Kim Seon Ho Reveals Challenges of Playing Ju Ho Jin in Netflix’s New Romance Drama
On January 22, 2026, actor Kim Seon Ho sat down to share his thoughts on his latest project, Netflix’s romantic drama Can This Love Be Translated?. The series, which pairs him with actress Go Youn Jung, explores the complexities of communication, love, and identity through the lens of language.
A Story of Love and Miscommunication
Can This Love Be Translated? follows Ju Ho Jin (Kim Seon Ho), a multilingual interpreter fluent in six languages, who becomes the personal interpreter for global superstar Cha Mu Hui (Go Youn Jung). What begins as a professional relationship quickly evolves into a heartfelt exploration of connection, misunderstandings, and the universal language of love.
Four Months of Intensive Preparation
Kim Seon Ho revealed that preparing for the role was both rewarding and exhausting. He underwent four months of rigorous language training, immersing himself in multiple languages to deliver a performance that felt authentic.
“It was really difficult,” he admitted. “I studied thoroughly and tried to put emotions into my dialogue. When acting in Korean, I worked closely with teachers. The hardest part was when I was physically exhausted and couldn’t recall the words, but the instructors helped me through it.”
Despite rating his actual language skills as “not so good,” he expressed pride in the effort he put into mastering diction and detail. Italian, in particular, was a challenge:
“I had never come across Italian in my life. After listening to it over and over, I gradually started to catch a little of it.”
Returning to Rom-Com After Five Years
Can This Love Be Translated? marks Kim Seon Ho’s return to the romantic comedy genre for the first time since Hometown Cha‑Cha‑Cha in 2021. Reflecting on the experience, he said:
“It was really fun, and it also made me think, ‘So this is how it is.’ Since this is a job where you’re constantly evaluated, there’s some worry, but I also felt anticipation and excitement. I focus only on how to evoke empathy and perform; I don’t worry about the genre itself.”
Navigating Miscommunication and Frustration
The drama’s central theme revolves around repeated miscommunications between the leads—a narrative choice that some viewers may find frustrating. Kim Seon Ho acknowledged this challenge, explaining that the story is about more than words:
“This work is about each individual’s personal language. I thought it would take time to show the moments when they clash and fail to communicate. Since Ho Jin is completely the opposite of me, I also felt the frustration. I tend to resolve conflicts gently, but Ho Jin expresses himself awkwardly. We worked hard to find the right balance.”
He emphasized that language extends beyond spoken words:
“Each person has their own language. It can be conveyed through actions as well. If viewers watch this drama and think, ‘I’ve felt this too,’ and feel a sense of connection, that would be rewarding.”
On Casting Changes and Pressure
The project went through several casting changes during production, but Kim Seon Ho insisted he felt no pressure:
“I didn’t think about burdens. I simply read the script and found the role appealing—not just interpreting languages, but interpreting each person’s unique language. I had enjoyed the writers’ previous works, so I really wanted to take on this role.”
Relating to Fame and Fake News
When asked if he could personally relate to Cha Mu Hui’s struggles with fake news, Kim Seon Ho smiled and said:
“No. While acting, I didn’t apply any of that to myself and just followed the script. As actors, we are ultimately subject to the public’s evaluation. I try my best to get good results.”
Anticipation for the Release
Kim Seon Ho concluded by expressing his excitement for the drama’s release:
“The shoot was filled with laughter and happiness. Not just the actors, but everyone was eagerly awaiting its release. It’s very exciting.”
With its blend of romance, humor, and the universal challenge of communication, Can This Love Be Translated? is poised to resonate with audiences worldwide.
