Netflix’s upcoming drama Can Love Be Translated? has found itself at the center of controversy even before its release, following renewed debate over the past remarks of its Japanese lead actor Sota Fukushi.
Fukushi, a well-known Japanese star praised for both his acting skills and box-office appeal, is set to make his first appearance in a Korean drama through the series.
The controversy reignited after some Korean netizens resurfaced Fukushi’s appearance on a Japanese documentary that aired in 2015. The program, broadcast by Fuji TV to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, aimed to convey the horrors of war and the value of peace to younger generations.
During the broadcast, Fukushi read farewell letters written by Kamikaze pilots and interviewed survivors. He also shared a personal family story, revealing that his grandfather had trained to become one. Fighting back tears, Fukushi said he respected his grandfather and added that “because of them, we are here today.”
Japanese viewers at the time responded positively, praising Fukushi for emotionally conveying the tragedy of war. Korean audiences, however, reacted very differently.
In Korea—one of the countries directly invaded and colonized by imperial Japan—the Kamikaze pilots are widely associated not with tragic heroism but with Japan’s wartime aggression. As a result, Fukushi’s remarks, particularly his expression of “respect,” were seen by some as romanticizing or sanitizing Japan’s wartime actions.
Critics also pointed out that the documentary focused heavily on emotional narratives—such as the youth of the pilots and the grief of their families—while largely avoiding Japan’s role as a perpetrator of invasion and mass violence. Although Fukushi’s grandfather did not ultimately serve as a Kamikaze pilot, the revelation that he trained for the role alone was enough to trigger discomfort among Korean viewers.
As clips from the program resurfaced online, calls to boycott Can Love Be Translated? are spreading across social media and online communities.
Previously, Fukushi had shared his excitement about joining the project, saying, “I am truly happy to have this opportunity to work with everyone in Korea. We have already completed the read-through, and being surrounded by such an incredible cast and crew, I could really feel the vibrant energy on set.”
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