‘Motel California’ raises expectations by hinting at the synergy of a powerful lineup of luxury actors.
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 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 fleeing 12 years ago. This drama is based on the popular 2019 novel ‘Home, Bitter Home’ by author Shim Yoon-seo. The ‘trustworthy romance master’ Lee Se-young (playing Ji Kang-hee) and Na In-woo (playing Cheon Yeon-soo), who has captured the hearts of viewers through works like ‘The Red Sleeve’ and ‘The Contract Marriage of Yeolnyeo Park’, are expected to create a ‘first love romance craze’ in the New Year as they portray a first love couple in a 23-year narrative.
In the meantime, the production team of ‘Motel California’ has caught attention by releasing stills of the luxury cast members Woo Mi-hwa (playing Hwang Jeong-goo), Seo Ye-hwa (playing Park Esther), Ji Soo-won (playing Su-ji), Lee Gyu-ho (playing Mr. Kwon), and Oh Seung-ah (playing Oh Seung-ah), who will enhance the drama alongside Lee Se-young and Na In-woo.
First, the members of the interior company ‘Golden Paper’ where Kang-hee works grab attention. Among them, Woo Mi-hwa plays the role of ‘Hwang Jeong-goo’, the CEO of ‘Golden Paper’, who recognizes Kang-hee’s abilities and acts as a life mentor, helping her showcase her talents among the prejudiced employees of a large corporation, despite having no background, education, or connections. Therefore, Woo Mi-hwa’s delicate yet charismatic performance is expected to create a perfect synergy with Lee Se-young.
Additionally, Seo Ye-hwa showcases her cool charm as ‘Park Esther’, a golden spoon character responsible for ‘Park’ at ‘Golden Paper’. Esther is another supporter who recognizes Kang-hee’s abilities and is a childhood friend who refuses an arranged marriage with Kim Seok-gyeong (played by Kim Tae-hyung). Seo Ye-hwa, who has built a solid acting foundation through her work in dramas and theater, is expected to add rich charm to ‘Motel California’.
Meanwhile, attention is also focused on the residents of ‘Hana-eup’, the hometown of Kang-hee and Yeon-soo. Ji Soo-won plays the role of Yeon-soo’s mother, ‘Su-ji’, adding depth to the drama. In the story, Ji Soo-won portrays a careless mother who constantly seeks new love despite failing in marriage repeatedly, often asking her brother Ji Chun-pil (played by Choi Min-soo) and her son Yeon-soo for help. Thus, she delicately fills the narrative of a mother-son relationship that straddles love and hate with Na In-woo, while also captivating viewers with her sibling chemistry with Choi Min-soo. The performance of the ‘seasoned actor’ Ji Soo-won as the top troublemaker of Hana-eup is highly anticipated.
Furthermore, Lee Gyu-ho reveals his presence as the quirky general manager ‘Mr. Kwon’ of Motel California. In the story, Mr. Kwon is a character who silently helps Kang-hee’s father, Chun-pil, protect Motel California, without revealing his past or name. Lee Gyu-ho has shown a unique personality as a scene-stealer in every project he has participated in. His role as a captivating presence in Motel California is drawing attention.
Finally, Oh Seung-ah delivers a short but intense performance as ‘Oh Seung-ah’, the secretary and designer in the interior company ‘Moment’. In particular, Seung-ah harbors negative feelings towards Kang-hee, who is completely different in terms of education and background from other employees, leading to sharp conflicts in the early part of the drama. Therefore, curiosity is heightened regarding Oh Seung-ah’s impactful performance as she stands in opposition to Lee Se-young.
In this regard, the production team of ‘Motel California’ stated, “The performances of luxury actors Woo Mi-hwa, Seo Ye-hwa, Ji Soo-won, Lee Gyu-ho, and Oh Seung-ah, who are reassuring just by their presence, have enriched the drama’s enjoyment. The unique character portrayals, as well as the chemistry with the main cast including Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, are exceptional. Please look forward to the performances of the ‘Motel California’ actors that you won’t be able to take your eyes off of.”
MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama ‘Motel California’ will premiere on January 10 at 9:50 PM.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
