Difference between revisions of "Motel California"

Latest revision as of 09:30, 30 December 2025

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Drama: Motel California
Revised romanization: Motel California
Hangul: 모텔 캘리포니아
Director: Jang Joon-Ho, Kim Hyung-Min
Writer: Sim Yoon-Seo (novel), Lee Seo-Yoon
Network: MBC
Episodes: 12
Release Date: January 10 - February 15, 2025
Runtime: Friday & Saturday 21:50
Genre: Romance
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Ji Gang-Hee (Lee Se-Young) grew up at Motel California, because her father ran the motel in her rural hometown village. Her mother also came from a mixed-raced background. Due to Ji Gang-Hee's unusual family background, she was the object of whispers and gossip by the local residents. Ji Gang-Hee carried a deep wound in her heart from that time. She liked her childhood friend Chun Yeon-Soo (Na In-Woo), who was her first love, but, when she turned 20, she left her hometown and moved to Seoul. 12 years later, she works as an interior designer and is reaching the apex of her career, but, for some reason, she decides to return to her hometown. She reunites with her first love Chun Yeon-Soo.

Chun Yeon-Soo works as a veterinarian in the village. The only woman he has loved is Ji Gang-Hee, but he has received a lot of attention from the farmers who are eager to introduce him to their daughters. In order to avoid these kind of uncomfortable situations, he doesn't clarify the rumor that he is going to marry a fellow veterinarian. His first love Ji Gang-Hee appears again after 12 years.

Notes

"Motel California" takes over MBC's Fri & Sat 21:50 time slot previously occupied by "When The Phone Rings" and followed by "Undercover High School" on February 21, 2025.
Based on novel "Home, Bitter Home" by Sim Yoon-Seo (published November 19, 2019 by Gaha).

Cast



Lee Se-Young	Na In-Woo	Choi Min-Soo	Kim Tae-Hyeong	Choi Hee-Jin
Ji Gang-Hee	Chun Yeon-Soo	Ji Chun-Pil	Geum Seok-Gyeong	Yoon Nan-Woo

Golden Gilt Studio Executives



Seo Ye-Hwa	Woo Mi-Hwa
Esther Park	Hwang Jeong-Gu

"Gang"sters



Koo Ja-Sung	Jung Yong-Ju	Lee So-E
Cha Seung-Eon	Ryu Han-Woo	Han A-Reum



Oh Eun-Seo	Lee Su-Ho	Kim Hee-Seong	Choi E-Jun	Lee A-Rin
Ji Gang-Hee (child)	Chun Yeon-Soo (child)	Cha Seung-Eon (child)	Ryu Han-Woo (child)	Han A-Reum (child)

Chun Yeon-Soo's Family



Ji Su-Won	Kim Jung-Tae	Oh Chang-Suk	Yeo Mu-Yeong
Park Soo-Ji	Park Soo-Ji's husband	Chun Yeon-Soo's dad	Chun Yeon-Soo's granddad

Ji Gang-Hee & Ji Chun-Pil's Family

Adriana Maria Duello

Mia Kim Taylor

Hana Town



Lee Kyu-Ho	Moon Kyung-Min	Roh Yoon-Jeong	Park Yong	Yu Seung-Il
Mr. Kwon	Ryu Deok-Gu	Bae Shin-Ja	Kim Soo-Nam	farmer



Kim Jin-Ok	Na Ho-Won	Ko Kyung-Man	Lee Chang-Won	Yang Ha-Yoon
resident	resident	Soo-Ji's neighbor (ep.3)	police officer (ep.3)	teacher (ep.4)

Hana Town Alumni



Yoon Seung-Woo	Ma Hyun-Jin	Lee So-Geum	Lee Rang-Seo	Jung Hyun-Ji
Kim Heon-Yeol	Kim Yong-Soo	Choi Min-Gu	Jo Jin-A	Noh In-Sook

Yoo Jeong-Ha

Kim Heon-Yeol's friend

Moment



Jo Sang-Ki	Oh Seung-A	Kim So-Yang
Mr. Mok	Secretary Oh	employee

Golden Gilt Studio Employees



Bae Sung-Il	Ko Byung-Taek	Park Jin-Young	Jang Yoon-Woo
construction worker	construction worker	employee (ep.9)	employee (ep.9)

Others



Go Yoon	Sun Woo Jae Duk
Victor	Lee Mok-Won



Choi Gyo-Sik	Park Kyu-Beom	Je Seung-Hyun	Jang Jae-Kwon	Lee Eun-Ju
construction worker (ep.1)	construction worker (ep.1)	Esther Park's friend (ep.2)	convenience store owner (ep.2)	patient's wife (ep.9)



Park Se-Ryeon	Song Kyung-Eui	Ji Sung-Geun	Cha Sang-Mi	Jung Sung-Min
Min-Jung (ep.10)	doctor (ep.11)	real estate buyer (ep.12)	realtor (ep.12)	blind date (ep.12)

Additional Cast Members:

Kang Myoung-Soo - bus driver (ep.1-2)
Jang Eun-Seo - Golden Gilt Studio employee (ep.3)
Song Kyung-A - woman fighting (past) (ep.5)
Byeon Chang-Yeol - laborer (ep.5)
Han Myung-Chul - shop owner (ep.6)
Park Gwi-Soon - monk (ep.9)
Jang Dae-Woong - patient (ep.9)

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Date	Episode	AGB
Date	Episode	Nationwide	Seoul
2025-01-10	1	4.5% (15th)	4.5%
2025-01-11	2	3.8% (14th)	3.6%
2025-01-17	3	5.2% (12th)	5.0%
2025-01-18	4	3.6% (20th)	3.5%
2025-01-24	5	4.7% (12th)	-
2025-01-25	6	3.4% (18th)	3.5%
2025-01-31	7	6.0% (10th)	6.1%
2025-02-01	8	3.4% (20th)	3.2%
2025-02-07	9	4.2% (17th)	4.6%
2025-02-08	10	3.5% (22th)	3.7%
2025-02-14	11	3.7% (16th)	3.8%
2025-02-15	12	5.9% (6th)	5.9%

Source: AGB Nielson

Awards

2025 MBC Drama Awards - December 30, 2025
- Best Acting Award (Lee Se-Young)
- Excellent Actor (Na In-Woo)

Comments

country bumpkin Sep 14 2025 3:35 pm what is the name of that town FL grew up? bigotville?

Russell Jun 20 2025 6:09 am The best part of this drama was the acting. The worst part was the script. Maybe since the novelist wrote her own screenplay for the story she might have struggled with the flow of the story for the screen. It wouldn't be the first time a novel is more satisfying to read than a screen version. And it no doubt won't be the last time, either.

Cathy May 06 2025 3:18 pm I don't love this story. The fact that a whole town dislikes and abuses a girl from childhood to adulthood doesn't make sense. The directors have the lead female depressed and angry most of the time, and that actress didn't deserve it. She is excellent and super funny. All of the actors are great. The story is not.

eeyao Mar 28 2025 10:31 pm i wanted to like this drama but i dropped it after the 4th episode, the plot was antiquated and messy. i love Lee Seyoung though, i had just watched What Comes After Love and was amazed at how well she committed to Kang Hee here that i forgot about Hong. i think her chemistry here with the man who plays her father, Choi Minsoo, is the best thing about this show. she's also extremely beautiful with her hair and eye-color that it's a bit distracting lol

Chris Mar 25 2025 8:04 pm It started ok and then it just died. The ending made no sense. I want my life back for all the minutes wasted watching. I’m a fan of the actors but it just didn’t do the shows potential justice. It was a poor man’s What Comes after Love. That show was so beautifully done and performed.

Boo Mar 11 2025 4:30 pm I liked it from the beginning, it had a potential, but as I kept watching around episode 8 I felt like the writers in order to fiy everything in the plot they couldn't finish some background stories.

Like they jump from one story to another without giving us anymore details. I'm in episode 9 and they left us wondering what happened to poor Esther and Kang hee suddenly is back to her village like nothing happened in Seoul. I don't know if I will finish it, it's giving me a headache already.

JGH Feb 26 2025 10:23 am Plot is jumpy. Neverending push and pull between main leads. I feel better chemsitry between Gang Hee and Seok Gyeong. Hard to understand the background story since it is very jumpy. It looks promising from the synopsis but…..

Meowster Feb 21 2025 4:24 am It's the same scenario every episode... push and pull of the leads same thing over and over again. Could have been 6 episodes

wede Feb 17 2025 10:55 pm finished this drama, despite not knowing how i got through it. probably because of Lee Se-Young's superb acting - she truly is the life of the show! Too bad there is little chemistry between her and Na In-Woo (who, frankly, is poor in this drama)

May_Denmark Feb 17 2025 6:33 am I absolutely loved this drama - great acting - not only the FL & ML (loved them both) - but also the rest of the cast As the story progressed - I really wanted to know the whole story, couldn't wait for the next episode - and I really think, we got all the answers in the end. Maybe the last episode became a little to "sweetie pie" - but loved it anyway.

Ahjummalovesdrama Feb 16 2025 10:47 pm Regadless to kang hee's childhood wound and trauma , i think the FL is so annoying,, like she had no bravery to face her insecurities and also being so selfish. In fact that when she was a child she's so brave and she can stand for herself and her friends. I know people change when they grow up older but in this drama, the FL is so annoying toward the the ML. Healed from trauma is hard and in this drama the FL didn't show her efforts to heal herself and fix the gossips about her. I agree with @Jade, @Mona and @Dee. This drama kinda boring because the story is so slow with the similar plot each episode, not to mention the FL too fickle about her feeling to ML, and the ML character is also too weak. Like he can't move on from the past and let go the FL. But despite of those reason, i still watch this drama although take a long time to finish it, because i watch in on and off.

Gb Feb 11 2025 9:16 am Seems like not interested anymore. It gets boring repeating situations.

Chey Feb 04 2025 8:11 am This is going to be one of The Best Kdrama for 2025! ?? And I've got a new anthem of late: How Can I Forget You by Kang Asol ??

I'm gonna miss this whole cast!!!

Jeng Feb 02 2025 10:49 pm It’s getting boring. The storyline is so slow and the FL gets more annoying each episodes. I don’t see why it’s has a high rating will in fact it’s so draggy. I’m not finishing this instead I’m finished with this boring drama. Not recommended though it has good cast but definitely the storyline is rubbish sorry to say?✌️

Jade Feb 02 2025 3:08 pm I’m getting off this merry-go-round. The same thing happens every episode, she pushes him away at the beginning of the episode,He tries to ignore her throughout the episode and she won’t let him. Then they are making out or hugging by the end of the episode. Next episode, she “breaks up” with him again and around and around we go. Complete waste of time. Won’t be finishing this one.

Diandra Feb 01 2025 12:42 pm People will easily hating on kang hee character just because she keep go back and fort on her feeling to yeon soo,but try to look at her from different angle,she was harshly judge and becoming a bully victim when she was little girl,with her dad issues and yoen soo mother issue it's not easy to be her,she loves him but she doesn't want to be selfish because when she ask yeon soo to follow her to Seoul he will definitely do. She feel guilty because from what she's heard yeon soo father die because of her mother and she can't forgive yeon soo mother because what happened to her brother and her mother.. She hates the whole town at the same time yeon soo it's her safe Haven, having yeon soo around it means she will face all judgment again but losing him it's a hell for her. The hardest battle it's always against yourself and that's what motel California it's all about.

mett Jan 31 2025 10:11 am I hope in the end they are really happy with their own family. I hope they were ended up separated. this is the best ending to educate people about toxic relationship

Mona Jan 28 2025 1:42 pm I stopped watching this drama super slow and boring and so many flashbacks. I don’t care too much for LA, she is so annoying in this show with her insecurities of not accepting her true feelings and kept rejecting him, the lead male actor still stacked in the past and his love for her is aun obsession after so many rejection this guy is has no cojones to move on, such a weak character, I do not like to see this type of love relationship, it was just so boring and sickening to watch more episodes about flashback and nothing going on in the present or future

Andie Jan 28 2025 2:50 am I stayed because of the casts. too bad FL's character is annoyingly stubborn and selfish, while ML is too naive..i made a lot of skips, maybe i'll come back in the final episode.

Michael Jan 24 2025 2:35 pm Motel california My best k drama 2025!!!!!

Dee Jan 22 2025 7:54 am I want to like the FL but she keeps on stringing the ML along for quite some time. Then she gets jealous when he is close to other girl. Quite draggy. I just wat it because of Na In Woo

mimi22 Jan 21 2025 2:38 am i like that the story brings unique kinds of insecurity from each main character. what i’m afraid of is, with just 4 episodes, it already has a bit of a predictable vibe, where we already know they’ll still end up together… looking for that twist in the story… something that wouldn’t be so dragging towards the end.

Amalia Fp Jan 20 2025 8:09 am Besttt on going. This drama vibes look like Samdal Ri. I love Director Hwang so much. I love her character.

Loving jt Jan 20 2025 5:17 am I am loving this. The storyline seems kinda fresh and unique I like how badass female lead is.

Terri Beth Sims Jan 19 2025 9:43 pm I want to like this one, but so far, the lack of chemistry between the leads is dragging the pacing down.

E Johnson Jan 19 2025 3:43 pm 4 episodes in. I loved Lee Se-Young in Korean Odyssey & The Law Cafe. Maybe her acting is just TOO good, ? bcz main female character here is unsympathetic & unlikeable. I get that she has childhood trama. Childhood trauma is not uncommon. Childhood trauma isn't an excuse to be this dismissive & a jerk to the people who love you the most in the world. And then somehow we're supposed to feel bad for her because she's jealous that the male lead actually found someone who cares about him? Might hate watch from here lol

Concetta Jan 14 2025 4:36 pm I wasn't sure about this one from the synopsis, but took a chance and glad I did. The first episode was a bit chaotic, going from one age to another, but ended up getting me interested and kept me watching. I finished 2nd episode, and want to know what direction the writer's are taking this in, part coming of age, part revenge, part bittersweet love story. So far, the chemistry between the 2 main leads is palpable. Looking forward to the next episodes.

NB Jan 12 2025 3:11 pm There is something Koreans do a lot in dramas which I dislike passionately. Her refusing to be paid for her designs because “pride is more valuable” is Dumb.And terribly misguided.Know your worth even if others don’t validate it for you!!!! Ugh!! I need to get over that scene before I enjoy this drama.

Nimi Jan 12 2025 1:26 pm I think I’m going to like this one. I like how the girl stands up for herself

Gyubin Fanpage Jan 11 2025 11:53 pm I’m in love with the OST near the end of episode 2. She sang so well!

ravemotion Jan 11 2025 2:28 pm half way through EP2 did i notice a familiar face - So-E from Singles Inferno!

Lorena Jan 11 2025 10:38 am Just watched episode 1. It was so good! I can't wait to see the next episode!

Cyn Jan 11 2025 1:45 am Does anyone know the song at the end of episode 1? Thanks

Joe Jan 10 2025 10:23 pm @ Kaddicted

Mixed raced people were often referred to as "Twigi" when I lived in Seoul a few decades ago, not sure if they're still called that. Twigi is basically fried side dish mixed with a various ingredients such as vegies and meat so it's not a term of endearment.

Kaddicted Jan 10 2025 3:32 pm I love the entire concept of this drama, this is an issue that has great bearing on society and it hopefully shakes prejudices. Apart from the fact the leads are some of my favourites, I am totally looking forward to it. Already episode 1 doesn't disappoint. Bring it on!

holy Jan 10 2025 1:24 pm Omgggg I'm totally hooked and can't wait to see the other episode! Lee Seyoung the best actress you are

winter Jan 03 2025 12:33 pm Oh so this is gonna replace When The Phone Rings? I'm a fan of both main leads. Hope this will be a good one.

Im bored to the core you know Dec 31 2024 1:35 am Just like 'welcome to samdalri' Another 'come home' drama...Boringggggggggg!

Satto Dec 24 2024 8:17 am I just recently saw the photoshoot for Elle. I'm fascinated by their chemistry, Seyoung and Na InWoo make a beautiful couple. Like their height difference??

Shishi Dec 24 2024 8:09 am Lee seyoung is going to wow us again with her versatility. I can't wait for her to play a girl of mixed race. Each of her roles is unique

Jillibean Dec 23 2024 4:26 am Sounds rather poetic and nostalgic so I am bound to like it. Lee Se Young picks excellent dramas. Recently finished her What Comes After Love and just adored it. It was my favorite drama aired in 2024. On to 2025 soon and I hope to see more dramas just as excellent as that one.

Iwanz Dec 20 2024 9:19 pm Another 12 episodes drama. Kdrama is becoming shorter and shorter just like Japanese drama. No character development, less impactful story

Whocares Dec 19 2024 10:34 pm Those who comment about this plot being similar to WTS seem delusional, like they're not the pioneer for this theme, so stop mentioning that mediocre drama lol

yranaxia Dec 11 2024 12:43 am They do sound similar but this is based on novel written in 2019 ahead of samdalri... So just wait a bit and watch first before dropping any harsh comment.

Kdfan Dec 05 2024 1:02 pm These going back to the village dramas are all sooo boringgggg zzzz

Somin Jun 30 2024 6:12 pm Story is very similar to Welcome to Samdal-ri.

Greenata Jun 27 2024 8:09 am It reminds me also of forcasting love and weather drama

Aimen Jun 23 2024 10:48 am Assa, we getting Na Inwoo

Waww Jun 23 2024 10:16 am finally welcome to samdalri vibes againn...

Taree Jun 15 2024 11:29 am So it's basically Welcome to Samdalri and every other Hallmark movie. Anyway I'm still looking forward to it, glad Na In-Woo is getting recognition, and I'll watch whatever Lee Se-Young is in.

Dini Jun 12 2024 8:53 pm The plot kinda reminds me of Welcome to Samdalri

External Links

Official Website

@@ Line 57: / Line 57: @@
 ==="Gang"sters===
 {{CastPictures3
-|1picture=File:Motel California-Koo Ja-Sung.jpg
+|1picture=File:Motel California-Koo Ja-Sung1.jpg
 |1name=Koo Ja-Sung
 |1charactername=Cha Seung-Eon
@@ Line 74: / Line 74: @@
 |2name=Lee Su-Ho (2017){{!}}Lee Su-Ho
 |2charactername=Chun Yeon-Soo (child)
-|3picture=File:Motel California-Kim Hee-Seong1.jpeg
+|3picture=File:Motel California-Kim Hee Seong01.jpg
 |3name=Kim Hee-Seong (2017){{!}}Kim Hee-Seong
 |3charactername=Cha Seung-Eon (child)
@@ Line 105: / Line 105: @@
 |1picture=File:Motel California-Adriana Duello.jpg
 |1name=Adriana Maria Duello
-|1charactername=Ji Gang-Hee's mom
+|1charactername=Mia Kim Taylor
 }}
@@ Line 143: / Line 143: @@
 ===Hana Town Alumni===
-{{CastPictures5
+{{CastPictures6-5
-|1picture=File:Motel California-Yoon Seung-Woo.jpg
+|1picture=File:Motel California-Yoon Seung Woo.jpg
 |1name=Yoon Seung-Woo (1990){{!}}Yoon Seung-Woo
 |1charactername=Kim Heon-Yeol
@@ Line 150: / Line 150: @@
 |2name=Ma Hyun-Jin (1985){{!}}Ma Hyun-Jin
 |2charactername=Kim Yong-Soo
-|3picture=File:Motel California-Lee So-Geum1.jpg
+|3picture=File:Motel California-Lee So Geum.jpg
 |3name=Lee So-Geum (1989){{!}}Lee So-Geum
 |3charactername=Choi Min-Gu
-|4picture=File:Motel California-Lee Rang-Seo.jpg
+|4picture=File:Motel California-Lee Rang-Seo1.jpg
 |4name=Lee Rang-Seo (1994){{!}}Lee Rang-Seo
 |4charactername=Jo Jin-A
@@ Line 159: / Line 159: @@
 |5name=Jung Hyun-Ji (1998){{!}}Jung Hyun-Ji
 |5charactername=Noh In-Sook
+|6picture=File:Motel California-Yoo Jeong-Ha.jpg
+|6name=Yoo Jeong-Ha (1992){{!}}Yoo Jeong-Ha
+|6charactername=Kim Heon-Yeol's friend
 }}
@@ Line 191: / Line 194: @@
 ===Others===
-{{CastPictures1
+{{CastPictures2
 |1picture=File:Motel California-Go Yoon.jpeg
 |1name=Go Yoon
-|1charactername=Victor (ep.1,9)
+|1charactername=Victor
+|2picture=File:Motel California-Sun Woo Jae Duk.jpg
+|2name=Sun Woo Jae Duk
+|2charactername=Lee Mok-Won
 }}
-{{CastPictures6-5
+{{CastPictures10
 |1picture=File:Motel California-Choi Gyo-Sik.jpeg
 |1name=Choi Gyo-Sik
@@ Line 212: / Line 218: @@
 |5name=Lee Eun-Ju (1968){{!}}Lee Eun-Ju
 |5charactername=patient's wife (ep.9)
-|6picture=File:Motel California-Sun Woo Jae Duk.jpg
+|6picture=File:Motel California-Park Se-Ryeon.jpg
-|6name=Sun Woo Jae Duk
+|6name=Park Se-Ryeon (actress){{!}}Park Se-Ryeon
-|6charactername=Lee Mok-Won (ep.9-10)
+|6charactername=Min-Jung (ep.10)
+|7picture=File:Motel California-Song Kyung-Eui.jpg
+|7name=Song Kyung-Eui (1967){{!}}Song Kyung-Eui
+|7charactername=doctor (ep.11)
+|8picture=File:Motel California-Ji Sung-Geun.jpg
+|8name=Ji Sung-Geun (1969){{!}}Ji Sung-Geun
+|8charactername=real estate buyer (ep.12)
+|9picture=File:Motel California-Cha Sang-Mi1.jpg
+|9name=Cha Sang-Mi (1971){{!}}Cha Sang-Mi
+|9charactername=realtor (ep.12)
+|10picture=File:Motel California-Jung Sung Min.jpg
+|10name=Jung Sung-Min (1986){{!}}Jung Sung-Min
+|10charactername=blind date (ep.12)
 }}
 '''Additional Cast Members:'''
+* [[Kang Myoung-Soo (1975)|Kang Myoung-Soo]] - bus driver (ep.1-2)
 * [[Jang Eun-Seo (1989)|Jang Eun-Seo]] - Golden Gilt Studio employee (ep.3)
 * [[Song Kyung-A (actress)|Song Kyung-A]] - woman fighting (past) (ep.5)
+* [[Byeon Chang-Yeol (1974)|Byeon Chang-Yeol]] - laborer (ep.5)
 * [[Han Myung-Chul (1966)|Han Myung-Chul]] - shop owner (ep.6)
 * [[Park Gwi-Soon (1971)|Park Gwi-Soon]] - monk (ep.9)
@@ Line 261: / Line 281: @@
 Source: [http://www.agbnielsen.co.kr/ AGB Nielson]
+==Awards==
+* [[2025 MBC Drama Awards]] - December 30, 2025
+** '''Best Acting Award''' ([[Lee Se-Young]])
+** '''Excellent Actor''' ([[Na In-Woo (1994)|Na In-Woo]])
 ==Comments==

Difference between revisions of "Motel California"

Latest revision as of 09:30, 30 December 2025

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

Golden Gilt Studio Executives

"Gang"sters

Chun Yeon-Soo's Family

Ji Gang-Hee & Ji Chun-Pil's Family

Hana Town

Hana Town Alumni

Moment

Golden Gilt Studio Employees

Others

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Awards

Comments

Leave a Comment

Comments

External Links