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| yna@yna.co.kr 2025-01-10 08:07:59
SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Yonhap) -- Lee Se-young shared her deep connection to her role in MBC's new series "Motel California," premiering Friday.
"I felt a strong resemblance between myself and the main character, Kang-hee, after reading the original novel," she said. "I was curious to explore how a child who experienced deprivation and trauma from a young age would grow up. I wanted to meet her."
In the series, Ji Kang-hee, played by Lee, is a mixed-race woman raised in an unconventional household. Growing up, whispers and judgment from the community followed her everywhere. Despite being hurt by these stares, Kang-hee remained resilient and outwardly unaffected—traits that Lee found mirrored in her own life.
At the press conference held on Thursday at MBC's headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul, Lee said, "I decided to take on this role without hesitation because of how much I felt it resembled me."
Kang-hee leaves her hometown at 20, hoping for happiness in the city, but returns a decade later under unavoidable circumstances.
"The challenges Kang-hee faces as a young professional are relatable human stories that could happen anywhere," Lee explained. "The story of Kang-hee realizing her misunderstandings about people and receiving unexpected help from those who hurt her will provide viewers with a warm sense of comfort."
Na In-woo, playing veterinarian Chun Yeon-soo, Kang-hee’s fateful first love, expressed his excitement for the role. "I've worked on a lot of fantasy genres before, but I wanted to try portraying a realistic character. I tried to infuse my own traits into Yeon-soo," he said.
At the press conference, Na also addressed the controversy surrounding his military service exemption. Last December, he revealed he had been exempted from military service after receiving a fourth-grade classification during his physical exam and waiting over three years without being summoned as a social service worker.
"I had to decide quickly whether to address the issue, but I chose to remain silent," Na said. "I believe many people like me for my bright and positive image, and I felt I couldn't show them a side of me struggling or in pain."
While not disclosing the specifics of his medical condition, Na added, "I hope people can accept me for who I am."
Motel California promises to offer viewers a heartfelt exploration of growth, understanding, and the complexities of human relationships.
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