Motel California Review: Lee Se-young and Na In-woo’s K-Drama Explores Dark and Uncharted Territory

Motel California (2025) is a romance drama that takes a bold step away from typical K-drama storytelling. Directed by Kim Hyung-min and written by Lee Seo-yoon, it delves into the complexities of love, unresolved emotions, and personal inheritance, while offering a nuanced take on nostalgia and the passage of time.

Set in a rural town, the story revolves around Ji Kang-hee (Lee Se-young), who grew up in the motel that gives the show its name. When her first love, Cheon Yeon-soo (Na In-woo), returns after years of absence, old feelings resurface, creating a mix of longing, resentment, and unspoken tension. Their reunion is more than just a love story; it’s a journey of emotional baggage, where the past constantly influences their present.

The motel itself serves as both a literal and symbolic space, representing Kang-hee’s past and her need for closure. As she faces personal and professional struggles—wanting to turn the motel into a nursing home while dealing with the failing health of the motel’s owner, Ji Chun-pil (Choi Min-soo)—she must grapple with letting go of the past to move forward. The show intricately weaves her internal conflicts with external obstacles, creating a layered narrative about memory, change, and the difficulties of moving on.

While the romance is slow-burning, it’s the characters’ evolution that truly drives the story. Yeon-soo, initially passive, gradually reveals his vulnerabilities, showcasing his growth throughout the series. The show’s real strength lies in its careful, gradual character development, which avoids quick fixes and instead allows the characters’ transformations to unfold naturally.

The final episodes bring the central theme of “letting go” to a head, particularly with the death of Ji Chun-pil. The series doesn’t end with a neat romantic resolution but rather with characters reckoning with their pasts. The poignant, snowy final scene serves as a quiet metaphor for new beginnings, reminding viewers of the fragility of fleeting moments of happiness.

While Motel California may lean on some familiar K-drama tropes, such as a slow-burn romance and a love triangle, it sets itself apart with its raw emotional depth and exploration of love’s messiness. Lee Se-young and Na In-woo deliver strong performances, bringing their complex characters to life in a way that feels real and grounded. The series asks for patience from its audience, offering a bittersweet yet satisfying conclusion that stays with you long after the credits roll.