Lee Se Young Discusses Bringing Her “Motel California” Character To Life, Collaborating With Na In Woo And Choi Min Soo, And More

Lee Se Young has shared her thoughts on her upcoming drama “Motel California”!

Based on Shim Yoon Seo’s 2019 novel “Home, Bitter Home,” “Motel California” is a romance drama about a woman named Ji Kang Hee (Lee Se Young), who was born and raised in a rural motel called Motel California. After escaping her hometown, she returns home after 12 years and winds up reconnecting with her first love and childhood friend Cheon Yeon Soo (Na In Woo).

Lee Se Young stars as Ji Kang Hee, an interior designer who has faced a tough life due to her unusual upbringing in a country motel and her mixed heritage.

Explaining why she chose to join the drama, Lee Se Young said, “After reading the original novel, I felt it was a story about people’s journey in life, one that could bring healing. I also wanted to explore the character of Kang Hee, a girl who has struggled with self-doubt since she was young.” Reflecting on her past romantic hits, Lee Se Young highlighted what makes “Motel California” unique: “They say that if there’s just one person in the world who listens to your story, you can survive. The romance between Kang Hee and Yeon Soo, who becomes that person for her, is what sets this show apart.”

Lee Se Young described her character, saying, “Kang Hee is someone who stands her ground against powerful opponents but shows tenderness to those who are vulnerable. She is stubborn, opinionated, and doesn’t easily give up. Yet, she also has a delicate side, which I think is what makes her character so appealing.”

Lee Se Young also noted the challenges of playing a character of mixed heritage. “Because Kang Hee is of mixed heritage, there were aspects of her appearance that required extra attention. I wore colored contact lenses, dyed my hair, and got a perm. I also selected various outfits to match Kang Hee’s character for filming.”

Lee Se Young highlighted her on-screen chemistry with Na In Woo, who plays Yeon Soo. Lee Se Young described Yeon Soo’s charm as his good nature, kind eyes, and strong, righteous beliefs. She added, “Na In Woo is calm and composed, with a gentle and cheerful personality that always makes him the center on set. Thanks to him, we’re having a great time filming.”

Lee Se Young also spoke fondly of Choi Min Soo, who plays her father Ji Chun Pil. In the series, Kang Hee refers to her father as “Mr. Chun Pil,” and their relationship features a unique dynamic as they each struggle to survive. Lee Se Young said, “Since Kang Hee pushes her father away, it’s a pity I don’t get to work more closely with him. But just working together with him on set makes me happy. We’re getting along really well, like a real father and daughter.”

Lee Se Young shared her hopes for the drama, saying, “I always want to be known as an actress whose performances people are curious about.” She added, “The key themes of ‘Motel California’ are the ‘story of human life’ and ‘healing.’ I believe viewers will find healing through the characters, who, despite their imperfections, support and care for each other while facing both sadness and joy.”

“Motel California” is set to premiere on January 10 at 9:50 p.m. KST. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, watch Lee Se Young in “What Comes After Love” below:

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