking an unusual connection between them.
What begins as a chaotic encounter soon softens into something more meaningful. The two spend the rest of the day together, forming a quiet bond and even making plans to meet again. However, just as things begin to unfold, Ho-jin is suddenly called away for an urgent matter, leaving their connection unresolved.
Reuniting on Set
Time passes, and both return to their respective lives, until fate intervenes once again.
Mu-hee suffers a serious accident while filming and falls into a coma. When she finally wakes up months later, her world has completely changed. The project she was working on has become an international success, turning her into a global star overnight.
Now thrust into the spotlight, Mu-hee is cast in a global dating reality show, where she is paired with Japanese actor Hiro Kurosawa (Fukushi Sota). On set, she is unexpectedly reunited with Ho-jin, who has been hired as the show’s interpreter.
But fame comes at a cost. As the pressure mounts, Mu-hee begins to struggle with her mental health. Her unresolved trauma and insecurities manifest in the form of an alter ego, Do Ra-mi, the character that brought her fame.
As Do Ra-mi begins to take control more frequently, Mu-hee’s sense of identity starts to blur. Her internal conflict intensifies, affecting both her career and her relationships.
Ho-jin, despite his emotional limitations, becomes her anchor. He carefully supports her through her struggles, communicating not just with Mu-hee, but also with Do Ra-mi, in an effort to understand the deeper roots of her pain.
With his quiet support and her own determination, Mu-hee begins a journey of healing, learning to confront her past, embrace her vulnerabilities, and reclaim her sense of self.
Speaking the Same Language
‘Can This Love Be Translated?’ is a gentle yet powerful drama about understanding, acceptance, and emotional growth. It explores the idea that communication goes far beyond words, sometimes, the most meaningful connections are built through empathy and presence.
The characters are beautifully written, each showing steady and believable growth throughout the series. The chemistry between Go Youn-jung and Kim Seon-ho is both natural and compelling, they bring humor, tension, and heartfelt emotion to every scene.
What truly sets this drama apart is its message: learning to “speak the same language” doesn’t mean sharing words, but understanding each other’s emotions.
If you’re looking for a warm, character-driven story with touches of romance, humor, and healing, ‘Can This Love Be Translated?’ is definitely worth watching. The drama is available on Netflix, and you can check out the trailer below.
