“Want to Sleep with Me?” Motel California Leaves Viewers Hanging on a Major Cliffhanger

MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama Motel California has set a new record, reaching a momentary peak rating of 7.6% thanks to its unexpected plot developments.

According to Nielsen Korea on February 1, the previous night’s episode recorded a nationwide rating of 6.0%, a 6.1% rating in Seoul, and a peak of 7.6%, marking the drama’s highest ratings to date.

Motel California follows the story of Kang-hee (played by Lee Se-young), a woman who was born and raised at a countryside motel. After fleeing her hometown 12 years ago, she unexpectedly reunites with her first love, Yeon-su (played by Na In-woo), setting off a chain of emotional events.

The episode featured Kang-hee and Yeon-su struggling to deny their feelings for each other, even as they found themselves repeatedly drawn together. A tense moment unfolded when the two shared a kiss in Kang-hee’s room, only to be interrupted by Chun-pil (Choi Min-soo) and Seok-kyung (Kim Tae-hyung). Flustered, Kang-hee dismissed the kiss as a mere accident and suggested they remain friends, leaving Yeon-su feeling hurt.

Throughout the episode, unresolved tensions lingered between them. As Yeon-su acted cold and distant, Kang-hee attempted to reconcile, but her efforts were met with rejection. The emotional push-and-pull led to a series of misunderstandings, including a scene where Yeon-su grew jealous seeing Kang-hee and Seok-kyung together but tried to hide it.

In a pivotal scene, Kang-hee hinted at her deeper feelings, telling Yeon-su, “I learned woodworking to build my own house—one with a room for you.” But Yeon-su, still harboring resentment, maintained his aloof attitude.

The episode ended with Kang-hee inviting Yeon-su to her apartment in Seoul under the guise of a housewarming gathering. As they spent time together revisiting memories of their childhood, their emotional walls gradually came down. When Kang-hee leaned her head on Yeon-su’s shoulder during a bus ride, their awkwardness dissolved, hinting at the deepening of their relationship.

In a climactic final moment, Kang-hee asked Yeon-su, “Can friends kiss?” Just as they were about to share a kiss, the episode ended, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what comes next.

Following the broadcast, online forums lit up with comments such as:

“My cheeks hurt from smiling, and my heart almost burst!”

“If this is what being friends looks like, I’m all for it.”

“Kang-hee and Yeon-su’s chemistry is perfection.”

“Na In-woo’s acting is on fire this season!”

“This drama masterfully blends romance and emotional depth.”

Motel California airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST on MBC.