Lee Se-young Discusses Her Experience Portraying the First Mixed-Race Character in “Motel California”

Premiere Announcement for “Motel California”

Scheduled to premiere on January 10, 2025, “Motel California” unfolds the poignant tale of a woman, Ji Kang-hee, who was born and spent her formative years in a rural motel. After a 12-year absence, she returns to her hometown and encounters her first love, setting the stage for a heartwarming saga of romance and self-discovery. This captivating drama draws inspiration from Shim Yoon-seo’s acclaimed 2019 novel “Home, Bitter Home.”

Lee Se-young’s Transformation

In this series, Lee Se-young takes on the role of Ji Kang-hee, an interior designer whose challenging life is heavily influenced by her mixed-race heritage and upbringing in a motel. This role signifies a dramatic shift for the actress, showcasing her versatility.

A Story of Life and Healing

Lee Se-young articulated her motivation for joining the cast, stating, “After immersing myself in the original novel, I recognized it as a narrative about life and healing. I was eager to explore the complexities of Kang-hee, who grapples with self-acceptance throughout her youth.” Reflecting on “Motel California” in relation to her previous romantic dramas such as “The Red Sleeve” and “What Comes After Love,” she noted the distinctiveness of this storyline, emphasizing the transformative power of companionship by declaring, “Sometimes, all it takes is one person who listens to your story to keep you motivated.”

Kang-hee’s Dual Nature

Lee Se-young described her character as “strong yet soft,” revealing, “Kang-hee embodies a stubborn and resilient spirit while also showcasing a tender side that I find truly endearing.” This multifaceted portrayal promises to captivate audiences.

Crafting Kang-hee’s Identity

The depiction of a mixed-race character required Lee Se-young to pay careful attention to Kang-hee’s aesthetic. “To faithfully represent Kang-hee’s mixed-race background, I opted for colored lenses, dyed my hair, styled it, and selected outfits that align with her character’s identity,” she shared. This transformation offers fans a fresh perspective on the actress, who is well-known for her elegant persona.

On-Screen Chemistry

Lee Se-young also discussed her collaborative experience with co-star Na In-woo, who portrays her first love, Yeon-soo. She expressed that Kang-hee finds Yeon-soo’s good-hearted nature and integrity irresistible. “Na In-woo’s calm demeanor and cheerful presence make him the focal point of the set, which has significantly enhanced our filming experience,” she remarked.

Unique Father-Daughter Relationship

Regarding her dynamic with veteran actor Choi Min-soo, who plays Kang-hee’s father Ji Chun-pil, Lee Se-young shared her admiration. Their father-daughter relationship is characterized by quirky interactions, with Kang-hee affectionately referring to him as “Mr. Chun-pil.” Lee Se-young remarked, “There’s a bittersweet quality to how Kang-hee often tries to distance herself from her father, but the joy of working together is undeniable. We share a rapport akin to that of a real father and daughter.”

Inspirational Aspirations

Having earned the nickname “human ink-wash painting” from her performance in “The Red Sleeve,” Lee Se-young articulated her hopes for the future: “I aspire to be known as an actress whose performances ignite curiosity.” She underscored the drama’s central themes of life and healing, stating, “The characters, with their flaws and strengths, support one another in overcoming obstacles. I believe viewers will resonate with these moments of joy and sorrow.”

Save the Date for “Motel California”

Mark your calendars for the debut of “Motel California,” airing on January 10, 2025, at 9:50 PM (KST) on MBC. Prepare to embark on a heartening journey filled with love, personal growth, and resilience.

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