Can This Love Be Translated? (2026) is a South Korean romantic comedy-drama series. It blends workplace romance, celebrity culture, and emotional misunderstandings into a modern K-drama format.
The series is written by Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran, collectively known as the Hong Sisters, and directed by Yoo Young-eun. The cast includes Kim Seon-ho, Go Youn-jung, and Sota Fukushi.
The story follows Ju Ho-jin, a gifted multilingual interpreter, who begins working closely with Cha Mu-hee, a globally famous actress. While Ho-jin excels at translating languages, he struggles to interpret emotional nuance, especially in love.
As their professional relationship deepens, misunderstandings slowly turn into emotional intimacy. The series uses translation as a metaphor for learning how to truly understand another person. The show premieres globally on Netflix on January 16, 2026, and consists of twelve episodes.
Can This Love Be Translated? Age Rating
Can This Love Be Translated? is currently listed on Netflix as TV-MA, though this classification appears unusually high for a mainstream romantic comedy K-drama. Netflix has not yet released a detailed content advisory explaining the rating. Based on genre conventions, promotional materials, and similar Hong Sisters dramas, the content aligns more closely with a TV-14 / 15+ style rating. Parents should still exercise caution until full episodes are available.
Violence & Peril
The series does not focus on violence. Any conflict is emotional rather than physical. Scenes revolve around misunderstandings, media pressure, celebrity scrutiny, and interpersonal tension. There are no action sequences, weapons, or graphic peril. Emotional stress may arise from fame-related anxiety and relationship conflict, but nothing visually frightening.
Language
Language is expected to remain mild and consistent with romantic K-dramas. Occasional emotional outbursts, sarcasm, or frustration may appear in subtitles. Strong profanity is not anticipated. There are no indications of slurs or aggressive verbal abuse in promotional material.
Mature Themes
The show explores adult romantic relationships, emotional vulnerability, and intimacy. Viewers may encounter extended kissing scenes, implied sexual intimacy, and discussions of love, desire, and emotional boundaries. There is no indication of nudity or explicit sexual content. Themes also include celebrity pressure, emotional isolation, and difficulty expressing feelings. Smoking or alcohol use may appear in social or professional settings.
Is Can This Love Be Translated? Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The emotional complexity, romantic focus, and adult relationship dynamics are not designed for preteens.
Ages 13–15: With Guidance. Older teens may enjoy the romance and humor, but parents should be aware of kissing scenes and mature emotional themes.
Ages 16+: Yes. The series is appropriate for mature teens who regularly watch romantic K-dramas and can understand nuanced emotional storytelling.
Overall recommendation: Best suited for viewers 14 and up, depending on comfort with romantic content.
What Parents Can Do
- Discuss emotional communication: Use the series to talk about expressing feelings honestly and respectfully.
- Prepare teens for romance content: Let them know there may be kissing and implied intimacy typical of adult K-dramas.
- Watch early episodes first: Netflix ratings can change after release, so previewing helps assess comfort levels.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Can This Love Be Translated?
A: Netflix currently lists the series as TV-MA, though content suggests it may align closer to TV-14.
Q: Is Can This Love Be Translated? appropriate for teens?
A: Yes for older teens, especially ages 14 and up, with parental awareness of romantic themes.
Q: Does the series have violence or scary scenes?
A: No. The show focuses on emotional and romantic conflict, not physical danger.
Q: Is there strong language in the show?
A: No strong profanity is expected. Language appears mild and situational.
Q: Does the series include sexual content?
A: There may be kissing and implied intimacy, but no explicit sexual scenes are expected.
Q: Where can I watch Can This Love Be Translated?
A: The series will stream exclusively on Netflix starting January 16, 2026.