MBC’s upcoming Friday-Saturday drama Motel California tells the story of a woman born and raised in a countryside motel who returns to her hometown after 12 years and reunites with her first love. What unfolds is a rollercoaster journey of rekindling and “remodeling” their romance.
Based on the popular 2019 novel Home, Bitter Home by Sim Yun Seo, the drama brings together two beloved stars: Lee Se Young, who solidified her reputation as a proven romance lead with hits like The Red Sleeve and What Comes After Love, and Na In Woo, who captured hearts with his roles in River Where the Moon Rises and Marry My Husband. Their new on-screen pairing has already sparked excitement.
Na In Woo plays Cheon Yeon Soo, the most eligible bachelor in the quaint village of Hana-eup. A handsome veterinarian, he’s the perfect son-in-law candidate for local farmers. He has it all—rugged charm to wrangle rebellious bulls like a matador, the ability to deeply connect with both people and animals, and unwavering devotion to loving just one woman for life. However, his carefully ordered world is turned upside down when his first love, Ji Kang Hee (Lee Se Young), returns to their hometown after abruptly leaving for Seoul 12 years ago.
Lee Se Young takes on the role of Ji Kang Hee, an interior designer with a complicated past. Growing up in a countryside motel and being of mixed heritage, she’s endured a challenging life. At the age of 20, she ran away to Seoul on New Year’s Day, determined to carve out her own path despite lacking academic or social pedigree. Over 12 years, she’s proven herself in her career, becoming a talented designer known for her skills. Beneath her tough exterior lies a young woman scarred by her past, yet she possesses an irresistible charm that keeps Cheon Yeon Soo wrapped around her finger.
Motel California is set to premiere on MBC in January 2025.
