Set to premiere on January 10, MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama “Motel California” is based on the popular 2019 novel “Home, Bitter Home” by Shim Yoon-seo. It is a first love remodeling romance drama set in a rural area about a woman who was born and raised in a motel and reunites with her first love in her hometown she ran away from 12 years ago. Lee Se-young (as Ji Kang-hee) and Na In-woo (as Cheon Yeon-soo) lead the cast, portraying a first-love couple with a 23-year story, heightening anticipation among fans.
On January 9, a press conference for “Motel California” was held at MBC in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Director Kim Hyung-min and cast members Lee Se-young, Na In-woo, Choi Min-soo, Kim Tae-hyung and Choi Hee-jin were present.
Director Kim introduced the drama, describing it as “a human romance drama that unfolds as conflicting elements collide—first love rediscovered after 12 years and the protagonist’s hometown, a place she never wanted to return to“.
Fans are particularly excited because Lee Se-young, known for her exceptional synergy with MBC dramas like “The Red Sleeve” (2021) and “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract” (2023), is leading this romance drama. Nicknamed “MBC’s undefeated goddess”, Lee Se-young said, “I feel a mix of anticipation and tension as I kick off MBC’s dramas for 2025.“
She added humorously, “I seem to have a strong connection with MBC. Most of my childhood roles were for MBC, and their cafeteria food was the best.” She also expressed gratitude for being able to continue working, “Nowadays, many dramas are getting canceled, so I’m thankful to keep working.” When asked about the pressure of maintaining her streak of successful projects, she replied, “I only focus on the work and my character, so I don’t feel pressured. I neither worry about nor rely on the success of previous works. However, I do hope this drama surpasses a 10% viewership rating.”
Lee Se-young plays Ji Kang-hee, an interior designer with an unconventional background, having grown up in a rural motel often referred to as her “home”. Kang-hee is known for her striking appearance and tumultuous life.
Regarding her reason for taking on the role, Lee Se-young cited her connection to the character, “I felt that Ji Kang-hee shared many similarities with me. I was curious about how a child with childhood trauma would grow up, and I wanted to explore that journey. I joined without hesitation.”
Sporting light brown hair and transparent liver-colored eyes, Lee Se-young undergoes a visual transformation for the role, portraying both a youthful woman grappling with inner scars and a bold first love who captivates a devoted man. On her new look, she said, “I dyed my hair and wore colored lenses to present a different image.“
Na In-woo, known for stealing hearts in dramas like “River Where the Moon Rises” and “Marry My Husband”, plays Cheon Yeon-soo, a large-animal veterinarian and the number one son-in-law to the farmers of Hana-eup.
Na In-woo shared his thoughts on the role, “I’ve mostly done genre dramas, historicals or fantasies. This time, I enjoyed fully embodying the character’s life and tried to reflect some aspects of myself in my performance.” Lee Se-young praised, “Na In-woo is such a delicate actor. His gaze is incredibly beautiful. I’m glad In-woo was Yeon-soo.“
“Motel California” will premiere on January 10 at 9:50 PM.
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