Actor Kim Tae-hyung transforms into a ‘young and rich’ businessman in MBC’s ‘Motel California’, shaking up the first love remodeling of Lee Se-young and Na In-woo.
The new MBC Friday-Saturday drama ‘Motel California’ (written by Lee Seo-yoon, directed by Kim Hyung-min and Lee Jae-jin), which will premiere on January 10, 2025, at 9:50 PM, tells the story of a female protagonist who was born and raised in a motel in the countryside, reuniting with her first love from her hometown after running away 12 years ago, experiencing the ups and downs of a first love remodeling romance. Based on the popular 2019 novel ‘Home, Bitter Home’ by writer Shim Yoon-seo, it features a solid lineup that captures both trust and freshness, including Lee Se-young (as Ji Kang-hee), Na In-woo (as Cheon Yeon-soo), Choi Min-soo (as Ji Chun-pil), Kim Tae-hyung (as Geum Seok-gyeong), and Choi Hee-jin (as Yoon Nan-woo).
In the meantime, the ‘Motel California’ team has caught attention by releasing Kim Tae-hyung’s first stills. In the drama, Kim Tae-hyung plays ‘Geum Seok-gyeong’, the sole heir of the elite hotel and the head of an interior design company promoting the remodeling project of a motel in the rural town of ‘Hana-eup’. Seok-gyeong defies his family, which is pushing for an arranged marriage, and runs away, successfully starting a lodging app on his own. He casts the interior designer Kang-hee (played by Lee Se-young) to kick off the motel remodeling project, and as he challenges his first rural life, he develops feelings for Kang-hee, who possesses both ability and charm, leading to a ‘direct flirting’ approach. This raises curiosity about whether the ‘straightforward man’ Seok-gyeong, who accomplishes whatever he sets his mind to, can win both work and Kang-hee.
The released stills depict Seok-gyeong, a born chaebol, living in the countryside, heightening interest. His luxurious suit and colorful sunglasses, which feel somewhat out of place in the rural village, reveal Seok-gyeong’s identity, sparking curiosity about whether he can adapt to his first rural life and what events will unfold there. Additionally, his warm and affectionate gaze towards Kang-hee is captured, raising anticipation about whether Seok-gyeong’s ‘direct flirting’ can win Kang-hee’s heart, and how his role will unfold in the first love remodeling story between Kang-hee and Yeon-soo (played by Na In-woo).
In response, the production team of ‘Motel California’ stated, “Actor Kim Tae-hyung joins as the born chaebol and ‘young and rich’ Geum Seok-gyeong. Kim Tae-hyung will dive into both work and love with his determination, shaking Lee Se-young’s heart with his contrasting ‘direct’ charm compared to the gentle rural veterinarian, Na In-woo. We ask for your interest in Kim Tae-hyung’s new charm, which will shake not only the rural village but also Lee Se-young’s feelings for her ‘first love’, Na In-woo.”
Meanwhile, MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama ‘Motel California’ will premiere on January 10, 2025, at 9:50 PM.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
