The streaming landscape has been enriched by the arrival of a compelling new South Korean romantic comedy series that has viewers completely captivated. Can This Love Be Translated?, a twelve-episode Netflix original starring the acclaimed actor Kim Seon-ho, has generated significant buzz since its mid-January release, with fans praising its emotional resonance and sophisticated approach to romance.
A Sophisticated Romantic Narrative
Created by the writing duo Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran, this series presents a layered narrative that transcends typical romantic comedy conventions. The story follows Ho-jin, portrayed by Kim Seon-ho, a skilled interpreter whose professional path intersects with that of Mu-hee, an aspiring actress played by Go. Their initial encounter occurs during a trip to Japan, setting in motion a complex relationship that develops across cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Intricate Plot Development
The narrative cleverly incorporates a show-within-a-show structure, as Mu-hee participates in a reality dating programme called Romantic Trip, where she pursues Japanese actor Hiro Kurosawa, portrayed by Sota Fukushi. Ho-jin's role as interpreter becomes crucial in bridging communication gaps, but the series delves much deeper than surface-level misunderstandings.
What distinguishes this drama is its thoughtful exploration of mental health themes and emotional trauma, woven seamlessly into the romantic framework. Mu-hee's personal struggles and insecurities trigger significant challenges, with Ho-jin demonstrating unwavering dedication to supporting her through difficult moments. This emotional authenticity has resonated powerfully with audiences.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Response
While professional critics have yet to publish comprehensive reviews, the series has earned remarkable praise from viewers on platforms like IMDb, where it currently maintains an impressive 8.1 out of 10 rating based on numerous reviews. The audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the viewing experience as transformative.
Audience Testimonials
One enthusiastic viewer awarded the series a perfect score, declaring it "an absolute masterpiece" and confidently naming it the "best romance of 2026." They elaborated on the emotional impact, stating: "I honestly don't even know where to begin because I am still sitting here, staring at a blank screen, trying to process the emotional rollercoaster I just went through."
Another admirer highlighted the series' sophisticated approach, describing it as "a masterclass in romantic chemistry and emotional depth." They appreciated how the narrative "moves beyond the typical tropes to ask profound questions about communication and intimacy" while maintaining a lighthearted charm despite tackling serious themes.
A third viewer praised the lead performances and the series' subtlety, noting: "This is not your typical romcom giddy type of series, you have to be open-minded to really appreciate the premise of the story, the subtle delivery of funny lines, and of course, the most awaited romance was perfect." They particularly appreciated the cinematography and confessed to having "finished it in one sitting."
Production Details and Availability
The series benefits from strong supporting performances, including Sota Fukushi as the Japanese actor Hiro Kurosawa and Choi Woo-sung in additional roles. All twelve episodes became available for streaming in the United Kingdom on Netflix from January 16th, 2026, providing audiences with the complete narrative experience.
For viewers seeking a romantic comedy that offers more than predictable formulas, Can This Love Be Translated? presents a compelling option. Its exploration of love as a complex language requiring patience and understanding has struck a chord with international audiences, establishing it as a noteworthy addition to Netflix's growing catalogue of quality international content.
