The main poster for MBC’s highly anticipated Friday-Saturday drama, Motel California, has been unveiled, showcasing a poignant rooftop moment between lead actors Lee Se Young and Na In Woo.
This two-shot captures the tender nostalgia of first love, stirring emotions that may have been buried deep in the hearts of viewers.
Planned by Jang Jae-hoon, directed by Kim Hyung-min and Lee Jae-jin, and written by Lee Seo-yoon, Motel California is a first-love “remodeling” romance based on the beloved 2019 novel Home, Bitter Home by Sim Yoon-seo.
The story revolves around Ji Kang-hee (Lee Se Young), an interior designer shaped by a challenging life, and Chun Yeon-soo (Na In Woo), a veterinarian whose world shifts when he reconnects with Kang-hee—his first love—after a 12-year separation.
Kang-hee, who was born and raised in a small-town motel, returns to her rural hometown of Hana-eup, the place she fled over a decade ago. Her unexpected reunion with Yeon-soo sparks a wave of unresolved feelings, rekindling their shared past and leaving audiences eager to see if they can rebuild the love they once shared.
The poster, released on December 13, features the pair sitting side by side on the rooftop railing of Motel California. Though physically close, their gazes point in different directions, symbolizing the emotional distance and time that has come between them. This bittersweet image captures the essence of two people who yearned for each other more than anyone but were separated by life’s circumstances. The palpable tension between them—simultaneously intimate and distant—leaves viewers intrigued about their journey and whether they can restore the spark of their fresh, thrilling first love.
Adding to the atmosphere, the faded neon sign of Motel California evokes a sense of both charm and melancholy, reminiscent of an off-road stop in California rather than a typical rural motel. The motel, which holds a special yet painful significance for Kang-hee as her childhood home, becomes a character of its own in the drama. It is a site of deep personal wounds and lingering memories, and its connection to Kang-hee’s return raises questions about the revelations and challenges awaiting her there.
As Motel California gears up for its premiere on January 10, 2025, at 9:50 PM KST, excitement builds around the chemistry between Lee Se-young and Na In-woo. Known for their compelling performances, the two are expected to bring a heartfelt depth to their roles, making this drama a must-watch for fans of romance and emotional storytelling.
Stay tuned for the unveiling of the layered narrative behind Motel California—a story of love, loss, and the courage to rediscover one’s past.
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