Anticipation is high for MBC’s upcoming Friday-Saturday drama Motel California, set to premiere in just eight days. The series tells the story of a woman who was born and raised in a countryside motel and returns to her hometown after 12 years, where she reunites with her first love. Based on the popular 2019 novel Home, Bitter Home by Shim Yoon-seo, this is a “first love remodeling” romance drama that explores growth, love, and healing.
The series boasts a fresh cast, including Lee Se-young, Na In-woo, Choi Min-soo, Kim Tae-hyung, and Choi Hee-jin, adding to its appeal.
Lee Se-young plays Ji Kang-hee, an interior designer who had a challenging upbringing as a biracial child in a small-town motel. Returning to Hana-eup, she encounters her first love again and faces both personal growth and romantic awakening.
Na In-woo portrays Chun Yeon-soo, Kang-hee’s first love and a large-animal veterinarian in Hana-eup. Yeon-soo, a pure-hearted man who has always loved only one person, undergoes significant changes in his life after reuniting with Kang-hee.
Choi Min-soo takes on the role of Ji Chun-pil, Kang-hee’s father and the free-spirited owner of Motel California. A romantic at heart, Chun-pil has transformed the motel into a unique and quirky space.
Kim Tae-hyung plays Geum Seok-kyung, a wealthy young entrepreneur who partners with Kang-hee on the motel remodeling project. Choi Hee-jin stars as Yoon Nan-woo, a junior veterinarian involved in a marriage scandal with Yeon-soo, adding tension to the story.
Character posters released on December 2 have drawn attention for their unique representation of each role. Kang-hee’s freckled face and mysterious gaze stand out, accompanied by the line, “I wish my first was you. The first is always the purest,” reflecting her heartfelt emotions.
Yeon-soo is depicted standing alone on a snowy rooftop, with the line, “You’re my first. That’s why I’ll wait,” emphasizing his devoted personality. Their love story after reuniting promises to be compelling.
Chun-pil’s poster shows him in a Christmas-decorated motel lobby, exuding warmth with the line, “When people are tired and sleepy, they go to a motel. Why? Because they need to rest comfortably.”
Seok-kyung appears polished in a sleek suit and sunglasses, delivering the confident line, “You’re the first woman to treat me like this (almost said it).” Meanwhile, Nan-woo’s innocent charm shines through as she asks, “Yeon-soo, what are you doing for Christmas?” hinting at her role in shaking up his emotions.
Set against the backdrop of Hana-eup, Motel California weaves together the stories of characters with unique charms. The drama will explore their growth and the evolving dynamics of their relationships, making these key elements the focal points for viewers.
MBC’s Motel California premieres on December 10.
