Can This Love Be Translated? Netflix Review: Cast, Locations & Ending Explained
Can This Love Be Translated? Netflix Review: Cast, Locations & Ending Explained
“Is this the next big global hit of 2026?” Decide in 3 minutes.
- Genre: Rom-Com turning into Psychological Drama (Think It’s Okay to Not Be Okay vibes later on).
- Ratings: IMDb 8.1 / Rotten Tomatoes 85% (Critics)
- Performance: Global #1 Non-English TV Show for 2 consecutive weeks (Jan 2026).
- Perfect for: Fans of the Hong Sisters‘ witty banter and visual feasts (Italy, Canada, Japan locations).
1. Basics: Must-Know Before You Dive In
| Episodes | 12 Episodes (Approx. 66 min each) |
| Release Date | January 16, 2026 (All eps dropped) |
| Cast | Kim Seon-ho, Go Youn-jung, Sota Fukushi |
| Creators | Hong Sisters (Writers), Yoo Young-eun (Director) |
This show isn’t just about translating languages; it’s about translating hearts. Kim Seon-ho plays Joo Ho-jin, a multilingual genius who treats communication like a mathematical equation. Go Youn-jung is Cha Mu-hee, a chaotic global superstar.
2. Global Buzz vs Reality: Hype or Masterpiece?
The Hype is Real: It debuted at #2 and quickly shot to #1 on Netflix’s Global Non-English chart, staying there for two weeks with over 200 million viewing hours. The chemistry between the leads is often described as “visual perfection.”
The Controversy: Viewers are split on the genre shift. It starts as a breezy rom-com but pivots into a deeper, somewhat darker psychological drama involving trauma and “alter egos” in the second half.
Verdict: If you want pure fluff, stop at episode 7. If you want a story about healing, watch till the end.
3. Spoiler-Free Early Plot Tease
Ho-jin is hired to interpret for Mu-hee during her global promotions and the filming of a dating reality show, Romantic Trip. While the cameras roll, Mu-hee is paired with Japanese top star Hiro Kurosawa (played by Sota Fukushi), creating a tense triangle. But behind the scenes, Ho-jin begins to realize that Mu-hee’s erratic behavior—and her strange “role-playing”—isn’t just acting.
4. Must-See Highlights
- Visual Tour: The show was filmed in Siena (Italy), Banff (Canada), and Kamakura (Japan). The cinematography is movie-grade.
- Sota Fukushi: The Japanese heartthrob’s addition adds a fresh dynamic to the typical K-Drama love triangle.
- The OST Lineup: Featuring Wendy (Red Velvet), MeloMance, and Zior Park, the soundtrack perfectly elevates the emotional beats.
- Interpretation Gimmick: Watching Ho-jin frantically translate Mu-hee’s emotional outbursts into professional business speak is comedy gold.
Cultural Notes for International Viewers
K-Dramas have their own language. Here is what you need to know:
- “Dorami” (The Alter Ego): Mu-hee often switches into a persona named “Dorami.” While it sounds like the anime character, here it represents a psychological split (dissociation) caused by trauma—a common trope in Korean healing dramas.
- Straight vs. Curved Speech: The show contrasts Ho-jin’s “straight,” logical language with Mu-hee’s “curved,” emotional expression. It asks: can we understand someone even if we don’t speak their “emotional language”?
- Manager Culture: You’ll see Mu-hee’s manager (Yong-woo) acting almost like a parent. In K-Ent, managers manage everything from schedules to dating bans.
Iconic Filming Locations in Korea & Beyond
📍 Siena & Perugia (Italy): The backdrop for the “Romantic Trip” reality show. The medieval architecture contrasts beautifully with the modern romance.
📍 Banff (Canada): Look out for the aurora scenes. These are pivotal moments where the characters open up about their “cold” pasts.
📍 Kamakura (Japan): The serene coastal setting for some of the show’s quieter, more introspective moments.
Binge Health Tips: Survive the Marathon
Total Runtime: Approx. 13 hours 11 minutes. This is a long haul!
1. The “2-Day Split”: Don’t do it all at once. Watch Episodes 1-7 (Rom-Com phase) on Day 1, and 8-12 (Drama/Thriller phase) on Day 2.
2. Posture Check: Every 2 episodes, do a “doorway stretch” to open up your chest and shoulders.
3. Hydrate: Skip the soda. Drink chamomile tea to stay calm during the intense emotional scenes in the second half.
⚠️ SPOILER ALERT: The Ending Explained
(Highlight to read or scroll past if you haven’t watched!)
The Twist: “Dorami” isn’t just a quirky habit. It’s revealed to be a dissociative identity formed from Mu-hee’s memory of her mother. It was a defense mechanism to “protect” herself from trauma.
The Ending: It is a Happy Ending. Ho-jin doesn’t try to “fix” her but accepts her whole self. Mu-hee integrates her trauma (she doesn’t kill off Dorami, but accepts her). The final scene at the observatory is a symbol of their “communication” finally aligning.
5. FAQ
Q: Will there be a Season 2?
A: Currently, it is listed as a Limited Series (Ended). The story wraps up completely in Episode 12.
Q: Is it based on a Webtoon?
A: No, it is an original script by the famous Hong Sisters.
