[NEWS] 'Motel California' Lee Soi, Touching final remarks in an interview! [Q&A]
I sincerely thank the viewers for loving 'Motel California'
Actress Lee Soi shared her thoughts on the conclusion of Motel California through her agency, Saram Entertainment.
Lee Soi played the role of Han Ahreum, a librarian and best friend of Kanghee (played by Lee Seyoung), in the MBC Friday-Saturday drama Motel California (planned by Jang Jae Hoon, directed by Kim Hyung Min and Lee Jae Jin, written by Lee Seo Yoon, produced by HB Entertainment), which ended on the 15th.
Lee Soi expressed, "I am truly grateful for the time I got to live as 'Han Ahreum' for the past three months. The director, writer, fellow actors, and the staff were all wonderful , and my time on set was so enjoyable and educational. I’m really happy to have been part of such a great project."
The character Ahreum, portrayed by Lee Soi, hides a painful family history of domestic violence and lives according to her parents' wishes. Towards the end of the drama, Ahreum breaks free from the home that had confined her and, despite their different family backgrounds, pursues a relationship with Seungeon (played by Koo Jasung), capturing viewers’ hearts with her bold actions. When asked about the challenges of playing this role, Lee Soi explained, "Actually, Ahreum had been gradually moving towards the direction she wanted all along. Although it's not mentioned in the drama, she had obtained a teaching certificate by following in her father’s footsteps, who was a principal. However, she didn't want to follow his path and chose to become a librarian instead. This was a key part of the character that the director and I decided on during development." She continued, "At first, I thought that I wouldn't have made the same choices as Ahreum, and I struggled with how to approach the character. Ahreum may have seemed like a selfish character at first, but as I continued shooting, I began to think that she was really trying her best to make the most correct decision."
As the most memorable moment, Lee Soi chose the scene where Ahreum offers to help Seungeon with his Qualification Examination after they became a couple. She explained, “From the moment the script came out to just before filming, this was the scene I struggled with the most. Ahreum's words come from a good place, but I kept thinking about how I could approach Seungeon more thoughtfully and how I could convey the writer's intentions more clearly. Right up until the filming, I kept asking Jasung for advice. I think it’s the most memorable scene because I spent so much time pondering it.”
Finally, Lee Soi expressed her gratitude to the viewers who supported Motel California: “I think I unintentionally intervened between Kanghee and Yeonsu (played by Na Inwoo). However, the actions I took came from a place of caring for both of them, and I hope it was seen in a positive light. I sincerely thank the viewers who loved Motel California and supported the show.”
[Lee Soi's Full Interview]
Q. What are your thoughts on wrapping up Motel California?
I am truly grateful for the time I got to live as 'Han Ahreum' for the past three months. The director, writer, fellow actors, and the staff were all wonderful , and my time on set was so enjoyable and educational. I’m really happy to have been part of such a great project.
Q: In the drama, ‘Han Ahreum’ lives the life her parents want for her, but eventually moves toward the direction she desires. Were there any challenges in portraying this character?
Actually, Ahreum had been gradually moving towards the direction she wanted all along. Although it's not mentioned in the drama, she had obtained a teaching certificate by following in her father’s footsteps, who was a principal. However, she didn't want to follow his path and chose to become a librarian instead. This was a key part of the character that the director and I decided on during development." She continued, "At first, I thought that I wouldn't have made the same choices as Ahreum, and I struggled with how to approach the character. Ahreum may have seemed like a selfish character at first, but as I continued shooting, I began to think that she was really trying her best to make the most correct decision.
Q: How was the atmosphere on set, and what was your chemistry like with the other actors?
Seyoung sunbae always helped me whenever I hit a block in my acting, and I’m really thankful because she made it easy for me to approach her right from the first meeting. Inwoo sunbae, Jasung sunbae, and Yongju sunbae were such pranksters, so we were always able to shoot in a lively and joyful atmosphere. Especially Jasung sunbae, who was very attentive, always gave me tips on how to look better on screen, and showed a lot of consideration throughout the shoot. Heejin sunbae is someone I’ve been a fan of since her debut, so I was really happy to act alongside her this time. We’re close in real life too, so whenever we met, we could never stop chatting, and I felt that we filmed in a very comfortable atmosphere.
Q: Is there a scene or line that stands out the most to you?
The scene where Ahreum offers to help Seungeon with his Qualification Examination stands out the most. From the moment the script came out to just before filming, this was the scene I struggled with the most. Ahreum's words come from a good place, but I kept thinking about how I could approach Seungeon more thoughtfully and how I could convey the writer's intentions more clearly. Right up until the filming, I kept asking Jasung for advice. I think it’s the most memorable scene because I spent so much time pondering it.
Q: Is there anything you would like to tell Ahreum?
I know how difficult it is to leave behind the familiar choices and step onto a new path. Personally, I am someone who values stability, so I felt a sense of pride watching Ahreum change and grow. At first, she couldn’t express her feelings for Seungun and just observed him, but as she gradually gained the courage to approach him actively, I liked that progression. And although she must have gone through tough times because of her father, I want to tell her that I’m glad she always had her strong "Kanghee family" by her side.
Q: Lastly, is there anything you would like to say to the viewers who loved Motel California?
I felt like I might have unintentionally interfered in the relationship between Kanghee and Yeonsu. However, my actions came from a place of care for both of them, so I hope viewers can see it positively. I would like to sincerely thank all the viewers who loved and supported Motel California.
[Photo : Saram Entertainment, MBC Motel California]