Netflix has released the first full trailer for Can This Love Be Translated?, giving viewers a global preview of its star-studded romantic comedy. The new series features Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung in a story about a top actress and the interpreter caught between her public image and private feelings. As the trailer shows, even people who speak the same language can find it hard to understand each other’s hearts. The show will be available to stream worldwide starting January 16, 2026.
The trailer introduces the main characters and the show’s beautiful international filming locations. It also confirms the return of popular writer duo the Hong sisters, known for hits like Hotel del Luna and Alchemy of Souls. However, the show’s build-up has also been accompanied by significant online discussion regarding some of its casting choices.
What The New Trailer Reveals About The Story
The trailer opens on stunning global landscapes, from snowy mountains to historic European cities. We see Go Youn-jung as Cha Mu-hee, a global celebrity who has risen to fame overnight. Her life seems glamorous, but she needs help navigating the world. That help comes from Kim Seon-ho as Joo Ho-jin, a multilingual interpreter hired to work with her.
Ho-jin is a perfectionist with language, skilled in Korean, English, Japanese, and Italian. His job is to be a neutral bridge for communication. However, his new assignment with the famous and unpredictable Mu-hee tests all his rules. The trailer shows their dynamic is full of friction. He finds her confusing and difficult to read, even though he is a master of languages.
“Accurate translation is not necessarily word for word, but rests instead on the ability to relay the feeling and intention behind each phrase. Is the language of love any different?”
The central plot involves Mu-hee joining a reality dating show called Romantic Trip. Her co-star on the show is Japanese actor Hiro Kurosawa, played by Sota Fukushi. Ho-jin is hired to interpret between them as they travel to romantic destinations. The trailer hints at a growing personal tension as Ho-jin translates Hiro’s conversations with Mu-hee, possibly including romantic confessions. Ho-jin must decide whether to translate words exactly or soften them, a choice that blurs professional and personal lines.
Meet The Main Cast And Creative Team
The series brings together a mix of well-known and rising stars from Korea’s entertainment industry.
- Kim Seon-ho as Joo Ho-jin: Kim Seon-ho returns to a leading role as the meticulous interpreter. He is known for his past roles in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and When Life Gives You Tangerines. His character is described as emotionally guarded, preferring the clarity of grammar to the messiness of feelings.
- Go Youn-jung as Cha Mu-hee: Go Youn-jung plays the globally famous actress. She has recently gained attention for her performances in Sweet Home and Resident Playbook. Her character showcases two sides: a polished public idol and a more direct, private person.
- Sota Fukushi as Hiro Kurosawa: Japanese actor Sota Fukushi joins the cast as the charming actor who pairs with Mu-hee on the fictional dating show.
- Supporting Cast: The cast also includes Lee Yi-dam as a driven reality TV producer and Choi Woo-sung as Mu-hee’s dedicated manager.
The project is led by the famous writing team known as the Hong sisters (Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran). They are celebrated for creating popular romantic fantasy series that often blend humor with emotional depth. Directing is handled by Yoo Young-eun, who previously worked on the historical drama Bloody Heart.
Where Was The Show Filmed?
A major highlight of the trailer is its visual scope. The production filmed on location across several countries to create its story of a global romance.
Filming began in June 2024. The cast and crew first traveled to Japan for scenes. Later, a large unit shot extensively in Alberta, Canada, capturing scenes in areas like Banff and Lake Louise during the fall. The actors even shared social media posts about seeing the northern lights while in Canada.
The final international filming took place in Italy during late 2025. Scenes were shot in the historic city centers of Siena and Perugia. The use of these real, picturesque locations aims to make the travel show within the drama feel authentic and immersive.
Online Discussion Surrounding The Cast
As excitement for the trailer grew, so did online conversations about the actors. Some of this discussion has centered on past events involving two male cast members.
Kim Seon-ho‘s return to a leading role has brought renewed attention to a 2021 personal scandal. While he has maintained a loyal fanbase, some online commenters have expressed mixed feelings about his prominent casting alongside the rapidly rising Go Youn-jung.
A larger wave of online reaction has focused on the casting of Japanese actor Sota Fukushi. Comments he made in a 2015 documentary about his grandfather, who was connected to a WWII-era kamikaze unit, resurfaced online after the trailer’s release. In the documentary, he stated, “I respect my grandfather”. For some Korean viewers, these comments are seen as insensitive given the historical context between the two nations. This has led to calls for a boycott of the series from some quarters online.
The involvement of the Hong sisters has also drawn some online commentary, as they have faced plagiarism allegations related to past works. These combined factors have led some social media users to label the project as problematic before its release.
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Global Release Date And How To Watch
Can This Love Be Translated? will premiere globally on Netflix on Friday, January 16, 2026. The series is scheduled to have 12 episodes. All episodes are expected to be available at once for streaming, following Netflix’s common release pattern for its original Korean series.
The show will be available with multiple audio and subtitle options, catering to its international audience. This includes the original Korean audio track as well as dubbed versions.
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