South Korean actor Kim Seon Ho is currently enjoying the global spotlight with his latest romantic comedy, Can This Love Be Translated? The Netflix series, which premiered on January 16, has quickly climbed the streaming charts, proving once again the international appeal of K-dramas. In a series of recent interviews, the 39-year-old actor has shared detailed insights into the making of the show, his on-screen partnership with Go Youn Jung, the intense preparation required for his multilingual role, and his grounded perspective on fame and his career path for the year ahead.
The Secret Behind the Sizzling Chemistry with Go Youn Jung
One of the most talked-about aspects of Can This Love Be Translated? is the undeniable chemistry between Kim Seon Ho and his co-star Go Youn Jung. Fans and critics alike have praised their dynamic, which brings the romance of the story to life. When asked about this on-screen magic, Kim Seon Ho explained that it was a natural result of their approach on set. He stated that chemistry forms organically when both people are open with each other. He described how he and Go Youn Jung were very much in sync regarding their energy and their method of working, focusing on making their characters feel authentic by truly “living” in each scene as naturally as possible.
Go Youn Jung, in her own interviews, echoed this sentiment, revealing that the 10-year age gap between them disappeared thanks to their shared sense of humor, particularly memes. She mentioned helping Kim Seon Ho, who was initially unfamiliar with many internet trends, get up to speed. Now, she laughs, he has become even more on top of viral trends than she is, often surprising her by suddenly singing a viral song. This playful, off-screen rapport clearly translated into the comfortable and engaging partnership viewers see on screen.
Kim Seon Ho had high praise for his younger co-star, calling her a “monster” of an actress. He admired her natural acting instincts and her ability to quickly absorb and respond to his performance. He noted that sometimes she would even pick up on the intent behind his improvised acting and take the lead in the scene, a skill he found truly impressive.
Mastering Six Languages: A Four-Month Battle
To portray Joo Ho Jin, a top-tier interpreter fluent in six languages—Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and French—Kim Seon Ho embarked on a rigorous four-month preparation period. He described it as a “four-month battle with languages,” which continued even during filming. The actor worked with professional language coaches to master not just the words, but the technical aspects of interpreting, such as maintaining a neutral tone and precise pronunciation.
He found Italian particularly challenging, as it was a language he had never encountered before. A proud moment came when Italian television personality Alberto Mondi, who made a special appearance in the drama, complimented his pronunciation. The hard work paid off, as viewers from various countries have since reached out on social media to commend his language skills, making him feel the effort was worthwhile.
The complexity of switching between languages mid-scene presented a unique challenge. Kim Seon Ho shared that after filming scenes requiring multiple languages, he would sometimes struggle to switch back to speaking Korean properly for the next take. This intense focus on vocal work was crucial, as conveying emotion through voice was a key part of playing an interpreter.
Kim Seon Ho on His Real-Life Personality: A Coward in Love
While his character Joo Ho Jin is a stoic and emotionally guarded “iron-wall man” who is clumsy when it comes to love, Kim Seon Ho described his real-life approach to relationships quite differently. He admitted that he is a bit of a “chicken” or a coward when it comes to dating. He explained that it takes him a long time to develop feelings for someone and that, as he gets older, he believes good communication is the most important element in a romantic relationship.
This honest and self-aware admission offers fans a glimpse into the person behind the beloved characters, contrasting sharply with the smooth, professional interpreter he plays on screen. He values natural, effortless connection, something he clearly found with his co-star on set, but approaches real-life romance with more caution.
Feeling the Global Love and a Surprise from Ariana Grande
The success of Can This Love Be Translated? comes on the heels of his 2025 hit When Life Gives You Tangerines, which featured a now-iconic “smile challenge” scene that went viral globally. Kim Seon Ho shared a surprising and exciting moment from that time: pop star Ariana Grande participated in the challenge. He admitted to literally screaming when he saw it, as it was a surreal moment that made the global scale of his newfound popularity feel real.
He noted that his personal social media following increased by over a million people following these back-to-back successes. Despite this surge in popularity, he remains humble, describing himself not as a star, but simply as an actor fortunate enough to have a wide variety of experiences.
For his Indian fans, he had a special message of gratitude, acknowledging their love and support. He promised that he, Go Youn Jung, and the entire team poured everything into the series to meet expectations and assured them they would not be disappointed. When asked which scenes from the new drama he hopes will go viral, he pointed to two moments featuring Go Youn Jung: one where she says “aurora” and another where she mimics a bobblehead cat toy.
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Returning to the Stage: Theater Plans for 2026
Amidst his busy filming schedule, Kim Seon Ho continues to prioritize his first love: theater. He is currently preparing for a two-person play titled “Secret Passage: Interval,” scheduled to premiere in February at the NOL Theatre in Jongno, Seoul. The play follows two strangers who wake up in an unfamiliar space with no memories, forcing them to confront life and death.
For Kim Seon Ho, the stage is where he recharges his artistic energy and finds motivation. He shared that he stays up all night rehearsing, worrying about how he can deliver a better performance. Observing other actors on stage gives him fresh ideas, and he believes this is where he hones the skills and experience he later brings to film and television sets. He described the play as a truly engaging work that makes one rethink life, and he hopes strong word of mouth will lead to a successful run.
Reflecting on his career, his only wish is to be recognized as a genuine actor who earns the trust of the audience. He wants people to feel that his acting is authentic, like a real person existing in the world, and he hopes to continue moving people’s hearts with good scripts and great colleagues.
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