Korean Netizens Are Boycotting the K-Drama "Can This Love Be Translated?"
Past remarks by Japanese actor Fukushi Sota—who will co-star with Kim Seon Ho and Go Youn Jung in the series—are not boding well with Korean audiences.
by Em Enriquez
Published on Jan 8, 2026
K-drama enthusiasts can look forward to the premiere of Can This Love Be Translated? this January. The romantic comedy marks the first on-screen collaboration of Hallyu heavyweights Kim Seon Ho and Go Youn Jung, and will serve as the former's return to the genre in five years. While audiences are excited for the comeback, there has also been signifacant backlash regarding the show's other casting choices.
Why Netizens Are Calling for a Boycott of K-Drama "Can This Love Be Translated?"
Can This Love Be Translated? depicts an unexpected romance between global screen star Cha Mu-hee (Youn Jung) and her translator Ju Ho-jin (Seon Ho). The two start off on a strictly professional relationship until feelings arise, leading to some complications even a polyglot can't interpret.
Entangling the leads in a love triangle is Japanese actor Fukushi Sota, who will portray one of Mu-hee's potential paramours. This is Fukushi's first time acting in a Korean drama after establishing himself through titles such as Bleach, My Tomorrow Your Yesterday, and I'm Taking the Day Off.
The decision to cast Fukushi led to some ire from South Korean netizens, who resurfaced some of his statements regarding the Kamikaze tactic employed by the Japanese army. During a Fuji TV broadcast of Please Teach Us About War last August 15, 2015, the actor met with wartime survivors, sharing how his grandfather took part in the Pacific War of 1941.
"My grandfather also faced the end of the war while training to become a kamikaze," Fukushi narrated. "I respect my grandfather. We are where we are today thanks to them."
His anecdote was positively met by Japanese viewers, who applauded his candor and respect for soldiers like his grandfather. However, the program was criticized for how it seemingly glorified the war and disregarded the Japanese forces' brutalities. Fukushi's participation continues to raise eyebrows today, especially given Japan's history of invasions and massacres in South Korea.
Due to this, a number of South Korean netizens have called for a boycott of the upcoming K-drama. Some have dubbed Fukushi a "right-wing actor" for his views. As of the time of writing, there hasn't been a statement issued by Fukushi, other cast members, or the production team.
In a separate interview, Fukushi stated how he was "very happy" to be working on a Korean series for the first time. "I finished the reading, and both the actors and staff felt the splendid atmosphere on set, which made filming even more enjoyable," he shared.
The series is expected to premiere as planned on Netflix this coming January 16.
Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.