The new K-drama Can This Love Be Translated? is scheduled for a global premiere on Netflix on January 16, 2026. The romantic comedy series, starring Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung, tells the story of a skilled translator and a global actress who find love despite their different worldviews. The show will consist of 10 episodes.
Official Release Date and Streaming Platform
Can This Love Be Translated? will be available to stream worldwide on Netflix starting Thursday, January 16, 2026. All episodes of the series will be released at the same time, following Netflix’s common pattern for K-drama releases.
The series was originally planned for a late 2025 release but was later confirmed for this early 2026 date. It will be accessible on the platform in all regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and other international markets where Netflix is available.
The Story: A Romance Beyond Words
The drama is a romantic comedy that explores whether the feelings of love can be accurately communicated between two people.
The plot follows Ju Ho-jin (Kim Seon-ho), a multilingual interpreter fluent in several languages including English, Japanese, and Italian. He is hired as the personal translator for Cha Mu-hee (Go Youn-jung), a top actress who has gained worldwide fame. Cha Mu-hee became a global star through her role in a popular zombie film.
The central conflict arises from their completely different approaches to life and love. Their working relationship begins with frequent misunderstandings. As they travel the world together for her work, they slowly grow closer. The story asks if they can move past their differences and translate their growing feelings for each other.
Main Cast and Characters
The series features a main cast led by two of South Korea’s popular actors.
Kim Seon-ho plays the male lead, Ju Ho-jin. Kim Seon-ho is known for his roles in the hit series Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Start-Up, and more recently in the film When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Go Youn-jung plays the female lead, Cha Mu-hee. Go Youn-jung has risen to fame through roles in Sweet Home, Alchemy of Souls, and the medical drama Resident Playbook.
The supporting cast includes:
- Sota Fukushi, a Japanese actor, who plays Hiro Kurosawa, an actor who joins Cha Mu-hee on a dating TV show within the series.
- Choi Woo-sung plays Kim Yong-woo, the manager of actress Cha Mu-hee.
- Lee Yi-dam plays Shin Ji-seon, a producer recognized for her skills.
Production Team and Filming Locations
The series comes from a celebrated creative team. It is written by the renowned Hong Sisters (Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran), who are famous for creating popular dramas like Hotel del Luna and Alchemy of Souls. The director is Yoo Young-eun, known for directing the historical drama Bloody Heart.
Filming for the drama began in June 2024 and wrapped in early 2025. The production traveled internationally for filming, with confirmed shoots in Japan, Canada, and Italy. Scenes were shot in the Canadian Rockies in places like Banff and Lake Louise, and in historic Italian cities including Siena and Perugia. The actors shared photos from their time filming in these scenic locations.
The official synopsis from Netflix states: “Can This Love Be Translated? is a romantic comedy series, where an unexpected romance blossoms between multilingual translator Joo Ho-jin and global celebrity Cha Mu-hee. As their worlds intertwine, can they bridge the gap between language and emotion, unlocking each other’s hearts?”.
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Trailer and What to Expect
Netflix released the first official teaser trailer for the series on December 18, 2025. The teaser provides a first look at the chemistry between Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung and the glamorous, globe-trotting setting of their story.
With its premise of translating not just language but also emotion, the series aims to deliver a light-hearted romantic comedy with moments of humor and understanding. The combination of a beloved writing team and a popular leading pair has generated significant interest ahead of its premiere.
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