Can This Love Be Translated?

Can This Love Be Translated? is a 2026 Korean romantic comedy about Joo Ho-jin, a gifted multilingual interpreter who is far more comfortable decoding other people's words than facing his own feelings. When he is assigned to interpret for Cha Mu-hee, a charismatic global star whose public image, private habits, and emotional contradictions make her difficult to read, the job quickly turns into something deeper. The series follows their globe-trotting professional entanglement as language, celebrity pressure, and unresolved personal histories push them into an unexpected bond. Built around the idea that translation is not only about literal meaning but also tone, intention, and emotional truth, the show uses its romance to explore whether two people who struggle to speak plainly can still understand each other. It stars Kim Seon-ho, Go Youn-jung, and Sota Fukushi, with a story by the Hong Sisters.

Reception has been mixed to positive, with strong interest centered on the chemistry, premise, and polished rom-com style. Rotten Tomatoes shows an early critical score in the low 90s based on a small number of reviews, suggesting that many critics responded warmly to the show's charm even if the sample is limited. Common Sense Media described it as a predictable romance, but also noted that it finds some original plot turns and appealing character backstories. Other coverage around the series leaned into its breezy, globe-trotting appeal and its focus on how emotion can resist literal translation. At the same time, some review writeups and audience chatter pointed to pacing issues, an overextended dramatic twist, and moments where the show felt a little too familiar for seasoned K-drama viewers. Overall, the response suggests a romantic series with strong star power, a distinctive premise, and emotional warmth, even if not every narrative choice landed for every viewer.