In the final episode of Motel California episode 12, Ji Kang-hee (played by Lee Se-young) and Cheon Yeon-soo (played by Na In-woo) confirmed their love and looked forward to a happy future.
Kang-hee discovered that Ji Chun-pil (played by Choi Min-soo) was battling leukemia. She returned home with Yeon-soo, pretending everything was fine. When Yeon-soo asked if she was okay, she nodded and continued eating. But tears fell as she thought about Chun-pil’s condition.
Later, she couldn’t hold back anymore. She broke down in front of Yeon-soo. “I thought Chun-pil would always be here,” she sobbed. “He’s scared of everything. What will he do without me? Tell me he’s not dying because of me.” Yeon-soo held her close. “He’ll be fine,” he reassured her. “And I’ll always be here for you.”
Chun-pil’s Last Gift to the People Around Him
Meanwhile, Cha Seung-eon (played by Koo Ja-sung) went with Chun-pil to file adoption papers. After completing the process, Chun-pil patted Seung-eon’s back and smiled. “Let’s go eat jajjangmyeon,” he said warmly.
Later, Kang-hee visited Mr. Kwon (played by Lee Kyu-ho) at the motel. She thanked him for taking care of Chun-pil. When she finally met Chun-pil, he was packing his things.
She offered to go with him for chemotherapy. But he refused. “You live your life, and I’ll live mine,” he said. “Don’t worry about me.” Kang-hee knew he was trying to stay strong, but she didn’t want to let go so easily. “Meet whoever you want to meet,” she told him. “Even if it’s Hwang Jung-goo.” Chun-pil laughed at her words.
A Tough Decision and an Unexpected Proposal
Hearing that Chun-pil planned to sell the motel, Kang-hee rushed over. Mr. Kwon read a letter Chun-pil had left behind. The letter stated that Motel California would be sold and that everyone should find a new place to live. Kang-hee couldn’t believe it. She looked around, remembering all the memories they had created there.
She went to the hospital to see Chun-pil. He was lying in bed, weak but awake. She forced a smile and asked why he wanted to sell the motel. “I’m scared,” he admitted. “If I hold on to the memories, I’ll never let go. And if people take care of me, I’ll feel guilty for wanting to live. I don’t want you to cling to this place after I’m gone.”
Kang-hee thought for a moment. Then, she made a bold request. “Then give it to me,” she said. “You were going to, anyway. I’ll turn it into a care center. I’ll make sure you live a long life.” Chun-pil was speechless.
The Motel’s Grand Opening and a Celebration of Life
The remodeled motel held its grand reopening. But Chun-pil didn’t show up. Worried, Kang-hee went to find him. She saw the entire village gathered around him, making sure he was okay. She looked at them and made a request.
“Please take care of him,” she said. “He still needs all of you.” Later, at the motel’s completion party, Kang-hee was recognized for her work. Friends who had once drifted apart apologized and reconnected with her. “I came here to remodel a motel,” she said, smiling. “But I ended up remodeling my life.”
A Promise Under the Snow
Kang-hee organized a birthday party for Chun-pil. He was touched by her efforts. “Don’t be sick, Dad,” she told him. “Let’s live happily together.” That night, Kang-hee and Yeon-soo stood outside, watching the snowfall. “They say if you eat the first snow ten times, you’ll be with your first love,” Yeon-soo said. Kang-hee smirked. “I made that up.”
He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. It worked.” She looked at him seriously. “Just like you once promised, I won’t go anywhere. I’ll stay by your side.” Yeon-soo smiled. “I love you.” “I love you too,” she replied. Their journey had been difficult, but in the end, they chose love, happiness, and a future together.
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.