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’s a romantic drama that reshapes first love, 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 that 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, playing a first-love couple with a 23-year history, raising anticipation among fans fan.
A press conference for “Motel California” was held on January 9th 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 sentimental drama that unfolds as contrasting elements collide: the first love rediscovered after 12 years and the protagonist’s hometown, a place she never wanted to return to“.
Fans are especially excited because Lee Se-young, known for her outstanding synergy with MBC dramas such as “The Red Sleeve” (2021) and “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract” (2023), is leading this drama romantic. Dubbed “the undefeated goddess of MBC”, Lee Se-young said: “I feel a mixture of anticipation and tension as I kick off MBC’s 2025 dramas.“
He added ironically: “I feel like I have a strong connection to MBC. Most of my childhood roles were for MBC and their canteen food was the best.” He also expressed gratitude for being able to continue working, “Nowadays, a lot of dramas get canceled, so I’m grateful to keep working.” When asked about the pressure of maintaining his string of successful projects, he responded: “I just focus on work and my character, so I don’t feel pressured. I don’t worry or rely on the success of previous works. However, I hope this drama surpasses 10% viewers.”
Lee Se-young plays Ji Kang-hee, an interior designer with an unconventional background, who grew up in a rural motel often referred to as her “home.” Kang-hee is known for her stunning appearance and tumultuous life.
As for why she accepted 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 wanted to explore that journey. I joined without hesitation.”
With light brown hair and transparent liver-colored eyes, Lee Se-young undergoes a visual transformation for the role, playing both a young woman struggling 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 of Hana’s breeders -eup.
Na In-woo shared his thoughts on the role, “I have mainly made genre dramas, historical or fantasy. 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 a really delicate actor. His gaze is incredibly beautiful. I’m happy In-woo was Yeon-soo.“
“Motel California” premieres Jan. 10 at 9:50 p.m.
