She (Ji Gang Hui played by Lee Se Young) affectionately calls him (Cheon Yeon Su played by Na In Woo) teddybear. She likes this guy who is overweight, because he is comfy. She likes him to the core. Some may not agree with the first 15 minutes of the Korean Drama Motel California. It is an interesting choice for an opening scene. Our Female Lead whispers to him ‘not to ever lose weight’, affirming to him that she likes him just the way he is. WOW! Nonetheless, he does loose weight. What will this do to their relationship?

Motel California is a drama about discrimination, and many types of discriminations are addressed. This drama is a very raw drama. I don’t know how Motel California will play in Korea, but it should play well in the States. Powerful. Two social outcasts, according to societal acceptability, are brought together. He is overweight and she is an ethnic minority of mixed race in conservative Korea. The two misfits fight for each other in a small town in Nowheresville, Korea. Cheon Yeon Su reads Ji Gang Hui like a book, knowing her every emotions by reading her body language. Even when he is not present, he is her emotional rock, as she contemplates what he would tell her to do. The world is steadied when she thinks of him. I don’t know what others will get from this Korean Drama Motel California, but there is huge depth to these characters. The two become separated for ten years when she decides to leave Nowheresville. She just can’t face the pressure.

I don’t know what to tell you. I am so impressed by the performances of Lee Se Young and Na In Woo thus far. These two actors are drawing tears from me in the first 33 minutes. Their plights are so relatable, on so many different levels. You don’t have to be Black to be discriminated against. You could be a woman. You could be fat. You just could be yourself. However, you cannot let others control your destiny. Don’t get stuck on other people’s planet. Create your own universe.

Na In Woo is giving such a great performance. I am in love with his character. I love the way the Director is using his body language in silent screen moments, to make impactful statements. The use of dark lighting in odd moments adds such an oddity, which I like as well. The screen content visuals are through the roof. These kinds of visuals really elevate this drama to above ordinary. I am so excited about this drama. Motel California is my ‘Atypical Family’ for this year of 2025. The rating thus far for Motel California is 10/10 on the Internet and that is my rating too.

Quote: “Can someone with prejudices really evaluate ability without bias?” Lead Female.