Krunal 
📌 Fast Facts
Drama Name: Can This Love Be Translated? Main Cast: Kim Seon Ho, Go Youn Jung, Fukushi Sota, Lee Yi Dam Network/Platform: Netflix Premiere Date: January 16, 2026 Netflix’s highly anticipated romantic drama “Can This Love Be Translated?” has released stunning new stills that showcase the evolving chemistry between multilingual interpreter Joo Ho Jin (Kim Seon Ho) and rising actress Cha Mu Hee (Go Youn Jung). The series follows their relationship as it transforms from professional to personal while filming a travel reality show across Japan, Canada, and Italy.
The newly unveiled images reveal intimate moments between the leads from shared smiles in foreign bookstores to tension-filled encounters on darkened city streets. Ho Jin, known for his precise and composed demeanor, appears increasingly conflicted as he develops feelings for Mu Hee. Meanwhile, Mu Hee’s journey from unknown actress to overnight sensation adds another layer of complexity to their budding romance.
The international filming locations serve as more than just scenic backdrops. As the pair travels together for the reality show “Romantic Trip,” their relationship deepens through shared experiences in unfamiliar places, creating the perfect setting for romance to flourish.
Adding intrigue to the love story, Japanese actor Fukushi Sota plays Hiro, who appears to complicate matters between the leads. New stills show Hiro holding onto Mu Hee at a red carpet event, positioning him as a potential rival for Ho Jin’s affections.
🎭 Krunal’s Analysis
Kim Seon Ho’s return to romantic comedy territory is a strategic move that plays to his strengths. After his breakout role in “Start-Up” (2020) and the beloved “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” (2021), he became synonymous with charming, emotionally layered male leads. His character Joo Ho Jin a multilingual interpreter with a rigid personality echoes the uptight-but-lovable archetype that made Chief Hong so iconic, but with a globetrotting twist.
Go Youn Jung, known for darker roles in “Sweet Home” and “Alchemy of Souls,” is making a bold genre pivot. Her character’s transformation from struggling actress to top star mirrors the real-life trajectory many Korean stars experience, adding meta-commentary to the narrative. This role allows her to showcase romantic comedy chops we haven’t seen before.
The international filming locations (Japan, Canada, Italy) signal Netflix’s push for global appeal, targeting both Korean and international audiences simultaneously. This isn’t just a K-drama it’s a cross-cultural romance designed for the Hallyu 2.0 era. The inclusion of Fukushi Sota, a major Japanese star, further emphasizes this strategy.
What excites me most: the “drama within a drama” setup. The meta-narrative of two people falling in love while making a travel show about romance creates endless opportunities for clever storytelling. Expect fourth-wall-breaking moments and commentary on the nature of staged vs. real romance.
Prediction: This will be Kim Seon Ho’s successful rom-com comeback, potentially matching “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” levels of buzz if the chemistry delivers. The January 16 release positions it perfectly for Valentine’s Day season binge-watching.
🌍 Context: Why This Drama Matters
While the source article focuses on still cuts, it’s important to note that Netflix has been aggressively investing in K-dramas with international filming locations from “Gyeongseong Creature” to “The Glory.” “Can This Love Be Translated?” continues this trend but with a lighter rom-com touch.
The title itself is clever wordplay. It asks whether love can transcend language barriers, but also whether the emotions captured on camera for a reality show can translate into real feelings a question increasingly relevant in our social media age.
According to Naver trends, Kim Seon Ho has maintained top-tier search rankings since his 2021 peak, and this drama marks his first leading role in a Netflix original series. The global platform gives him unprecedented international exposure.
❓ FAQs
Is “Can This Love Be Translated?” based on a webtoon or novel? No, this appears to be an original Netflix screenplay. Unlike many K-dramas that adapt webtoons, this is a fresh story created specifically for the streaming platform, giving the writers more creative freedom with the narrative.
When can I watch Kim Seon Ho’s new drama on Netflix? “Can This Love Be Translated?” premieres globally on Netflix on January 16, 2026. The episode count hasn’t been officially announced yet, but expect the standard 12-16 episode format typical of Netflix K-dramas.
Who is Fukushi Sota and what role does he play? Fukushi Sota is a major Japanese actor known for films like “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday” and “Bleach.” He plays Hiro, a character who appears to create romantic tension as a potential rival for Go Youn Jung’s character during the filming of their travel reality show.
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