This review may contain spoilers
A Visually Stunning Romance That Struggles to Fully Connect
Story & Plot
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This drama had a very strong start and immediately pulled me in with its atmosphere and presentation. The premise felt refreshing at first, especially with how language, culture, and emotional barriers were woven into the experience. I enjoyed the tone that the drama began with, which made it feel a little different from typical romantic comedies.
That said, the storytelling became increasingly frustrating as there was a lot of back and forth. With some miscommunication. While this fits Muhee's internal struggles, it was getting to the point where it wasn't so meaningful. I didn't find the pacing to be slow, but there was certain narrative choices that left me confused rather than emotionally satisfied. I was expecting more. The drama had a lot of good moments, but the resolution felt less impactful than it should have been.
Despite these issues, the story isn't that bad. It simply didn't fully deliver on the emotional depth it was clearly aiming for.
Characters & Acting
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The acting was consistently strong throughout the drama. Kim Seonho and Go Youn Jung conveyed their characters beautifully through subtle glances, body language, and silence. Their chemistry feels gentle and authentic, particularly in the initial episodes.
Hojin, while likable, doesn't undergo much noticeable growth, which leaves his character feeling a bit flat by the end. Muhee, on the other hand, does experience growth as she slowly faces her trauma. However, her development feels limited due to the audience spending a considerable amount of time focused on Do Rami. While Do Rami is an interesting narrative device, her presence sometimes overshadows Muhee.
My favorite character was Hiro. His arc went from childish/petty to someone who was able to allow himself to love someone and even learning Korean. This is probably the best part of this drama. His effort to learn Korean in order to better communicate with Muhee is genuinely touching and adds depth to his role. His dynamic with Muhee feels natural, warm, and so sincere, making it hard not to root for him. Second lead syndrome strikes again!
Music
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The OST is a highlight. "Lay Down Together" by off the menu, "Daydream" by WENDY, and "Promise" by WONSTEIN are all memorable tracks, that I enjoyed, that elevate the emotional tone of the drama. The music plays a crucial role in grounding scenes and enhancing the atmosphere. I felt that some of the background tracks—particularly English ones—felt oddly artificial??? Overall the main OST left a strong impression.
Rewatch Value
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This isn't a drama that makes me want to STRONGLY rewatch it. While episode one, scenes with Hiro, and the breathtaking scenery are tempting reasons to return, the narrative confusion, random timeskips, and emotional frustration makes me less likely to rewatch it. The drama is best appreciated for its experience rather than revisited for comfort.
Overall
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"Can This Love Be Translated?" is a well-produced, thoughtfully acted drama that doesn't fully live up to its potential, but still offers an engaging experience. Its strengths lie in its cinematography, international settings, strong performances, and memorable OST. While the script of Hojin and Muhee's romance sometimes feels forced and super back and forth—along with the confusing storytelling—the emotional themes and character dynamics keep it engaging.
This drama is easy to recommend to viewers who enjoy travel-heavy stories, co-productions, and stories centered on language, identity, and internal struggle. Polyglots and language enthusiasts, in particular, may find it especially appealing. However, those who prefer straightforward storytelling/romance or are easily frustrated by miscommunication may want to take their time with this drama.
In the end, this drama is true to its title—occasionally confusing, undeniably beautiful, and emotionally imperfect. It may get lost in translation, but for viewers willing to follow the storyline, it's a meaningful and visually rewarding watch.
---
This drama had a very strong start and immediately pulled me in with its atmosphere and presentation. The premise felt refreshing at first, especially with how language, culture, and emotional barriers were woven into the experience. I enjoyed the tone that the drama began with, which made it feel a little different from typical romantic comedies.
That said, the storytelling became increasingly frustrating as there was a lot of back and forth. With some miscommunication. While this fits Muhee's internal struggles, it was getting to the point where it wasn't so meaningful. I didn't find the pacing to be slow, but there was certain narrative choices that left me confused rather than emotionally satisfied. I was expecting more. The drama had a lot of good moments, but the resolution felt less impactful than it should have been.
Despite these issues, the story isn't that bad. It simply didn't fully deliver on the emotional depth it was clearly aiming for.
Characters & Acting
---
The acting was consistently strong throughout the drama. Kim Seonho and Go Youn Jung conveyed their characters beautifully through subtle glances, body language, and silence. Their chemistry feels gentle and authentic, particularly in the initial episodes.
Hojin, while likable, doesn't undergo much noticeable growth, which leaves his character feeling a bit flat by the end. Muhee, on the other hand, does experience growth as she slowly faces her trauma. However, her development feels limited due to the audience spending a considerable amount of time focused on Do Rami. While Do Rami is an interesting narrative device, her presence sometimes overshadows Muhee.
My favorite character was Hiro. His arc went from childish/petty to someone who was able to allow himself to love someone and even learning Korean. This is probably the best part of this drama. His effort to learn Korean in order to better communicate with Muhee is genuinely touching and adds depth to his role. His dynamic with Muhee feels natural, warm, and so sincere, making it hard not to root for him. Second lead syndrome strikes again!
Music
---
The OST is a highlight. "Lay Down Together" by off the menu, "Daydream" by WENDY, and "Promise" by WONSTEIN are all memorable tracks, that I enjoyed, that elevate the emotional tone of the drama. The music plays a crucial role in grounding scenes and enhancing the atmosphere. I felt that some of the background tracks—particularly English ones—felt oddly artificial??? Overall the main OST left a strong impression.
Rewatch Value
---
This isn't a drama that makes me want to STRONGLY rewatch it. While episode one, scenes with Hiro, and the breathtaking scenery are tempting reasons to return, the narrative confusion, random timeskips, and emotional frustration makes me less likely to rewatch it. The drama is best appreciated for its experience rather than revisited for comfort.
Overall
---
"Can This Love Be Translated?" is a well-produced, thoughtfully acted drama that doesn't fully live up to its potential, but still offers an engaging experience. Its strengths lie in its cinematography, international settings, strong performances, and memorable OST. While the script of Hojin and Muhee's romance sometimes feels forced and super back and forth—along with the confusing storytelling—the emotional themes and character dynamics keep it engaging.
This drama is easy to recommend to viewers who enjoy travel-heavy stories, co-productions, and stories centered on language, identity, and internal struggle. Polyglots and language enthusiasts, in particular, may find it especially appealing. However, those who prefer straightforward storytelling/romance or are easily frustrated by miscommunication may want to take their time with this drama.
In the end, this drama is true to its title—occasionally confusing, undeniably beautiful, and emotionally imperfect. It may get lost in translation, but for viewers willing to follow the storyline, it's a meaningful and visually rewarding watch.
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