[NEWS] 'Motel California' Lee Soi, at the Heart of the Relationship

Actress #LeeSoi is showing versatile performance in Motel California.

MBC's Friday-Saturday drama Motel California (planned by Jang Jae Hoon, directed by Kim Hyung Min, Lee Jae Jin, written by Lee Seo Yoon, produced by HB Entertainment) tells the story of KangHee (played by Lee Seyoung), who was born and raised in a small motel, and her reunion with her first love, YeonSu (played by Na Inwoo), after escaping her hometown 12 years ago. It unfolds as a first-love remodeling romance drama filled with ups and downs.

In the drama, Lee Soi plays Han AhReum, KangHee's best friend, who hides the painful past of domestic violence and has lived according to her parents' wishes. AhReum, who was hurt when her trusted friend KangHee disappeared without a word when they were twenty, unexpectedly reunites with her at YeonSu’s grandfather’s funeral after ten years. The two return to their deep friendship, where even a glance can convey everything. AhReum shows her strong bond with KangHee by celebrating her good news and helping her through difficult times. When AhReum is the first to learn that KangHee and YeonSu are in a relationship, she silently stands by KangHee's side amidst the opposition from the gang (GgangHee Family), moving the audience with her loyalty and support.

Meanwhile, AhReum, who had been supporting Kang Hee and YeonSu, faced a heartbreaking turn in her own romance. Although she had been secretly in love with her childhood friend SeungEon (played by Koo Jasung), their different family backgrounds made it difficult for her to get closer to him. Through KangHee, AhReum discovered that SeungEon liked her too. Gathering her courage, AhReum introduced SeungEon to her mother, but his unfortunate family situation became another obstacle between them. After being slapped by her mother, who was suffering from domestic violence, AhReum tearfully said, "Mom, how could you do this? You said the worst thing in the world is someone who uses violence" foreshadowing the troubled path her romance will take.

Lee Soi, despite her outward appearance of seeming carefree, realistically portrays the internal struggles of AhReum, who has been living under the control of her violent father. Her emotional performance adds to the audience's immersion in the drama. The scene where AhReum quietly shares her painful family history with her friends, hidden behind her bright and loving demeanor, is especially poignant.

Standing at the heart of various relationships, from her friendship with Kang Hee to her romance with SeungEon, AhReum leaves a strong impression with her heavy presence. The audience is left wondering whether she will continue living the life her father has planned for her or break free in the final episode.

The final episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama Motel California, featuring Lee Soi, will air this Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.

[Photo = MBC Motel California]