The upcoming Netflix drama Can This Love Be Translated? was expected to be one of the platform’s most talked‑about romantic releases of early 2025. Instead, it has found itself at the center of a heated controversy even before its premiere. The casting of Japanese actor Fukushi Sota has ignited widespread criticism, with online debates escalating into calls for a boycott of the series.
The Root of the Controversy
At the heart of the backlash are remarks Fukushi Sota made during a Fuji TV special program in 2015, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. In the broadcast, Sota read the final letters of members of Japan’s Kamikaze Special Attack Unit and interviewed surviving veterans. His comments — including phrases such as “I respect my grandfather” and “we are here today thanks to them” — were interpreted very differently depending on the audience.
- In Japan, the program was largely seen as a somber reflection on the tragedy of war and the grief endured by families.
- In Korea, however, viewers criticized the broadcast for emphasizing sacrifice and sorrow while downplaying Japan’s aggression and responsibility as a wartime perpetrator.
The use of the word “respect” in reference to the special attack unit members was particularly controversial, with critics arguing that it reflected a lack of historical awareness and risked perpetuating narratives that glorify war.
Why Korean Audiences Are Especially Sensitive
Although Sota’s grandfather did not serve in combat as a kamikaze pilot, he did undergo training. For many Koreans, this detail alone stirred discomfort, given the painful legacy of Japanese colonial rule and wartime atrocities. The resurfacing of these remarks has led some Korean netizens to label Sota as a “right‑wing‑leaning actor”, questioning the decision to cast him in a Korean production.
For critics, this is not merely about hiring a foreign actor — it is about the cultural and historical weight such casting carries in Korea.
Netflix and the Production Under Fire
The controversy has now extended beyond Sota himself, with Netflix and the production company facing mounting criticism. Detractors argue that a global platform like Netflix should have exercised greater sensitivity to East Asia’s complex historical context before finalizing casting decisions.
Some voices online stress that while freedom of expression is important, content aimed at Korean audiences must meet a minimum standard of historical awareness. The lack of an official response from either Netflix or the production team has only fueled frustration.
Silence From Fukushi Sota
When initially cast, Fukushi Sota expressed excitement, saying he was “happy to be working together with Korea.” Yet since the controversy erupted, neither he nor the production has issued a formal explanation or clarification. This silence has left many viewers feeling unheard, further intensifying boycott calls.
Release Date Looms Amid Tension
Despite the uproar, Netflix has confirmed that Can This Love Be Translated? will premiere on January 16, exclusively on the platform. Whether the drama can overcome the controversy and win over audiences remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate surrounding its release has already made it one of the most polarizing titles of the year.
