I finished Can This Love Be Translated today. I had been anticipating this drama for a while and ended up watching it at a pretty fast pace. It stars Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung in the lead roles.
The highlights for me were:
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Visuals — the locations, cinematography, and lighting were all stunning. It’s easily one of the most visually satisfying dramas I’ve watched in recent times.
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Cast — the male lead is one of my favorite actors, the leads have great chemistry, and the supporting cast is excellent as well.
This is not your standard rom-com. The drama dives into heavier themes such as childhood trauma, personality disorders, loss of privacy as a celebrity, and relationships between introverted individuals. The characters felt raw, vulnerable, and mature. Some scenes reminded me of It’s Okay to Not Be Okay—not in storyline, but in the honest, unfiltered portrayal of emotions and inner struggles.
The show is definitely a slow burn. It unfolds through glances, subtle touches, quiet understanding, and gradual revelations. The performances by both lead actors were exceptional, especially in moments where they come to realizations about themselves—the wonder, acceptance, and emotional clarity were beautifully portrayed. I also found it fascinating how thoughtfully the interpreter’s role was depicted and how it created a deeper layer of connection and understanding between the leads.
The “serial within a serial” concept was another fun element. Watching the behind-the-scenes aspects—the camera setups, location challenges, and production dynamics—felt like getting a glimpse into the making of a drama itself. The portrayal of celebrity culture, fan followings, promo events, and industry networking added an interesting meta layer to the story.
I want to end my review with a line that truly stayed with me. The interpreter’s mentor says:
“There are as many languages on this earth as there are humans. Each individual has their own language—you just need to understand it.”
That thought made a huge impact on me. It reminded me to slow down, listen more carefully, and really hear what people are trying to say.
For me, this drama is a 10/10. It’s not a run-of-the-mill watch, but it’s absolutely worth your time. Beautifully made and deeply felt.
If you’ve watched it, I’d love to know what you thought.
