Title: Motel California
Premiere Date: January 10, 2025
Network: MBC (South Korea)
Streaming: Netflix (Worldwide)
Episodes: 12
Airing: Friday & Saturday 21:50 KST
Genre: Romance
What’s the Story About?
If you’re a fan of heartwarming and emotional K-dramas, Motel California is one you won’t want to miss! This upcoming romance drama is based on the novel Home, Bitter Home by Shim Yoon-seo, and it’s already got us hooked with its compelling mix of love, second chances, and a small-town backdrop.
The story follows Ji Kang-hee (played by Lee Se-young), a woman with a complicated past. She grew up in a rural motel called Motel California, a place that was her home but also the source of much gossip. As a mixed-race woman, Kang-hee faced a lot of emotional challenges, dealing with whispers from the locals in her small hometown. But, when she turned 20, she decided to leave everything behind and start fresh in Seoul, chasing her dreams of becoming an interior designer.
Fast forward 12 years, and Kang-hee is at the peak of her career. But just when she thought she’d left her past behind, she’s forced to return to her rural hometown. Here, she reconnects with Cheon Yeon-soo (played by Na In-woo), her first love. Yeon-soo, who is now a respected veterinarian in the village, still carries feelings for Kang-hee, but things aren’t as simple as they once were. A misunderstanding arises when Kang-hee believes a rumor that Yeon-soo is about to marry someone else. Little does she know, the rumor was actually spread by Yeon-soo himself, to avoid matchmaking attempts from the locals.
As the story unfolds, Kang-hee and Yeon-soo must confront their past, face new challenges, and try to heal old wounds. It’s a beautiful and messy love story set against the backdrop of a rural motel and a community that’s both welcoming and filled with gossip. The show explores first love, reunion, and how our past shapes our future. Are they still meant to be, or is too much time and hurt standing in the way?
Meet the Cast
- Lee Se-young as Ji Kang-hee
Kang-hee is the woman at the center of it all. After growing up at Motel California, she left her hometown to build a successful career as an interior designer. But when she returns 12 years later, her heart is still tied to the past, especially to her first love, Yeon-soo. Lee Se-young brings this complicated character to life, full of emotional depth and vulnerability.
- Na In-woo as Cheon Yeon-soo
Yeon-soo is Kang-hee’s childhood friend who has always loved her, but circumstances kept them apart. He stayed in the village and became a veterinarian, well-liked and respected by the locals. When Kang-hee returns, their feelings for each other resurface, but misunderstandings and past baggage threaten to ruin their chance at happiness. Na In-woo brings a quiet intensity to the role of Yeon-soo, making us root for this couple from the very first episode.
- Choi Min-soo as Ji Chun-pil
Ji Chun-pil is Kang-hee’s father, who runs Motel California. He’s been a steady presence in her life, but the dynamics between them are complicated, especially as Kang-hee returns after so many years. There’s a lot of unresolved emotion here, and we’re excited to see how this relationship plays out.
- Koo Ja-sung as Cha Seung-eon
Seung-eon is another childhood friend who grew up at Motel California after being abandoned in front of it. He’s protective of Kang-hee and Yeon-soo and serves as a supportive figure in the story. There’s a lot of heart and warmth in this character, and we can’t wait to see how his role adds to the drama.
- Kim Tae-hyung as Geum Seok-kyung
Seok-kyung is a successful businessman who works on an interior design project in the village. He’s also caught up in the love triangle with Kang-hee, as he begins to develop feelings for her. Kim Tae-hyung brings a bit of tension and intrigue to the mix, as we wonder if he will win Kang-hee’s heart or if it’s all about the past with Yeon-soo.
- Choi Hee-jin as Yoon Ran Woo
Ran Woo is a college junior of Yeon-soo’s and a fellow veterinarian. She has a more mysterious role, and we’re curious to see how she shakes things up in the love story.
When and Where to Watch?
The Motel California K-drama will officially premiere on January 10, 2025, and air every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST on MBC. It will have a total of 12 episodes, with the final one airing on February 15, 2025. So, mark your calendars because we’re about to get a rollercoaster of emotions!
Why You Should Watch “Motel California”
If you’re into stories about first love, emotional reunions, and personal growth, Motel California is right up your alley. The drama is set in a rural motel, which gives it a nostalgic and bittersweet vibe that’s perfect for fans of love stories with a little bit of pain and a lot of healing. The setting of a small, tight-knit village creates a perfect contrast to the big-city life that Kang-hee has built for herself.
It’s a story about confronting your past, facing misunderstandings, and maybe even finding love again. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good second-chance romance? Plus, with the talent of Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, you know it’s going to be a ride full of deep emotional moments.
Teasers and Updates
We know you’re dying to see more, and lucky for you, there are already teasers dropping that give us a glimpse of the intense chemistry between Kang-hee and Yeon-soo. Their emotional journey is already so captivating, and we can’t wait to see where the story goes. Stay tuned to MBC for more sneak peeks leading up to the premiere!
Key Themes to Look Forward To
- First Love: The bond between Kang-hee and Yeon-soo is intense, and we get to see it unfold again after 12 years.
- Healing: Kang-hee returns to face the emotional scars from her childhood and to reconnect with her roots.
- Romance: Of course, it’s a romance drama, so expect plenty of emotional moments, love triangles, and heartwarming scenes.
Where to Watch “Motel California”
You can catch Motel California on MBC starting January 10, 2025.
If you’re a fan of K-dramas that explore deep emotional connections, first love, and overcoming personal struggles, Motel California should definitely be on your watchlist for 2025.