'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
With its clever mix of first love, family conflict, and the mystery of going back to one's beginnings, Motel California has enthralled audiences. Tucked in a small rural town, it centers on the life of Ji Kang-hee, a woman raised in the motel her father owned. She left the town 12 years ago and returned to see Cheon Yeon-su, a veterinarian who she has always harbored special feelings for, her first love.
Korean drama viewers will find special appeal in this emotional trip full of love, nostalgia, and personal healing. Should the series' idea attract viewers, there are several more K-dramas with a similar mix of romance, family ties, and intense emotional narrative.
Jinxed At First, Lovely Runner, and 5 more K-dramas that echo the essence of Motel California
1) Jinxed At First (2022)
Trending
Starring Girls' Generation's Seohyun and Na In-woo, Jinxed At First presents a fanciful but romantic turn-around. The series centers on a man condemned to fail in all his attempts until he meets a lady whose fate is connected to his.
Like the Motel California reunion, Jinxed At First brings together the main characters by destiny. Viewers are transported on a trip of fate, love, and atonement as they manage their cursed lives and their unquestionable connection is evident. Jinxed At First's emotional trip is mirrored in the themes of conquering personal challenges and discovering love against all odds.
2) Lovely Runner (2024)
If Motel California explored the healing power of returning home, Lovely Runner explores the wonder of reestablishing the connection with the literal past. In this drama, a woman time-travels to alter her future but soon discovers that her past holds the key to her happiness.
Just as Kang-hee returns to her roots in Motel California, the main protagonist (Kim Hye-yoon) of Lovely Runner learns that the answers to her struggles lie in her past. Both dramas have a strong rediscovering theme, love and human development are fundamental components.
3) The Red Sleeve (2021-2022)
Led by 2 PM's Lee Junho and Lee Se-young, The Red Sleeve is a historical tale that explores the conflict between responsibilities and love. It tells the love story between a king and his court lady, developing in a situation full of limitations and power struggles.
Just like Motel California narrates a complicated story about first love and family duties, The Red Sleeve unfolds the challenges of loving someone when it is hard to show those feelings. This drama sparks interest with its strong display of emotions and a rich history, appealing to people interested in love and self-sacrifice.
4) Our Beloved Summer (2021)
Our Beloved Summer is a moving series about first love that deftly depicts the mixed emotions of seeing a past lover again. The plot revolves around two people (Kim Da-mi, Choi Woo-shik) who, after 10 years, are confronted with their shared history as they re-visit the high school documentary they shot. They accept their emotions and the changes in their lives as they rekindle their connection.
This drama also centers on reliving first love and the intense feelings that come with it. Those who adored the profound emotional journey of Motel California will enjoy the sweet romance and nostalgic overtones of Our Beloved Summer.
5) King The Land (2023)
King The Land is a modern romantic drama that takes place in a hotel, a setting familiar to Motel California fans. The story revolves around a businessman (Lee Junho) and a hotel employee (Im Yoon-ah) who develop a romantic relationship amid the glamorous but often complicated world of hospitality.
Much like the dynamics seen in Motel California, the characters in King The Land must navigate personal and professional boundaries as their relationship grows. The hotel setting adds a layer of luxury and drama, making this drama an enjoyable choice for fans who are drawn to the complexities of love in an intimate setting.
6) Go Back Couple (2017)
Go Back Couple, on the other hand, revolves around the concept of second chances, which is one of the elements of Motel California. The plot revolves around a married couple who are haunted by their past decisions and wish they could return to their college years to make better choices.
This process of rediscovering love again is similar to the emotion of returning to one's roots shown in Motel California. Both dramas illustrate how a trip to the past may heal and help make sense of the present.
7) Love Alarm (2019-2021)
Love Alarm is a thrilling drama that delves into the excitement and challenges of modern love. Set in a world where a mobile app alerts individuals when someone within a 10-meter radius has romantic feelings for them, the story revolves around the complex love triangle between three young adults (Kim So-hyun, Song Kang, Jung Ga-ram).
Moreover, Love Alarm is motivated by the excitement of first love and the complexity that results as emotions become entangled, much as the blooming love between Kang-hee and Yeon-su in Motel California.
Though fundamentally it is a tale about love, longing, and emotional development, the series also highlights how technology can affect relationships.
Fans of Motel California can enjoy these K-dramas that have the themes of love, fate, and personal growth. Each of these K-dramas uniquely explores similar themes, like Jinxed At First's focus on the magical love story, and Our Beloved Summer's nostalgic first love.
Meanwhile, the Na In-woo and Lee Se-young-starred Korean drama is available for online streaming on Rakuten Viki.
