lee Se-young Shines as the ‘Regret Heroine’ in MBC’s ‘Motel California’
The latest episode of MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama Motel California has left viewers emotionally stirred, with Lee Se-young delivering a heart-wrenching performance as Kang-hee, the ”regret heroine” of the series. The fourth episode, which aired on January 18, 2025, saw Kang-hee grappling with unresolved feelings for her first love, Yeon-soo (played by na In-woo), while navigating a bittersweet reunion in her hometown of Hana-eup.
The episode opened with kang-hee learning about Yeon-soo’s impending marriage to Nan-woo (Choi Hee-jin) from her best friend, Areum (Lee so-yi).Overwhelmed by jealousy and regret, Kang-hee dreamt of a cold Yeon-soo and a “fox-like bride,” a nightmare that spurred her to return to Hana-eup. Determined to uncover the truth about Yeon-soo’s fiancée, Kang-hee took on the role of site manager for the Hana-eup Boomerang Motel Remodeling Project, a task she had initially refused.
Upon arriving in Hana-eup, Kang-hee was met with an unexpected twist: the project’s client was none other than her estranged father, Chun-pil (Choi minsu). Despite initial tension, Chun-pil was moved by Kang-hee’s proposal, which mirrored the “dream motel” they had envisioned together years ago.This emotional connection led Chun-pil to support Kang-hee’s plans, setting the stage for a heartfelt father-daughter reconciliation.
The drama reached its emotional peak when Kang-hee encountered Yeon-soo and Nan-woo during a driving lesson. Witnessing Yeon-soo’s care for Nan-woo, Kang-hee instinctively realized that Nan-woo was Yeon-soo’s fiancée. Their brief exchange was laden with unspoken emotions, as Kang-hee tried to maintain distance, telling Yeon-soo, “I will just do my work quietly and go back home without anyone knowing. So don’t spread rumors.”
The scene where Kang-hee and Yeon-soo recalled their last Christmas together, when they declared their “first love, The And,” was notably poignant. This moment of shared nostalgia underscored the depth of their past connection, leaving viewers yearning for what could have been.
Seok-kyung (Kim Tae-hyung), who observed Kang-hee’s emotional turmoil, pieced together the significance of Yeon-soo in her life. Kang-hee confessed, “Yeon-su was not my first love, but my savior,” revealing how Yeon-soo had protected her as childhood and shaped the person she had become.
The episode’s emotional resonance was reflected in its viewership ratings, which soared to a peak of 5.3% during the final scene where Kang-hee and Yeon-soo shared a tearful reunion. Nationwide,the episode recorded a 3.6% rating, with 3.5% in the metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea.
Key Highlights of Episode 4
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Viewership Ratings | 3.6% nationwide, 3.5% in the metropolitan area, peaking at 5.3% |
| Emotional Climax | Kang-hee and Yeon-soo’s tearful reunion and shared nostalgia |
| Plot Twist | Kang-hee’s estranged father, Chun-pil, is revealed as the project client |
| Character Insight | Kang-hee reveals Yeon-soo’s role as her “savior” since childhood |
Lee Se-young’s portrayal of Kang-hee continues to captivate audiences, blending vulnerability with strength as she navigates the complexities of love, regret, and second chances. As Motel California unfolds, viewers are left eagerly anticipating how Kang-hee’s journey will evolve, especially with the looming presence of Yeon-soo and her unresolved past.
for more insights into Lee Se-young’s role and the making of Motel California, check out this exclusive interview where she discusses her character’s depth and the challenges of bringing Kang-hee to life.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Motel California, airing this Friday on MBC, as Kang-hee’s story promises to delve even deeper into the intricacies of love, loss, and redemption.nKang-hee and Yeon-su’s Emotional Rollercoaster in ‘Motel California’ Leaves Viewers on Edge
The MBC drama Motel California continues to tug at heartstrings as Kang-hee and yeon-su navigate a whirlwind of emotions in their hometown of Hana-eup. The latest episodes have unveiled a complex web of jealousy, unresolved feelings, and bittersweet memories, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next twist in this first-love romance.
A Love Triangle (or square?) Unfolds
Kang-hee’s return to hana-eup has stirred up more than just nostalgia. Despite her attempts to keep a low profile, rumors about her presence spread like wildfire among the villagers. When Areum,a member of the Kanghee Family,tried to quell the gossip by claiming Kang-hee was dating Seok-kyung,the “heir to the hotel,” it only fueled more speculation. The whispers eventually reached Yeon-su, who found herself unsettled by the rumors surrounding Seok-kyung, portrayed as a mysterious “man in the shadows.”
Though, Yeon-su’s curiosity about Kang-hee’s love life led her to the animal hospital, where she encountered Nan-woo, a charming and affectionate figure who seemed to embody everything Kang-hee once was. Kang-hee, unable to hide her jealousy, struggled to mask her emotions as she witnessed Nan-woo’s unwavering love for yeon-su.
A Night of Raw Emotions
the tension between Kang-hee and Yeon-su reached a boiling point when Yeon-su discovered Kang-hee had visited the animal hospital. Overwhelmed,Yeon-su rushed to find Kang-hee,who was drowning her sorrows in alcohol.In a heart-wrenching scene, Kang-hee sobbed uncontrollably, shouting, “You two look good together.”
Later, at Motel California, Kang-hee’s sleep-talking revealed her lingering affection for Yeon-su. she grumbled, “Gomtaeng Shiki, you didn’t keep any of the promises you made to me. Why did you lose weight? Where else are you selling your glasses?” Yeon-su, ever the comforting presence, replied, “I’ll gain weight. I’ll put my glasses back on.” But Kang-hee’s response, “It’s okay. I’m going to date another woman,” left Yeon-su with a bittersweet ache.
A Heartbreaking Confrontation
As Kang-hee spent more time in hana-eup, her suppressed emotions began to surface. In a poignant moment, she visited the ice cream shop, a place filled with memories of Yeon-su, only to hide when Yeon-su and Nan-woo arrived. Overcome with resentment and jealousy, Kang-hee fled to the elementary school where she first met Yeon-su and broke down in tears.
Just as her emotions reached their peak,Yeon-su appeared unexpectedly. When asked why she was crying, Kang-hee confessed, “I changed, and then I changed,” revealing the depth of her inner turmoil.
What’s Next for Kang-hee and Yeon-su?
The emotional rollercoaster in Motel California has left viewers wondering how the tangled relationships between Kang-hee, Yeon-su, Seok-kyung, and Nan-woo will unfold. Will Kang-hee and Yeon-su rekindle their first love, or will new romances take center stage?
| Key Moments in ‘Motel California’ |
|—————————————|
| Kang-hee’s return to Hana-eup sparks rumors |
| Areum claims Kang-hee is dating seok-kyung |
| Yeon-su meets Nan-woo at the animal hospital |
| kang-hee’s emotional breakdown at Motel California |
| Heartbreaking confrontation at the elementary school |
Motel California airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM on MBC, offering viewers a captivating blend of romance, nostalgia, and emotional drama. Don’t miss the next episode to see how this intricate love story unfolds!
Unpacking Kang-hee and Yeon-su’s Emotional Journey in MBC’s ‘Motel California’: An Expert Analysis
The latest episodes of MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama Motel California have left viewers captivated by the emotional turbulence between Lee Se-young’s Kang-hee and Na In-woo’s Yeon-su. Wiht themes of regret, unresolved love, and second chances taking center stage, the series has become a must-watch for fans of heartfelt storytelling. To delve deeper into the narrative’s emotional depth and character dynamics, we sat down with Dr.Min-ji Park, a cultural studies expert and specialist in Korean drama analysis, for an insightful interview.
the Emotional Resonance of ‘Motel California’
Senior Editor: Dr. Park, ‘motel California’ has been described as a masterclass in emotional storytelling. What makes kang-hee’s character so compelling to viewers?
Dr. Min-ji Park: Kang-hee’s character is a fascinating blend of vulnerability and strength. Lee Se-young’s portrayal captures the essence of someone grappling with unresolved emotions from her first love, Yeon-su. Her journey is deeply relatable because it reflects the global experience of regret and the longing for what could have been. The way she navigates her feelings while trying to maintain her composure adds layers to her character, making her both empathetic and intriguing.
Senior Editor: The latest episode showed Kang-hee returning to her hometown and confronting her past. How does this setting contribute to the narrative?
Dr. Min-ji Park: Hana-eup serves as more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. Returning to her hometown forces Kang-hee to confront not only her unresolved feelings for Yeon-su but also her strained relationship with her father.The familiarity of the setting contrasts sharply with the emotional turmoil she experiences,creating a poignant juxtaposition. It’s a reminder of where her journey began and how far she’s come—and yet,how much remains unresolved.
The Complexity of First Love and Regret
Senior Editor: Kang-hee and Yeon-su’s relationship is central to the drama. How does the show explore the concept of first love?
Dr.Min-ji Park: First love is often idealized, but ‘Motel California’ takes a more nuanced approach. Yes, there’s the nostalgia and sweetness of their shared past, but there’s also a palpable sense of regret and missed opportunities. Kang-hee’s realization that Yeon-su is now engaged to someone else brings her face-to-face with the reality that some doors have closed forever. This tension between what was and what could have been is what makes their story so emotionally charged.
Senior Editor: One of the moast heartbreaking scenes in the latest episode was when Kang-hee told Yeon-su, “I will just do my work quietly and go back home without anyone knowing.” What does this moment reveal about her character?
Dr. Min-ji Park: That line is a testament to Kang-hee’s inner strength and her attempt to protect herself emotionally. She’s trying to maintain a facade of indifference, but her words are laced with unspoken pain. It’s a moment of self-preservation, where she’s choosing to retreat rather than confront the full extent of her feelings. This duality—her outward composure versus her inner turmoil—is what makes Lee Se-young’s performance so captivating.
The Role of Family in Kang-hee’s Journey
senior Editor: The drama also introduces Kang-hee’s estranged father, Chun-pil, as the client for the motel remodeling project. How does this subplot enhance the story?
Dr. Min-ji Park: The father-daughter dynamic adds another layer of emotional complexity to the narrative. Kang-hee’s strained relationship with Chun-pil mirrors her unresolved feelings for Yeon-su in some ways. Both are relationships marked by regret and the desire for closure. When Chun-pil supports Kang-hee’s motel proposal, it’s not just professional approval—it’s a tentative step toward reconciliation. This subplot enriches the story by showing that Kang-hee’s journey isn’t just about romantic love but also about healing familial wounds.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Kang-hee and Yeon-su?
Senior Editor: The emotional climax of the episode was Kang-hee and Yeon-su’s tearful reunion. What do you think lies ahead for these two characters?
Dr. Min-ji Park: The reunion was a turning point, but it’s clear that their story is far from over. Kang-hee’s confession that Yeon-su was her “savior” rather than just her first love adds a new dimension to their relationship. It suggests that their bond goes beyond romance, rooted in a shared history of support and protection. As the drama progresses, I think we’ll see them grappling with these deeper layers of their connection, even as they navigate the complications of yeon-su’s impending marriage.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Park, for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that ‘Motel California’ is much more than a simple love story—it’s a layered exploration of human emotions and relationships.
Don’t miss the next episode of Motel California, airing this Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM on MBC, as Kang-hee’s journey continues to unfold with even more emotional depth and complexity.
