MBC’s Motel California episode 8 brought an emotional moment between Cheon Yeon-su (played by Na In-woo) and Ji Kang-hee (played by Lee Se-young). After years of complicated emotions, the two finally acknowledged their feelings for each other.
Cheon Yeon-su visited Ji Kang-hee’s studio, bringing back old memories. The conversation between them was lighthearted at first, with playful teasing. Yeon-su joked, “Do you want to sleep with me?” Kang-hee, not falling for it, pinched his cheek and responded, “Are you really Cheon Yeon-su? I don’t think so. I’ll have to check.” The playful moment reminded them of their past relationship, but both tried to suppress their emotions.
Later, they drank together, letting their guard down. That’s when Yeon-su finally spoke his heart. He admitted, “When I open my eyes in the morning, I pray that Ji Kang-hee is happy. When I come home exhausted, I pray that Ji Kang-hee is happy.” The confession was simple but filled with deep emotions. Drunk and overwhelmed, Yeon-su fell asleep on Kang-hee’s floor. Instead of waking him, Kang-hee covered him with a blanket and kissed his forehead.
A Relationship Tested by the Past
Their connection grew stronger as they spent more time together. From casual dates at an arcade to taking sticker photos, they enjoyed simple moments. But things took a turn when Yeon-su’s mother, Soon-ja (played by Ji Soo-won), confronted Kang-hee. She brought up painful memories, accusing Kang-hee of being like her mother, who had a complicated past with their family.
Soon-ja’s words cut deep, but Yeon-su refused to stay silent. He confronted his mother, expressing years of bottled-up emotions. He reminded her that he had sacrificed his own happiness, always accepting the men she brought into their lives. He admitted, “I thought it was the punishment I deserved for not truly loving my mom.” But this time, he made a choice for himself.
Yeon-su then made a bold decision. Holding Kang-hee’s hand, he led her into an alley. Without hesitation, he confessed, “Let’s date,” before sealing his words with a kiss.
This moment marked a turning point. The lingering tension, the years of hesitation, and the pain from the past no longer held them back. They finally embraced their feelings, ready to start anew.
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.