Netflix’s trending series Can This Love Be Translated? has finally reached its finale after a 12-episode journey.
With the captivating pairing of Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung, and the signature storytelling of the Hong Sisters—masters of romantic comedy—the series drew massive attention even before its release.
What begins as a familiar romance between a translator and a top star slowly evolves into something far more introspective. Rather than relying on typical rom-com formulas, the drama persistently asks a deeper question:
Why does love become mistranslated at the most important moments?
At the center of this emotional puzzle stands Dorami—the mysterious presence whose identity and meaning lingered until the very end, leaving viewers both moved and divided.
🔎 Dorami’s True Identity｜Not a Delusion, but a Language of Survival
As the story progresses, it turns inward, exploring the fragile inner world of Cha Mu-hee.
Behind her glamorous life as a celebrity lies a heart built on childhood trauma and unresolved family wounds.
Dorami is not merely a whimsical fantasy element or a convenient psychological twist.
She represents the emotions Mu-hee could never voice—her suppressed anger, unspoken longing, and above all, her fear of being abandoned.
The closer love draws, the faster Mu-hee retreats.
And each time she does, Dorami emerges.
She is the embodiment of survival—created by someone who longs to be loved, yet believes she does not deserve it.
🗣️ Why the Translator Failed to Translate Love
The irony at the heart of Can This Love Be Translated? lies in its male lead, Joo Ho-jin.
He is a brilliant multilingual interpreter, capable of conveying countless languages with precision.
Yet when faced with Mu-hee’s emotions, he repeatedly hesitates, misreads, and retreats.
- He mistakes emotional boundaries for rejection
- He overlooks distress hidden behind distancing gestures
- He postpones emotional responsibility at crucial moments
The scene in which he translates Hiro’s confession becomes the drama’s most powerful metaphor.
The translation itself is flawless.
But when confronted with the emotional consequences, he steps back.
Ho-jin can translate words—but lacks the courage to interpret love.
⭐ Episode 12 Ending Explained｜Why They Chose Stars Over Auroras
In the finale, Cha Mu-hee does not immediately choose love.
Instead, she chooses herself—before love.
Only after confronting her buried memories, her parents’ fate, and Dorami’s true identity does she realize one essential truth:
Entering a relationship without understanding herself would only be another form of escape.
The symbolism of the final scene is quiet but striking.
They gaze not at auroras, but at stars.
- Auroras → fleeting miracles, sudden bursts of emotion
- Stars → constant presences that require conscious attention
This drama defines love not as a magical coincidence, but as a steady direction shared after surviving doubt and misunderstanding.
The final kiss is less a fairy-tale ending and more a declaration:
They are finally ready to understand each other’s language.
🎭 The Shortcomings｜When Romance Faded Into Psychology
There is no denying the series’ craftsmanship.
Still, its limitations become evident in the latter half.
- Dorami’s prolonged presence disrupts the rhythm of romantic comedy
- Emotions are often explained rather than expressed through action
- Psychological themes overshadow romantic tension
Viewers who anticipated the Hong Sisters’ trademark witty banter may have found the tonal shift unexpectedly heavy.
Moreover, the underdeveloped arc of Hiro weakens the love triangle, preventing narrative tension from sustaining its full potential.
🎬 Final Thoughts｜A Drama About Learning How to Speak Love
Can This Love Be Translated? may disappoint viewers seeking pure sweetness.
But for those open to emotional introspection, it offers a thoughtful meditation on communication, vulnerability, and emotional courage.
The breathtaking international settings, the chemistry between the leads, and the innovative use of interpretation as metaphor elevate the narrative beyond conventional romance.
In the end, the series seems to whisper one quiet truth:
Love is not a problem of translation,
but a matter of courage—to face sincerity.
⭐ Personal Rating
★★★★☆ (4/5)
A romance remembered not for its excitement, but for its lingering emotional resonance.
🔗 Official Streaming & Verified Resources
Official Streaming & Production
Netflix — Can This Love Be Translated? (Official Page)
https://www.netflix.com/title
Kim Seon-ho — Wikipedia Profile
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Seon-ho
Go Youn-jung — Wikipedia Profile
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_Youn-jung
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