This review may contain spoilers
I enjoyed it enough but could be better.
This is an updated review after rewatching the drama. I still think it could have been a lot better than it was but compared to the earlier review, I feel the scores here are more accurate. I felt that I'd given it a higher score than deserved but that was largely due to me watching it at a bad time. I think I can recommend the show to other now just don't expect a typical romcom.First, The Good:
The actors were good, especially the FL. I think they all played off each other really well, both the leads as well as the supporting cast.
The story sticks to the concept of "can this love be translated" right to the end and does a decent job of answering that question. I found the pacing to be good enough as well, especially in the first half.
The OST was beautiful. Typically, I find English heavy OST to be terrible, but this one was good. The score was beautiful as well, nothing felt out of place at all.
The story had a lot of unique beats, so it stays engaging enough to get you interested in the fate of the characters here.
Weakpoints:
The story progression felt rushed especially given the mental health theme. I'm not really a fan of the whole love healing every trauma since it always cheapens such issues. So that's my biggest issue with the plot in the drama. I think the mental health aspect of it could have been handle a lot better (how exactly? I'm not sure), but the condition portrayed in the drama is often hard to nail and I think that's where it failed to convince viewers. I would have loved a more show don't tell when it comes to the main theme of understanding each other's language. While the theme exploration was satisfactory in a sense, I feel they dropped the ball still. A better developed plot here would have been really beneficial, especially to the ML.
While the actors were good, I think the writing for most characters wasn't up to par. Only the FL and the uncle stood out in terms of performances (The uncle's is always great). Let's start with the ML. Of the roles I've seen him in, this was one of the weakest. I think the ML's character could have used more development. The character was bland and I think it shows in the performance as well. To be fair I do find a lot of lead roles to not really take advantage of or showcase an actor's range, especially ML, and that's why I really like the FL's role here.
Hiro's actor was also not given much to work with acting wise. I've seen him in other roles as well which have also not been as well written, so I don't know much of his capability to judge his acting, but the character did have interesting aspects. Perhaps my only qualm would be him not having more moments with the FL (and not using translation apps 😂)
I won't really mention the rest of the actors/characters
Character wise, the show could have done a lot better. I think FL was almost close to being one had that mental health reveal been handled better. But like a mentioned, a lot of the other characters seemed lacking. I think this is where the show suffers most (outside of a few issues with the main plot progression). To me, shows often stand out based on how strong the characters are, both supporting roles as well as the main.
I'll probably rewatch this in the future, because despite my ramblings, I liked it a lot more after the rewatch. So this is something I'd recommend, just don't expect too much like I did the first time.
THE EARLIER REVIEW (Spoilers)
These are just my random thoughts after finishing the show. I may update it later (or not)
The production and the OST are the highlights. I read a few comments about a lack of chemistry between the main actors and went in expecting that. It was true to a point but largely due to the writing decisions, but the moments they were allowed to just be, I think it was just fine if not great, including in the first episode.
I loved the cast; everyone played their parts perfectly. My favorite character is definitely the uncle. I'd have loved to see more of his interactions with the main lead.
Now, I enjoyed the show but there were quite a few issues. First, the conflict between the main leads wasn't executed well at all. Even the use of dissociative identity felt like a cop out. I disliked the sometimes-callous nature of the male lead. I don't think it was necessary for him to be written like that at all. Just easing his dialogue at points could have made for better moments overall. It created conflict to drag the show on, but I think the male lead (and the show) suffered for it. It will probably be a sticking point for many who watch the show. I guess that's my biggest gripe with the show.
Like most dramas, most elements were there for it to be truly brilliant, but it ultimately fell short due to a combination of editing choices, dialogue (I know the English subtitles were poor here as well) and repetition. I think the drama could have had the characters fall for each other later rather than having it happen early then introducing all the misunderstandings to fill out the runtime. This drama could have been shorter than it was given the route they chose.
I did like it enough to not regret watching it but not enough to be sure about recommending it. Weirdly, these are the kind of shows I like rewatching (Abyss and Extraordinary You are the other ones) despite finding them so frustrating in terms of lost potential.
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Was it worth the hype ( one of 2026 most anticipated dramas)
Like many people, I had been waiting for this drama since it was announced. I’m a fan of Kim Seon-ho, and I’ve always enjoyed the Hong Sisters’ dramas—from their iconic early works like My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho to underrated ones such as The Master’s Sun and Hwayugi. Their most recent drama, Alchemy of Souls, was incredible, so naturally my expectations were high. I was also curious to see them try a different genre.Story
I went into this drama expecting a rom-com, or at least something with more comedy, since the Hong Sisters are known for their hilarious moments. That wasn’t really the case here. While there were a few funny scenes, nothing stood out enough to be memorable. That was my first disappointment.
Although I enjoy melodramas, this one felt like the characters were constantly going in circles, especially in the dialogue. It’s hard to explain, but it felt like I understood what the writers were trying to do,yet it just wasn’t landing emotionally. Visually, everything was stunning: the cinematography, the actors, the atmosphere. However, it often felt like the drama was trying too hard to be “poetic,” without the story having the depth to fully support that tone.
Characters
The acting was undeniably strong. However, when it comes to Kim Seon-ho’s character, I was a bit disappointed. I usually love his roles, but here, aside from speaking multiple languages, there wasn’t much that made his character stand out. That said, he still did an excellent job with what he was given. ( he didn't have those charming vibes as usual)
As for Go Yoon-jung, she was fantastic. I haven’t seen much of her previous work, but this drama made me appreciate her more as an actress. Still, I think the writers wanted her character to be deeply touching, and for me, it didn’t quite work. I understood her trauma, but the way it was portrayed felt fragmented and underdeveloped. Personifying her mental struggles was a good idea, but it wasn’t taken far enough. Dramas like It’s Okay, That’s Love handled similar themes much more effectively. Here, it felt more like an attempt to create a “cool” character,somewhat reminiscent of Wednesday Addams,rather than offering a nuanced and impactful portrayal of her inner struggles.
Conclusion
Overall, I didn’t dislike this drama. It was an enjoyable watch and visually beautiful, but not particularly memorable. Slow-paced melodramas are difficult to execute well; this one was decent, but not groundbreaking. Honestly, I’m not sure I would have watched it if it weren’t for my interest in the actors.
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I also kept your honest tone
I expected more from this drama, but after watching it, I felt very bored. I feel like the title “Can This Love Be Translated?” doesn’t fully match the story. Some parts are not connected properly to what the title suggests.The love chemistry is good, but not strong enough to keep me fully interested. Some episodes were okay, but many parts felt slow and boring. Overall, this drama was not good for me.
This is just my opinion I don’t know what others think. I would give it 5/10.
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Too much, too shallow
It didn’t really land for me. The genre itself felt unclear, the pacing was slow, and there was too much going on at once. The characters lacked depth, especially the female lead, it was never clear whether her condition was meant to be DID or simply an alter ego. Although it was labeled a rom-com, there was hardly any comedy. Overall, the drama had too many loopholes to be convincing.Was this review helpful to you?
é um bom kdrama
olha eu esperei um ano por esse kdrama, entao sinceramente esperava mais, mas teve algumas partes que eu preferi a cha mu hee com o hiro, de tanto q o ho jin me estressou, mas é fofo eu gostei, so q esperava bem mais pelo tempo q aguardei. todo aquela trama da cha mu hee com a “do ra mi” na cabeça me deu um pouco de raiva, mas teve partes em que eu preferia ela do que a mu hee, o prota me irritou em diversos momentos, tinha coisas que seriam resolvidas muito mais simples, e mesmo assim ele complicouWas this review helpful to you?
What a disappointment!
I really liked the earlier episodes. Right now I'm on ep 8 and regretting I even picked it up. Why on earth would they go with that storyline for the female protagonist? It makes it completely unreal or bizarre. Now, I'll just get it over with or I might even drop it. What a waste of time...The director is an absolute moron!
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This review may contain spoilers
Can this love be communicated?
Do writers really think that miscommunication is the key to a good drama?why can't the characters communicate,I dropped a previous drama because of this but this one takes it too far.like ml and fl have miscommunication,2leads have miscommunication and a random couple also has miscommunication because odd the 2leads.back in Canada when cha Mu Hee is going off on ho Jin saying he doesn't like her he doesn't say she's wrong,is it too hard to say "I like you" ?????? And he literally says that he went to my hee cause he felt she was interested but SHE turned him down when it's the opposite.throught the time I watched only her emotions clear not his, if you like her communicate instead of being the nonchalant guy who looks out for the fl.This show had the potential to be a sweet romance drama in the first episode.lke why did they shifted to something else?in the second half the story feels like it's a different story,did the Hong sisters didn't know what to do so they mashed up two different stories.
And what's up with the forced 2ml? Do we still need them in 2026 when everyone knows 2leads are just plot device to move the main leads story forward.
The cinematography is good and visuals are great.
So if you are a fan of any of those actors, please skip this they have done better projects.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Strong Cinematic Promise That Settles for a Safe Ending
The series opens with an unusual and refreshing approach for a Korean romance: an urban, European-influenced tone where distance, silence, and movement matter more than idealized love or fan service.The first four episodes stand out for their cinematic language and mature restraint, letting the city and the camera observe rather than dictate emotions.
Unfortunately, as the story progresses, the same conflict is stretched and repeated. Introspection turns into immobility, and narrative hesitation replaces real decision-making. What began as a romance that challenged the usual K-drama mold eventually retreats into a safe, conservative ending that prioritizes comfort over consequence.
Not a bad series, but one that fails to sustain the bold promise of its beginning.
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It's mid. After ep9 I don't like. Not a romcom
I started watching it because I like Seonho. The actors are good. I saw some reviews saying that halfway through the drama it became bad, so I hesitated to keep watching. And I really didn’t like it toward the end. It was supposed to be a rom-com, but it felt like a horror movie. I didn’t understand why it took such a turn. Thankfully, the acting makes up for it.Was this review helpful to you?
A Visual Treat with a Weak Payoff
This drama stands out for its high production value, beautiful visuals, and well-chosen music. Go Youn Jung, the female lead, was perfectly cast and delivered a strong performance. Her outfits and styling added a lot of visual appeal, making many scenes a pleasure to watch.The earlier episodes, with their excellent camera work and warm depiction of the characters’ budding romance, were especially promising and heartwarming. The pacing and music worked together nicely, bringing out the best in these moments.
However, the story itself felt slow and lacked substance. As the series progressed, the lack of a solid plot became more obvious. The last few episodes were particularly anticlimactic, offering little emotional or narrative payoff. Despite its strong start and impressive aesthetics, the show ultimately felt empty and unsatisfying. In the end, it’s not a drama I’d recommend for its story or for a rewatch.
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This review may contain spoilers
A rather lightweight watch without depth
yes its rather lightweight even when they tried to make it seem to have depth. They totaly fantasized her „condition“ at the end by making it seem like a certain mental illness( DID) during, when at the end it was left in the open and rather as if it was the voices of someone(her mother) in her head. Had cute moments bit i thought the topic of a translater and them traveling could have been SO much more interesting. Was ok overall. The actors were good especially the ML for the FL i felt bad because she was struggling on those high heels(who wouldnt?)Was this review helpful to you?
Great way to Start 2026
as soon as this pairing was announced I've been excited and they did not disappoint.the chemistry was amazing, the plot twist was also not expected but highly entertaining. This is a type of show in which it is best to binge watch in one sitting with popcorn on stand bye and a nice warm blanket on you, but i will say i don't really find myself gravitating towards the show after watching... its not really a "Rewatch value" show. For me... its more of a once in a lifetime thing.. it was good but not great enough for me to want to rewatch it over and over and over again. But nonetheless the show does deserve all the hype received
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