Netflix's Korean Romance 'Can This Love Be Translated?' Becomes Global Streaming Phenomenon
Netflix's latest Korean romantic comedy offering, Can This Love Be Translated?, has emerged as a global streaming sensation within its debut week on the platform. The series has garnered widespread acclaim from both dedicated fans and discerning critics, establishing itself as a must-watch title in the competitive streaming landscape.
Chart-Topping Performance in Debut Week
Since its highly anticipated release on January 16, 2026, the show has dominated Netflix's worldwide rankings, underscoring the enduring global appetite for quality Korean drama content. According to Netflix's official data for the period spanning January 13 to 19, the twelve-episode series achieved remarkable viewership metrics in its opening week.
The series tallied an impressive 4 million views and accumulated more than 532 million hours viewed globally during this period. These substantial figures propelled the show directly into Netflix's prestigious Global Top 10 TV Series chart, where it secured high rankings across numerous countries. The rapid ascent in popularity demonstrates how audiences worldwide immediately embraced the complete season upon its release.
Compelling Storyline and Stellar Cast
Can This Love Be Translated? masterfully blends humor, genuine emotion, and stunning international visuals as it explores a love story that transcends linguistic barriers and cultural boundaries. The series stars the talented Kim Seon-ho as Joo Ho-jin, a multilingual interpreter who excels at facilitating communication for others but finds himself grappling with his own emotional connections.
Ho-jin's life undergoes a dramatic transformation when he receives an assignment to accompany global superstar Cha Mu-hee, portrayed by Go Youn-jung, on an international reality dating show. This professional opportunity transports him from his ordinary daily existence into culturally rich settings across Tokyo, Canada, and Europe, where the lines between professional responsibility and personal feelings gradually blur.
Creative Team Behind the Success
The series benefits from the acclaimed writing of the renowned Hong sisters—Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran—celebrated for their previous work on popular dramas including You're Beautiful, Hotel del Luna, and Alchemy of Souls. Their script for this new series skillfully balances light-hearted comedic moments with reflective explorations of vulnerability, identity, and human connection.
While operating within the familiar romantic comedy framework, the series distinguishes itself through its international settings and multicultural focus, offering viewers a refreshing narrative perspective that feels both contemporary and globally relevant.
Visual Splendor and Thematic Depth
Visually, the production stands out with its breathtaking cinematography across diverse international locations. Filming encompasses the vibrant cityscapes of Tokyo, the autumnal beauty of Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto, and intimate close-up shots that capture the nuanced emotions of the characters.
These stunning backdrops serve more than mere decorative purposes—they actively reinforce the show's central themes of cultural bridges and shared emotional experiences. The varied settings beautifully illustrate how connection and misunderstanding can coexist in complex, sometimes challenging, yet ultimately beautiful ways.
Enthusiastic Global Audience Reception
Fans have expressed particular enthusiasm for the palpable chemistry between the two lead actors, praising how their interactions evolve from initially awkward encounters to moments filled with genuine warmth and deep connection. Social media platforms have been flooded with clips and enthusiastic praise from viewers who highlight the performers' nuanced portrayals and the emotional depth of the storyline.
Many audience comments emphasize that the series truly "transcends languages", perfectly aligning with its central thematic premise. Critics have noted that the international settings and multicultural perspective provide this romantic comedy with a distinctive freshness that resonates across borders.
Widespread International Appeal
In terms of geographical reach, Can This Love Be Translated? has demonstrated exceptional performance across Asian markets, topping streaming charts in numerous countries including South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam during its inaugural week.
The series has also made significant inroads into Western markets such as the United States and Canada, where Netflix subscribers have consistently added it to their personal top-10 viewing lists. This cross-regional success highlights the expanding global reach of Korean drama content in the contemporary streaming era.
Fan Engagement and Cultural Impact
The show's popularity has sparked numerous fan-organized events in cities where demand has been particularly strong, with thousands of attendees expressing their enthusiasm for the cast and compelling storyline. In Jakarta, for instance, promotional gatherings filled large venues, demonstrating the series' rapid rise in popularity well beyond its Korean home market.
This overwhelming response underscores how Can This Love Be Translated? has successfully captured the imagination of international audiences while contributing to the continued globalization of Korean entertainment content through streaming platforms.
