Written by: hong sisters
director: Yoo Young-eun
Mould: Kim Seon-ho as Joo Ho-jin, a multilingual interpreter.
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Go Eun-jung as Cha Mu-hee, a rising actress.
Sota Fukushi as Japanese actor Hiro Kurosawa.
Lee Ee-dam as producer Shin Ji-sun.
Choi Woo-sung played the role of Kim Yong-yu, Mu-hee’s manager.
Release date: 16 January 2026
Episode: 12
Rating: 3/5
Can this love be translated? Review: With such a strong trailer, expectations were naturally very high, and the drama delivers exactly what the previews promised. can this love be translated? Comes across as a calming presence amidst the chaos, offering a thoughtful story rather than a loud spectacle.
more than a romance
At its core, the series explores a simple yet profound idea: words can be precise and intentions honest, yet understanding can slip through the cracks. Although it is framed as a romantic drama, it functions more as an emotional study, suggesting that love depends less on flow and more on patience.
Can this love be translated?
The story focuses on Ju Ho-jin (Kim Seon-ho), a skilled Korean interpreter whose life revolves around accuracy, nuance, and emotional restraint. He is quiet, tired, and burdened with unresolved emotions. Enter Cha Mu-hee (Go Eun-jung), a struggling actress who rose to fame through her alter ego Dorami, a character that is etched in her mind. Their meeting appears to be serendipitous, but as K-dramas often point out, serendipitous meetings are rare.
When these two worlds collide, the focus of the play shifts from romance as fate to romance as effort. Listening, misunderstandings, emotional misunderstandings, and the slow process of truly understanding the other person take center stage. Rather than prioritizing grand romantic gestures, the narrative emphasizes self-awareness, insecurity, and internal conflict. Cha Mu-hee’s journey through overthinking and self-doubt is portrayed with sensitivity and depth.
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One memorable line captures the heart of the play: “We may not speak the same language, but things that feel hot or taste sweet are certainly universal.”
That line highlights the central lesson of the play: emotions do not require translation. Warmth, comfort and affection are felt intuitively, regardless of language or background. While words may fail or be misunderstood, emotions often communicate more honestly. The series suggests that real connection is created not through perfect expression, but through shared emotional experiences that feel familiar and safe even in silence.
Not for those looking for quick action
With only 12 episodes, the story still feels dragged out at times. The plot doesn’t feel rushed; It waits. Whether it sounds poetic or boring, it entirely depends on patience.
The slow pace seems appropriate, allowing room for short conversations and gradual understanding. A compelling side story reinforces the central theme: two people connect in different languages, proving that love extends far beyond words.
Written by the Hong Sisters, known for emotionally rich storytelling, this drama chooses subtlety over excess. There is no blatant shock or melodrama. Instead, the focus remains on quieter mental and emotional struggles.
Visually, the series is stunning. Each location is filmed with care, making every frame feel deliberate.
Can this love be translated? This is no traditional slutty romance. It leans toward introspection rather than obsession. For audiences attracted to stories focused on tender, gentle romance and self-understanding, this drama turns out to be a rewarding watch.