A surprising revelation behind the scenes of the hit Korean drama Can you translate this love? has recently attracted the attention of online communities. According to information recently surfaced, Son Seok Koo was originally approached by the production team to take over the male lead role of Joo Ho Jin, before Kim Seon Ho was officially cast. In the end, Son Seok Koo rejected the offer due to personal reasons.
Son Seok Koo has reportedly been invited to star Can you translate this love? in front of Kim Seon Ho, but chose to reject the project.
As soon as the news spread, netizens flooded forums and social media with humorous reactions. Some joked that if Son Seok Koo had accepted the role, the drama’s title might have morphed into “Can You Translate This Case?”, suggesting its strong association with the crime and thriller genres. Others joked that if female lead Do Ra Mi had faced a Joo Ho Jin with Son Seok Koo’s intense aura, the romance might have ended before it even began.
Although most of these comments were made in jest, they reflect a widely held perception of Son Seok Koo as an actor with an edgy, investigative image. His first impression often brings to mind crime, noir and psychological dramas. However, industry insiders and longtime viewers agree that Son Seok Koo is far from a standard model.
Born in 1983, Son Seok Koo has emerged in recent years as one of Korea’s most respected actors, praised for his layered performances and unique screen presence. He won huge acclaim as Mr. Gu My liberation noteswhich portrays a withdrawn, alcoholic man with profound emotional depth. In A killer’s shopping listhe gave a convincing performance as a seasoned detective, while The Outlaws 2 showed his terrifying transformation into a ruthless villain.
Many critics even claim that his acting range and intensity rival, or in some cases surpass, that of Kim Seon Ho.
However, viewers largely agree that Kim Seon Ho ultimately turned out to be perfect for Joo Ho Jin. With his gentle visuals, warm demeanor, and emotionally accessible acting style, Kim Seon Ho brought a soft, romantic tone that suited Go Youn Jung perfectly.
Kim Seon Ho’s portrayal of the loyal and warm-hearted performer Joo Ho Jin created exceptional chemistry with Go Youn Jung, becoming a key factor behind the drama’s pan-Asian success.
Although it’s fascinating to imagine how Can you translate this love? could have had Son Seok Koo as the protagonist, the final casting decision seems to have been a winning one. The drama sparked a major craze across Asia, cementing Kim Seon Ho’s position as a leading man in romantic comedies.
