Lee Se Young is one of the main players in the Korean drama Motel California, which will air in January 2025. Ahead of its release, she revealed the reasons and the character she will play. Motel California is a Korean drama based on the novel Home, Bitter Home by Shim Yoon Seo which was published in 2019.
Carrying the romance genre, this drama tells the story of a woman named Ji Kang Hee (Lee Se Young), who was born and raised in a rural motel called Motel California. After running away from his hometown, he returns home after 12 years and finally reunites with his first love and childhood friend, Cheon Yeon Soo (Na In Woo).
In the series, Lee Se Young plays Ji Kang Hee, an interior designer who faces a difficult life due to her unusual childhood in a rural motel and mixed heritage. Explaining why she chose to join the drama, Lee Se Young said, “After reading the original novel, I felt that this was a story about one person’s life journey, which could bring healing.
I also wanted to explore the character of Kang Hee, a girl who has struggled with self-doubt since she was young,” as quoted from Soompi on December 23, 2024. Reflecting on her past romantic films, Lee Se Young highlighted what makes Motel California unique, “They say that if there is just one person in this world who listens to your story, you can survive.
The romance between Kang Hee and Yeon Soo, who becomes that person for her, is what sets this drama apart.” Lee Se Young described her character, saying, “Kang Hee is someone who is steadfast when facing strong opponents, but shows tenderness towards those who are weak.
She is stubborn, firm in her stance, and doesn’t give up easily. However, she also has a soft side, which I think makes her character so appealing.” Lee Se Young also noted the challenges of playing a mixed-race character. “Because Kang Hee is of mixed-race, there are some aspects of her appearance that require extra attention.”
"I wore colored contact lenses, dyed my hair, and permed it. I also chose various clothes that fit Kang Hee's character for filming," said the 1992-born artist. Lee Se Young highlighted her on-screen chemistry with Na In Woo, who plays Yeon Soo. She described Yeon Soo's charms as her good nature, kind eyes, and strong, righteous beliefs.
He added, “Na In Woo is a calm and collected figure, with a gentle and cheerful personality that always makes him the center of attention on set. Thanks to him, we had a great time filming.” The actress, who debuted in 1997, also praised Choi Min Soo, who plays her father, Ji Chun Pil.
In the series, Kang Hee refers to her father as “Mr. Chun Pil,” and their relationship has a unique dynamic as they each struggle to survive. Lee Se Young said, “Because Kang Hee pushed her father away, it was a shame that I couldn’t work closer with her.
However, just working with her on set made me happy. We got along really well, like a real father and daughter.” The actress who plays Ji Kang Hee shared her hopes for the drama, saying, “I always want to be known as an actress whose appearance makes people curious.”
She added, “The main themes of ‘Motel California’ are ‘human life stories’ and ‘healing.’ I believe viewers will find healing through the characters, who, although imperfect, support and care for each other through sadness and joy.” Meanwhile, Motel California will premiere on January 10, 2025 at 9:50 p.m. KST.
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