Cha Mu-hee
Can This Love Be Translated protagonist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cha Mu-hee (Korean: 차무희), along with her alter ego Do Ra-mi (도라미) is a fictional character and the protagonist of the South Korean romantic-comedy series Can This Love Be Translated? which premiered on Netflix on January 16, 2026. The series was written by the screenwriting duo Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran, collectively known as the Hong sisters, and directed by Yoo Young-eun. The character is portrayed by actress Go Youn-jung.[1][2][3]
Hong Mi-ran
Ahn Tae-rin (child)
| Cha Mu-hee | |
|---|---|
| Can This Love Be Translated character | |
Go Youn-jung | |
First appearance | Episode 1 |
Last appearance | Episode 12 |
| Created by | Hong Jeong-eun Hong Mi-ran |
| Portrayed by | Go Youn-jung (adult) Ahn Tae-rin (child) |
| In-universe information | |
| Nickname | Do Ra-mi[A] |
| Gender | Female |
| Occupation | actress |
| Family | Cha |
Significant other | Joo Ho-jin |
| Origin | Seoul |
| Nationality | South Korean |
Birthday | May 23, 1995 |
Family | Cha Chairman (adopted father/paternal uncle) Mrs. Cha(adopted mother/paternal uncle's wife) |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 차무희 |
| RR | Cha Muhui |
| MR | Ch'a Muhŭi |
In the series, Cha is an aspiring actress who becomes a top star overnight after starring in the horror film The Quiet Woman. The story follows her as she navigates a complex relationship with interpreter Joo Ho-jin, played by Kim Seon-ho, who works for the dating reality show Romantic Trip. The show is filmed in Canada and Italy, where she stars alongside Japanese actor Hiro Kurosawa (Sota Fukushi).
Character and personality
In promotional materials published by Netflix Tudum, Cha Mu-hee is described as an aspiring actress who later lands a breakthrough role as the killer zombie Do Ra-mi in the horror film The Quiet Woman, becoming a global sensation. While she enjoys her newfound fame, she secretly struggles with a long-held belief that she is unworthy of love.[4][5][6] Director Yoo Young-eun describes Mu-hee as a bubbly, quirky, and lovable character who suffers from anxiety stemming from her past.[7]
"Mu-hee seems very honest with her emotions, but I think she’s also the least honest. [Her emotions] show on her face, but she tries so hard not to show them. [As Mu-hee] I wanted to show a character who is always wearing a complicated expression, not in a scheming type of way but in the sense that her anxieties and traumas are always informing her thoughts" — Go Youn-jung[6]
Within the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator framework, Go identified Mu-hee as an INFP. She appears introverted, imaginative, and emotional, often acting without much planning. Conversely, Do Ra-mi fits the ENTP profile, evidenced by her confidence and comfort in challenging situations. She views arguments as purely intellectual exercises and separates them from her personal emotions.[8]
Storyline
Mu-hee travels to Japan to confront her ex-boyfriend, meeting Ho-jin at a local ramen shop where she recruits him to help her face her ex new partner. The two spend time exploring Shonan together before eventually parting ways at an Enoden railway crossing.
Mu-hee later lands a breakthrough role as the killer zombie Do Ra-mi in the horror film The Quiet Woman, becoming a global sensation. They meet again in Seoul when Ho-jin is hired as an interpreter for her international press tour, a position he accepts primarily to ask her to remove a viral photograph of him from her social media to preserve his privacy. They later encounter one another by chance in Japan while staying at the same hotel, where Ho-jin helps an anxious Mu-hee cope with hallucinations of her character, Do Ra-mi, and serves as her interpreter during appointments with a psychiatrist.
Their paths cross again when Mu-hee is cast in Romantic Trip, an overseas reality dating program filmed in Canada and Italy that pairs her with Japanese actor Hiro Kurosawa. Ho-jin is offered a position as an interpreter; after Mu-hee secures the contract, she convinces him to accept the job with the aspiration that they can see the aurora together in Canada. Tensions escalate when Ji-sun arrives as the show's replacement producer. When Mu-hee mistakenly believes Ho-jin is still in love with Ji-sun, she abruptly retreats from their blossoming relationship. Although Ho-jin is a skilled interpreter, he and Mu-hee suffer from personal communication breakdowns. Devastated, Ho-jin attempts to resign from the production.[9]
They eventually meet again at a concert hosted by the Italian Embassy, where Kim Young-hwan manages to invite Mu-hee to Ho-jin's home for dinner before leaving them alone. After Mu-hee departs by taxi, Ho-jin decides to visit her home to deliver an LP, but she ghosts him. The following day, Ho-jin encounters Mu-hee's alternate, trauma-induced persona, Do Ra-mi. Upon realizing that Mu-hee is unaware of their interaction, he follows her to Italy to investigate. Acting as the Romantic Trip professional interpreter by day and a protective handler for Do Ra-mi by night, Ho-jin uncovers the childhood trauma at the root of Mu-hee's psychological state.[10][11]
Development
Planning and ideation
The Hong Sisters began developing the project in 2019. By December 5, 2019, it was reported that it was a television series withworking title I saram tongyeogi doenayo? (이 사람 통역이 되나요?; 'Can this person interpret?') was in development for tvN, helmed by director Park Jun-hwa.[12] The project was later renamed Guwonui tongyeok (구원의 통역; 'Interpretation of salvation'), with overseas filming scheduled in China, however it was cancelled due to the COVID-19.[13]
The project resumed in 2023 under director Yoo Young-eun. It was produced by Trii Studio, a label under Imaginus, which also serves as the parent company of the Hong sisters' own label, Studio Sot.[14][15][16] Yoo noted that the writers sought out her specific directorial style, as seen in her previous works, to bring a unique color to the project's storytelling. Yoo explained that their initial goal was to craft a romantic comedy about two people with clashing personalities who overcome their misunderstandings through language. This theme shaped everything from the title and situations to the characters' professions. However, as the story progressed, it evolved beyond a simple narrative about words, ultimately focusing on the deeper journey of truly understanding another person.[17]
The narrative was inspired by the unique nature of the interpreting profession. The writers observed how heavily people rely on mobile translation apps to solve language barriers. They believed that relying on a human would intensify that dependence dramatically, because complete trust in the interpreter is necessary. They imagine that the dynamic could ignite a powerful romantic connection. Central to their vision is the idea that love is fundamentally an act of communication. Yet because every person speaks their own "love language," a person may want to convey their true feelings, but the other person often cannot fully comprehend them. This vision led them to write the story around the following premise: What if a highly skilled interpreter encounters someone who expresses love in the complete opposite manner? The clash between their opposing love languages produces frequent misunderstandings. Confessions are misread and interpreted backward, resulting in repeated heartache.[18][19]
Casting
After Kim Seon-ho began negotiations for the role of Joo Ho-jin in July 2023,[20] the production team initially engaged in casting discussions for Cha Mu-hee with Han So-hee.[21] Go Youn-jung entered talks for the role of Cha Mu-hee in September 2023.[22] Netflix officially confirmed the final pairing of Go and Kim on June 27, 2024, marking Go's first performance in a romantic comedy.[23][24]
Director Yoo Young-eun stated that Go was selected for her personality, which mirrored the character's bubbly and transparent demeanor, noting the writers' established professional rapport with the actress from a previous collaboration.[25] In a written interview The Hong sisters expressed their satisfaction with Go, noting, "This is my second project with actress Go Yoon-jung since Alchemy of Souls, and I was convinced that the bright energy she showed back then would be a perfect fit for Mu-hee. It must not have been easy having to play both Mu-hee and her on-screen character, Do Ra-mi, simultaneously, but she pulled it off flawlessly. In particular, the fun of watching actress Go Yoon-jung's glamorous and colorful visuals set against the beautiful backdrops of various countries will be immense."[26]
Having previously worked with the Hong Sisters on Alchemy of Souls, Go said that she was drawn by the writers' unique ability to craft immersive, fairy-tale-like worldviews.[27] She further noted that the dynamic between an interpreter and an actress was a novel premise that resonated with her own professional experiences.[28] She was initially provided with only the first four episodes of the script, remaining unaware of the character's dual nature. Regarding this discovery, she remarked, "At first, I didn't know Do Ra-mi would manifest in reality; I thought she was just a character from The Quiet Woman existing within Cha Mu-hee's delusions. When I discovered Do Ra-mi appears starting in episode 7, it came as a fresh shock. Naturally, I felt pressured, but my excitement outweighed the nerves."[27][28]
Portrayal
The screenwriters and director encouraged improvisation throughout production, allowing the cast to contribute ideas that expanded upon the original script.[29][30] Regarding her process, Go Youn-jung emphasized that thorough preparation is essential to maintaining flexibility on set; while she relies on guidelines for line delivery, this grounding allows an actor to respond naturally to unexpected developments and co-star ad-libs.[31]
Go highlighted the collaborative nature of the production, specifically her work with the writer: "I received a lot of help from the writer, [Hong] Miran. Unlike our previous project, Alchemy of Souls, we held script readings this time. Writer Miran would act out the lines for me, embodying Mu-hee perfectly. Seeing how the creator envisioned the character was eye-opening, and I tried to mirror her performance." She also credited her co-star, Kim Seon-ho, noting his influence on her performance. "Seon-ho Oppa has a wealth of experience in theater, so he is skilled at ad-libbing, utilizing props, and bringing a vivid energy to the set. Since I enjoy observing and imitating others, I followed his lead diligently."[31]
To refine their performances, the actors utilized a rehearsal technique of swapping roles to better grasp character nuances. Go noted that she and Kim played characters opposite to their actual MBTI types, as she identifies as a "thinking" (T) type while Kim is a "feeling" (F) type. Go found the role of Mu-hee challenging, as the character's indirect communication required significant effort to uncover her underlying intentions, whereas she identified more readily with Do Ra-mi, whose directness and honesty were easier to portray. Ultimately, Go viewed Mu-hee's core struggle, the difficulty of communicating true feelings, as the primary hurdle of her performance.[8][31] [32]
Portraying the dual roles presented technical challenges, particularly during sequences where the characters appeared together. Go utilized a ball attached to a pillar as a focal point to maintain consistent eye contact and manage emotional pacing. To emphasize the lack of a deep connection between the two characters, she varied her gaze height to suggest a disconnect. Conceptually, Go viewed the two personalities as sharing a singular objective: Do Ra-mi acts as a defense mechanism for Mu-hee. She interpreted Mu-hee as a character burdened by anxiety who speaks indirectly to avoid vulnerability, whereas Do Ra-mi serves as a direct protector.[28]
Playing Dorami was a transformative experience for her. She used to practice self-censorship, always questioning if she was pushing things too far, but this role set her free. The atmosphere on set was incredibly collaborative, encouraging her to do whatever she wanted. With a co-star who was so receptive, she felt empowered to go all out. The creative process became a virtuous cycle where one idea constantly sparked the next.[28][31]
The production was physically demanding, involving over 100 outfits, which averaged roughly ten per episode. Reflecting on the logistical scale, which spanned locations in Japan, Canada, and Italy, Go expressed gratitude for her stylist team effort. Given that much of the wardrobe consisted of high-end sponsor pieces, Go frequently opted to wear her own clothes during physically taxing scenes to prevent damage to the costumes.[31]
Themes and analysis
Sejong University visiting professor Son Chi-yeok noted that the character setup of Cha Mu-hee adheres to the Hong Sisters' signature style. In the Hong Sisters' universe, seemingly perfect characters are suspended between the "past and present" or "reality and fiction," and they only achieve personal growth by clashing with their opposites. For Mu-hee, that opposite is Joo Ho-jin. Son argued that this relationship is further complicated by Do Ra-mi, a manifestation of Mu-hee’s subconscious. Acting as a vessel for her past trauma, Do Ra-mi catalyzes her development, transforming her immaturity into honesty and her awkwardness into boldness.[33]
Kang So-jeong, an editor at Art Insight, provided a philosophical analysis of the character, breaking down how Cha Mu-hee's childhood trauma led her to perceive herself as "unlovable" and to doubt that affection would last. She emphasizes that Mu-hee's retreat from love not as simple avoidance, but as a defensive mechanism rooted in deep-seated anxiety and a fear of inevitable hurt. She subconsciously uses her alter ego, Dora-mi, to express the desires and emotions she cannot voice herself. Through Do Ra-mi, these suppressed feelings finally reach Ho-jin, bridging the gap that Mu-hee's own language could not cross.[34]
Professor Choi Yu-kyung highlighted the inclusion of a poem by Kim Kyung-mi titled Dajeongi Nareul (다정이 나를; 'Kindness Kills Me') in the series. She noted that the poem helped to frame the relationship dynamics between Mu-hee and Ho-jin. Choi argues that Mu-hee, who believes she cannot be loved, is terrified of Ho-jin's kindness. His kindness shakes her and forces her to confront feelings buried deep in her unconscious.[35]
Gong Na-ri of The Media & Arts Culture argued that as a top star, Mu-hee developed the alter ego Do Ra-mi to cope with a debilitating fear that her public persona would destroy her true self. She noted that although the resulting dissociative memory gaps may seem extreme, they illustrate how overwhelming anxiety can lead to personality fragmentation. Gong further stated that Do Ra-mi functioned as both a protective mechanism and a threatening shadow, while Ho-jin's presence acted as a psychological mirror, turning their romance into a clinical healing process that integrated Mu-hee's fragmented self.[36]
Reception and impact
Public response
Following the January 16, 2026, premiere of Can This Love Be Translated?, Go Youn-jung experienced a rise in both critical acclaim and public profile. The series became a global phenomenon, topping viewership rankings in 60 countries. Over its first seven weeks, the show amassed over 271 million viewing hours and 20.6 million cumulative views, securing the number one spot on the Netflix Tudum global non-English charts for two consecutive weeks.[37] Go's performance contributed to this success, as evidenced by Big data analytics firm Good Data Corporation, which ranked her first in cast buzzworthiness for three consecutive weeks in January, while the series also ranked first in the integrated TV-OTT drama category during that same period.[38] Go's personal social media following surpassed ten million users, a milestone that parallels her character Cha Mu-hee's own journey to global stardom in the series.[39]
Critical reception
Decider praised Go undeniable chemistry with Kim Seon-ho.[40] In her piece for Vogue Singapore, Nurul Firdousee praised the visuals of Go and highlighted Mu-hee's wardrobe, noting how her style transitions from a modest girl-next-door aesthetic to a look that exudes complete star power.[41] Charisma Shetty included Cha Mu-hee as one of Teen Vogue's "7 Most Stylish K-Drama Characters."[42]
Writing for JoongAng Ilbo, cultural columnist Yang Seong-hee praised Go's "superb portrayal of a dual role," stating that her character is "lovable."[43] Gong Na-ri, an editor for Munhwa Journal Mac, wrote that Go Yoon-jung poignantly portrayed a collapsing ego, shifting between the anxious top star Mu-hee and the uncontrollable Do Ra-mi, using an empty gaze following her character's memory loss to express a deep psychological abyss.[36]
Driven by her performance in Can This Love Be Translated?, Go received several award nods from the Asia Star Entertainer Awards (ASEA 2026) in Japan, including Fan Choice Couple nomination alongside co-star Kim Seon-ho.[44] She ultimately took home two major trophies: Best Character (Female) and Best OTT Artist.[45][46]
Cultural impact
The romantic narrative of Joo Ho-jin and Cha Mu-hee served as a direct catalyst for Set-jetting tourism, prompting South Korean travel agencies to introduce specialized set-jetting tour packages to Japan, Italy, and Canada.[47] In Japan, the storyline surrounding the couple's serendipitous first meeting in Kamakura and Enoshima drove a significant influx of international travelers, leading to localized overtourism near the featured railway crossing.[48] The development of the Ho-jin and Mu-hee love story in Canada prompted an autumn tourism surge in Alberta, where provincial accommodation reservations doubled in Banff and Canmore,[49] following romantic scenes featuring the northern lights and their first kiss.[50] This localized interest led to extended commercial flight schedules between Incheon and Calgary, alongside official filming location guides featuring the couple published by Travel Alberta and Destination Canada in partnership with Netflix.[51][52][53]
Cha Moo-hee's "L'HAS Classic Suede Bomber Jacket" sparked a surge of inquiries and soon sold out. Styled with a one-piece dress, the look was both feminine and polished through layering. The outfit became a trend, and the jacket was dubbed a sonminsutem (손민수템).[B][54]
Note
- Her character name in film The Quiet Woman. Later, She also named her alter-ego as Do Ra-mi
- It's a slang derives from the Cheese in the Trap character Son Min-su, who obsessively mimics others. Originally pejorative, the term is now used colloquially in fandom to describe purchasing trending products used by idols, known as the neologism Sonminsutem (손민수템), a combination of Son Min-su and item.