Lee Se Young and Na In Woo will star in the upcoming 12-episode romance drama Motel California, set to air in 2025.
Motel California (planned by Jang Jae-hoon, directed by Jang Jun-ho and Kim Hyeong-min, written by Lee Seo-yoon, produced by HB Entertainment) takes place in a rural motel.
It follows the female protagonist, born and raised in the motel, as she reunites with her first love after returning to her hometown 12 years later. The drama is based on the 2019 novel Home, Bitter Home by Shim Yun-seo.
Lee Se Young will play Ji Kang-hee, who was born in a rural motel and grew up amidst whispers due to her mixed-race background. After leaving her first love and hometown to pursue a career as an interior designer in Seoul, Kang-hee returns 12 years later to face her past and reunite with her first love.
Na In Woo will portray Cheon Yeon-soo, Kang-hee’s first love, a pure-hearted veterinarian admired by the locals. Yeon-soo finds himself conflicted when Kang-hee returns, misunderstanding that he is about to marry another woman.
The drama will be penned by writer Lee Seo-yoon, known for 365: Repeat The Year and Goddess of Fire, and directed by PD Jang Jun-ho, who directed The Game: Towards Zero, Time, and Mother. HB Entertainment, the production company behind SKY Castle and My Love from the Star, will produce the show.
An MBC representative said, “’Motel California’ captures the nostalgia and freshness of first love with a unique story. The combination of reliable actors Lee Se-young and Na In-woo is highly anticipated. Expect a delightful youth romance drama full of excitement.”
Motel California, starring Lee Se Young and Na In Woo, is set to begin production soon and aims for a broadcast release next year.
