Lee Se-young and Na In-woo to Star in MBC’s 2025 Romantic Drama ‘Motel California’

‘Motel California’ (planned by Jang Jae-hoon, directed by Jang Joon-ho/Kim Hyung-min, written by Lee Seo-yoon, produced by HB Entertainment) is a romance drama set in a countryside motel. It follows the female protagonist, who was born and raised in the motel, as she reunites with her first love after fleeing her hometown 12 years ago. The drama is based on the 2019 novel ‘Home, Bitter Home’ by writer Sim Yoon-seo.

Lee Se-young, confirmed to play the role of the main character ‘Ji Kang-hee,’ has established herself as a ‘trustworthy actress’ with impressive performances that consistently drive high ratings. She will portray Kang-hee, who was born and raised in the countryside motel ‘Motel California.’ Kang-hee grew up under unusual circumstances, being a mixed-race child of a meddlesome father who ran the motel and a mother from a different country. She harbors inner wounds from growing up under people’s gossip. She loved her hometown friend ‘Chun Yeon-soo,’ but on New Year’s Day when she turned twenty, she left everything behind and moved to Seoul, where she became an interior designer. After 12 years away, she returns to ‘Motel California’ at a critical career moment and reunites with her first love, Chun Yeon-soo.

Na In-woo, cast as ‘Chun Yeon-soo,’ the man who falls in love with Kang-hee, is known for his solid acting, tall stature, and charm in variety shows. Yeon-soo is a pure-hearted man who loves only one woman throughout his life and is a veterinarian attracting the attention of all the village farmers. To escape the matchmaking efforts of the farmers, he lets a false rumor spread that he is set to marry a fellow veterinarian. His life turns upside down when his long-lost first love Kang-hee reappears after 12 years, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.

The script is penned by Lee Seo-yoon, known for dramas like ‘365: Repeat the Year’ and ‘Goddess of Fire.’ The direction will be handled by Jang Joon-ho, who directed ‘The Game: Towards Zero,’ ‘Time,’ and ‘Mother,’ along with Kim Hyung-min, who directed ‘Love Scene Number#.’ HB Entertainment, known for producing ‘The Man Who Can’t Get Married,’ ‘SKY Castle,’ and ‘My Love from the Star,’ will produce the drama, promising a high-quality production.

An MBC drama official stated, “‘Motel California’ encapsulates the nostalgia and freshness of first love in a delightful and twist-filled story. The fresh combination of the reliable actors Lee Se-young and Na In-woo is highly anticipated. Expect a delightful and exciting youth romance drama.”

Lee Se-young and Na In-woo’s first love remodeling romance drama ‘Motel California’ is set to begin production with the goal of broadcasting next year.