In a landscape saturated with whirlwind romances and dramatic declarations, Netflix’s Can This Love Be Translated? chooses a quieter, more emotionally resonant path. The series unfolds with restraint and warmth, favouring subtlety over spectacle, and allowing intimacy to bloom through silences, shared glances, and unspoken understanding. Filmed across Japan, Canada, and Italy, the show carries a polished, global aesthetic, yet its true strength lies in its emotional authenticity.
Led by Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung, the drama is grounded in a chemistry that feels natural rather than manufactured. Their on-screen connection is effortless, rooted in small gestures and evolving familiarity, drawing viewers into a romance that feels lived-in and sincere.
During an exclusive Zoom conversation with India Today, both actors appeared animated yet modest, almost bashful when praised for their chemistry. Rather than crediting rehearsals or deliberate preparation, they explained that their bond developed organically over time. Days spent working together allowed their relationship to grow naturally, mirroring the gradual emotional arc of their characters in the series.
Kim Seon-ho, who portrays Ho-jin, a translator navigating emotional and linguistic barriers, fondly recalled his first proper interaction with Go Youn-jung on set. He spoke of being immediately struck by her openness and vitality.
“When we first really met on set, she felt incredibly warm and approachable,” he shared. “She opens her heart easily, engages with people sincerely, and has an amazing amount of energy. She observes everything around her, explores the space, and genuinely enjoys the process of filming. I remember feeling a bit envious, but also grateful that I could share that space with her. I felt confident we would work well together.”
Go Youn-jung, on the other hand, admitted that her initial impression of Seon-ho took a slightly different turn. She described him as calm and composed at first, only to later discover his playful and inventive side once filming began.
“He’s very thoughtful and mature, but he also jokes a lot and brings many ideas to the table,” she said with a smile. “He’s proactive and always eager to try new approaches. That contrast really stood out to me.”
That balance between steadiness and spontaneity became the foundation of their chemistry. As filming progressed across different countries, their off-screen relationship evolved in tandem with the story itself.
Reflecting on this, Go Youn-jung noted how each location subtly shifted their dynamic. Japan marked the beginning, where a certain awkwardness and caution lingered—perfectly aligned with the narrative’s early stages. By the time production moved to Canada, they had grown noticeably closer, collaborating more freely and enriching each scene with shared ideas. Italy, she added with a laugh, brought them even closer than before.
“Our relationship kept improving as we filmed,” she explained. “Just like the story, our chemistry developed gradually and naturally.”
Kim Seon-ho echoed her sentiments, crediting his co-star for making the connection feel effortless. He described her as someone who naturally builds rapport with others, adding that he felt supported throughout the process.
Beyond its romantic storyline, Can This Love Be Translated? also reflects on the nature of emotional communication—questioning whether love truly needs words to exist. This theme resonated deeply with both actors, particularly as their work continues to reach audiences far beyond Korea, including a devoted fanbase in India.
For Kim Seon-ho, love exists in the delicate balance between expression and action. He spoke thoughtfully about the many forms love takes—from family and friendships to the bond shared with fans.
“Some feelings don’t need to be spoken to be understood,” he said. “At the same time, if nothing is ever said, there are things people may never realise. Love is complicated—it’s difficult, beautiful, and sometimes better expressed through actions than words. Still, I believe it’s important to say it sometimes. That’s why I make an effort to tell the people who support me, including fans in India, that I love them.”
Go Youn-jung expanded on this idea, describing love as an emotion shaped by contrast and complexity. She spoke about the unconditional nature of parental love, which exists simply because one does, and compared it to the more reciprocal love found in friendships and romantic relationships.
“That’s what makes love so hard to define,” she reflected. “It relies heavily on non-verbal expression, which is why receiving love can sometimes feel harder than giving it.”
In the end, Can This Love Be Translated? resists the urge to neatly define its central question. Instead, it allows emotions to unfold naturally, trusting that understanding—much like love itself—often arrives quietly, without explanation.
Written by the acclaimed Hong sisters and directed by Yoo Young-eun, the 12 Episodes series premieres on Netflix on January 16, inviting viewers to experience a romance that speaks most clearly in the moments between words.
