South Korean K-drama Can This Love Be Translated? starring Kim Seon-ho has earned an 8.1 IMDb rating with fans calling it a “masterpiece” and a series you can “finish in one sitting”.
Outstanding 12-part rom-com series you’ll ‘finish in one sitting’ is now on Netflix(Image: )
The South Korean rom-com Can This Love Be Translated?, written by Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran, stars Kim as Ho-jin, an interpreter who crosses paths with budding actress Mu-hee (Go) during a trip to Japan. Despite being new to the industry, Mu-hee swiftly lands a significant role and reunites with Ho-jin, who serves as her interpreter during an interview.
Their lives intertwine again when she participates in a reality show, hinting at a potential deeper bond.
At the heart of this Netflix original K-drama is a show within a show, where Mu-hee chases Japanese actor Hiro Kurosawa (Sota Fukushi) across the globe on a reality dating series named Romantic Trip. Ho-jin aids them in overcoming the language barrier, but Mu-hee’s insecurities and past trauma trigger a mental health crisis, with Ho-jin fervently dedicated to supporting her.
Featuring Sota Fukushi and Choi Woo-sung in secondary roles, the series is currently available for streaming in the UK on Netflix, with all 12 episodes having been released on the platform in mid-January (January 16), reports the Express.
While professional critics have yet to extensively review this series, Can This Love Be Translated? has received acclaim from viewers, boasting an impressive average user rating of 8.1 out of 10 based on 65 reviews on IMDb.
Awarding it a perfect 10 out of 10, one viewer declared the series “an absolute masterpiece” and “hands down” the “best romance of 2026”. Elaborating on their thoughts, they confessed: “I honestly don’t even know where to begin because I am still sitting here, staring at a blank screen, trying to process the emotional rollercoaster I just went through.”
They urged, “If you are looking for a sign to watch this, this is it. Do not hesitate. This isn’t just a drama; it is an experience, and it has completely ruined me for any other romance series in 2026.”
Another viewer described the programme as “a masterclass in romantic chemistry and emotional depth”, explaining: “‘Can This Love Be Translated?’ moves beyond the typical tropes to ask profound questions about communication and intimacy. I was particularly impressed by how the show handles mental health and past scars without losing its lighthearted charm.”
They concluded: “It’s sophisticated, heartwarming, and internationally resonant. Netflix has found a true gem here.”
Branding it “outstanding”, a third viewer praised: “Lead actors did a great job, this is not your typical romcom giddy type of series, you have to be open-minded to really appreciate the premise of the story, the subtle delivery of funny lines, and of course, the most awaited romance was perfect. Loved it. I finished it in one sitting. The cinematography was superb.”
A fourth admirer of the programme shared their thoughts: “This series made me feel everything. A quiet, emotional love story about misunderstandings, unspoken feelings, and the courage it takes to truly understand someone.”
They continued: “The chemistry is soft but powerful, the pacing is slow in the best way, and every glance says more than words ever could. Not just a romance – it’s a reminder that love itself is a language.”