Can This Love Be Translated?

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The Language of the Heart That Cannot Be Translated

Does love need an interpreter? If a translator who moves effortlessly between Korean, Japanese, English, and Italian cannot translate the one language that matters most — her own heart — how beautiful is that irony? Netflix original series Can This Love Be Translated? begins with precisely that question. When multilingual interpreter Joo Ho-jin is assigned as the dedicated translator for world-famous actor Cha Mu-hee, a story unfolds in which two people who can communicate flawlessly through words become hopelessly inarticulate when it comes to their feelings.

Directed by Yoo Young-eun and written by the Hong Sisters — Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran, the duo behind the fantasy romance landmarks Hotel Del Luna and Alchemy of Souls — this 12-episode series layers romance and humanistic fantasy atop the inventive premise of a reality dating show called Romantic Trip. The journey from Seoul to Tokyo, Canada to Italy is not merely a catalogue of locations but a geographic expression of how the characters' emotions expand beyond the barriers of language.

From Seoul to Italy — Following the Map of Emotions

The first key to this drama's hold on viewers is its breathtaking cinematography. Beginning amid the relentless pace of daily life in Seoul, the story migrates to the quiet alleys of Tokyo, the vast natural landscapes of Canada, and the warm sunshine of Italy, with each city serving as a mirror reflecting the characters' emotional states. Korean audiences have likened these locations to a "healing journey," and the high production values are evident in every frame.

But these beautiful backdrops are far more than decoration. In the Hong Sisters' signature narrative design, a change in setting signals a shift in emotion. In Seoul, where familiar languages are spoken, Ho-jin and Mu-hee hide their true feelings; it is only on foreign soil, where unfamiliar tongues prevail, that they begin to communicate through emotion rather than words. Visualizing the theme that "you can still be lonely in a connected world" through these global locations was one of the drama's most inspired choices.

Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung — A Legendary Visual Chemistry

Kim Seon-ho, who plays protagonist Joo Ho-jin, built a solid foundation in theater before igniting a worldwide "second lead syndrome" with Start-Up and cementing his status as a global healing-drama star with Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. In this series, he reveals an entirely new dimension by portraying a multilingual interpreter — a character unlike anything in his previous work. Kim conveys Ho-jin's inner conflict — a man who flawlessly renders other people's words yet cannot express his own emotions — through restrained, nuanced micro-expressions that have left a lasting impression on audiences both at home and abroad.

Go Youn-jung, who plays Cha Mu-hee, has established herself as a global powerhouse through Sweet Home, Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow, and Disney+'s Moving. Known for her striking visuals and enigmatic presence, she takes on a new challenge here as a woman who harbors deep scars beneath the glamorous exterior of a world-famous star, adding fresh layers to her range. The visual chemistry between the two leads has been called "legendary" by Korean fans, and the depth of emotion conveyed through silent glances alone elevates this drama well beyond a conventional romantic comedy.

Equally noteworthy is Fukushi Sota in the role of Kurosawa Hiro. Known in Japan as a "romance craftsman," the actor has long been beloved by Korean audiences for his sensitive melodrama films. In this series, he leverages his linguistic strengths to serve as an emotional bridge between Korean and Japanese sensibilities. Lee I-dam and Choi Woo-sung also breathe vivid life into their respective characters, completing the appeal of this truly global ensemble cast.

The Hong Sisters Ask — Can the Language of the Heart Be Translated?

The world of Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran has always featured elements that blur the line between reality and fantasy. In Hotel Del Luna, ghosts served that purpose; in Alchemy of Souls, it was soul-swapping. In Can This Love Be Translated?, that role falls to "Dorami," the protagonist's alter ego. While this psychological fantasy device may have felt unfamiliar to some viewers, the Hong Sisters' intent was clear: to visualize the gap between words and emotions — the disconnect between what we truly feel and what we are able to express.

Among international audiences, the drama's exploration of the difference between "the language of love" and "literal translation" has struck a deep chord. The profession of interpreter is itself a metaphor for a bridge, and the paradox of a person who builds bridges for others yet cannot find one to cross toward her own heart touches on something universal. The natural Korean-Japanese crossover enabled by Fukushi Sota's participation also offered global viewers a refreshing dimension.

Love Language — Kim Min-seok's Translation of the Heart

As the sprawling 31-track OST album attests, music serves as a means of communication every bit as vital as language in this drama. The most beloved track is "Love Language," OST Part 1, performed by MeloMance's Kim Min-seok. With a title that cuts straight to the drama's core theme, the song speaks on behalf of interpreter Ho-jin through lyrics like "Tell me in your language, whisper the flutter of love to me — it's okay even if the words are clumsy."

Love Language — 김민석 (멜로망스)

Spotify

이제 알아채줄래 Will you notice me now 나의 마음속에 너를 향한 마음 The feelings for you deep in my heart 그대 떠올려 줄래 Will you think of me 우리 함께했던 그 순간들을 Of those moments we spent together 이미 알고 있어 네 사랑을 I already know your love 너의 언어로 말해줘 Tell me in your language 사랑의 떨림을 속삭여줘 Whisper the flutter of love to me 서툰 말이라도 괜찮아 It's okay even if the words are clumsy 너의 마음속을 내게 열어줄래 Will you open up your heart to me 항상 외로웠던 내 어둠을 My darkness that was always lonely 너의 불빛으로 밝혀 준 거야 You lit it up with your light Bring me all your love 이제 눈치채 줄래 Will you realize it now 너의 마음속에 날 향한 맘 The feelings for me in your heart 말로 하지 않아도 Even without words 우린 이어져있어 We are connected 사랑의 언어로 내게 노래해 줄래 Will you sing to me in the language of love 말로 하지 않아도 우린 알고 있잖아 Even without words, we both know 거부할 수 없는 진심을 보여줘 Show me your undeniable sincerity Bring me all your love 너의 언어로 말해줘 Tell me in your language 사랑의 떨림을 속삭여줘 Whisper the flutter of love to me 서툰 말이라도 괜찮아 It's okay even if the words are clumsy 너의 마음속을 내게 열어줄래 Will you open up your heart to me 항상 외로웠던 내 어둠을 My darkness that was always lonely 너의 불빛으로 밝혀 준 거야 You lit it up with your light Bring me all your love

Daydream — 웬디

Spotify

마음이란 게 참 신기해 The heart is truly mysterious 어두운 밤을 다 이겨내 It overcomes the whole dark night 상상 속에 그리던 날이 The day I drew in my imagination 어느샌가 내게 흘러 들어와 Has suddenly flowed into me 저 하늘에 마음을 그려 I draw my heart in that sky 너에게 닿았으면 해 I hope it reaches you 가끔은 네게 Sometimes to you 별빛이 되어 Becoming starlight 따뜻한 바람에 스쳐 지나간 Passing through the warm wind 향기가 돼 Becoming a scent 거짓말처럼 바람이 내 볼을 스쳐 Like a lie, the wind brushes my cheek 어디에선가 너의 노랫소리가 들려 From somewhere, I hear the sound of your song If I be honest Babe will you stay You make me feel like I'm living inside my dreams 거짓말처럼 너와 나는 눈을 맞춰 Like a lie, you and I meet eyes 아무렇지 않은 듯 미소를 지어보면 When I try to smile as if nothing is wrong 너는 말 없이 You, without a word 내 세상이 돼 Become my world You make realize who I've been waiting for You make me realize who I've been waiting for It's you, my daydream 밤하늘 위를 걸어 다니는 것 같아 It feels like I'm walking on the night sky 저 별빛이 꼭 너를 닮은 것만 같아 That starlight seems to resemble you 너의 그 말이 Those words of yours 날 웃음 짓게 해 Make me smile 저 하늘에 마음을 그려 I draw my heart in that sky 너에게 닿았으면 해 I hope it reaches you 가끔은 네게 Sometimes to you 별빛이 되어 Becoming starlight 따뜻한 바람에 스쳐 지나간 Passing through the warm wind 향기가 돼 Becoming a scent 거짓말처럼 바람이 내 볼을 스쳐 Like a lie, the wind brushes my cheek 어디에선가 너의 노랫소리가 들려 From somewhere, I hear the sound of your song If I be honest Babe will you stay You make me feel like I'm living inside my dreams 거짓말처럼 너와 나는 눈을 맞춰 Like a lie, you and I meet eyes 아무렇지 않은 듯 미소를 지어보면 When I try to smile as if nothing is wrong 너는 말 없이 You, without a word 내 세상이 돼 Become my world You make realize who I've been waiting for You make me realize who I've been waiting for It's you, my daydream It comes and goes 아무것도 모른 채로 It comes and goes, without knowing anything 만약 사라지더라도 Even if it disappears Maybe that's what it is Maybe that's love Oh 운명처럼 바람이 내 볼을 스쳐 Like fate, the wind brushes my cheek 어디에서나 너의 노랫소리가 들려 From everywhere, I hear the sound of your song If I be honest Babe will you stay You make me feel like I'm living inside my dreams 거짓말처럼 너와 나는 꿈을 맞춰 Like a lie, you and I match our dreams 아무렇지 않은 듯 너를 바라보면 When I look at you as if nothing is wrong 너는 웃으며 You, smiling 내 세상이 돼 Become my world You make realize who I've been waiting for You make me realize who I've been waiting for It's you, my daydream

Round and Round — JISOKURY

Spotify

The birds are flying I heard it in the sky Something they want to imply I greet the breeze And nod to the trees I heard the winds reply A thousand languages start to whisper around my world One quiet voice answers them in gentle word Stuck in my throat, Round and round I wanna speak out But no one's there Echoes of my voice Answer alone Tell me the truth What don't I see? Stuck in my thoughts, I walk till I fade I feel the love in the morning sun But why am I blue all again? Round and round, my life just goes on Ah, Cheers, My fears, You shed no more tears Say something from my side So many words, are shining like the big stars And I pick one from the sky A thousand languages start to whisper around my world One quiet voice answers them in gentle word Stuck in my throat, Round and round I wanna speak out But no one's there Echoes of my voice Answer alone Tell me the truth What don't I see? Stuck in my thoughts, I walk till I fade I feel the love in the morning sun But why am I blue all again? Round and round, my life just goes on The birds are flying I hear it in the sky Something they want to imply I greet the breeze And nod to the trees I hear the winds reply

Wendy of Red Velvet delivers "Daydream" with dreamy vocals that capture the surreal bliss of falling in love, while JISOKURY's "Round and Round," performed entirely in English, musically embodies the drama's global sensibility. All three tracks have charted strongly on Spotify, proving that the OST alone is enough to draw listeners into this drama's world.

At the Edge of Every Language

Perhaps love is the most difficult language in the world. You can know hundreds of words, speak dozens of languages, and still find yourself utterly speechless before the one person who matters. Can This Love Be Translated? is a drama that captures the beauty of that very moment. Available on Netflix anywhere in the world, it invites you to discover your own language of love.

Can This Love Be Translated? | Netflix | 12 episodes | Director: Yoo Young-eun | Written by: Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran