Actor Kim Seon Ho is set to return to the romantic comedy genre for the first time in five years, marking a significant turning point in his career following a prolonged period of controversy and genre-focused projects.
Kim Seon Ho last appeared in a rom-com through tvN’s Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha in 2021, where his chemistry with Shin Min Ah helped propel the drama to massive popularity. However, shortly after the series ended, he became embroiled in a highly publicized personal controversy, which significantly altered the trajectory of his career.
Now, Kim Seon Ho is preparing to reconnect with audiences through Netflix’s upcoming series Can This Love Be Translated?, raising anticipation about whether he can once again establish himself as a leading rom-com star.
Can This Love Be Translated? follows the story of Joo Ho Jin (Kim Seon Ho), a multilingual interpreter who becomes responsible for translating for global top star Cha Moo Hee (played by Go Youn Jung). While Ho Jin is fluent in six languages including English, Japanese, and Italian he struggles when it comes to expressing emotions and navigating the language of love.
At the series’ production presentation, Kim Seon Ho shared his dedication to the role. “I play a character who speaks six languages. I repeatedly studied the script while focusing on emotional delivery, and in my spare time, I worked on grammar. I practiced for about four months and continued practicing throughout filming,” he said, revealing his commitment to authenticity.
This project marks Kim Seon Ho’s first romantic comedy since his personal controversy. In 2021, an online post by his former girlfriend accused a top actor later confirmed to be Kim Seon Ho of pressuring her into an abortion under the promise of marriage. Kim Seon Ho acknowledged the claims at the time, leading to his withdrawal from variety shows, upcoming dramas, films, and endorsement deals.
Subsequent revelations, however, suggested a more complex narrative, including reports that he attempted to maintain the relationship even after the procedure. Public sentiment gradually shifted, and after a nine-month hiatus, Kim Seon Ho returned through the stage play Touching the Void, followed by film and drama projects such as The Childe, Tyrant, and When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Director Yoo Young Eun expressed strong confidence in the new pairing, stating, “From the first shoot, their chemistry was so good that I felt reassured immediately. I can confidently say their compatibility is outstanding.”
As Kim Seon Ho steps back into the rom-com spotlight alongside Go Youn Jung, attention is focused on whether Can Love Be Translated? will become his defining comeback project and whether he can once again capture the hearts of viewers as a romantic lead.
Sources: Daum