Na In Woo Reflects On His Character In “Motel California,” Working With Lee Se Young, And More

Feb 24, 2025

Na In Woo recently teamed up with Cosmopolitan Korea for a pictorial and interview!

After showcasing his signature puppy-like charm and stylish look during the shoot, he sat down for an interview, where he shared behind-the-scenes stories from his recent drama “Motel California” and offered candid insights into his experiences.

Based on Shim Yoon Seo’s 2019 novel “Home, Bitter Home,” “Motel California” is a romance drama about a woman named Ji Kang Hee (Lee Se Young), who was born and raised in a rural motel called Motel California. After escaping her hometown, she returns home after 12 years and winds up reconnecting with her first love and childhood friend Cheon Yeon Soo (Na In Woo).

Na In Woo explained he was drawn to the drama because of its fairy tale-like story, which felt detached from reality. “I wanted to make my character, Cheon Yeon Soo, feel more realistic. Instead of portraying him as an idealized, unicorn-like man from the original work, I wanted to depict him as someone who could truly exist,” he explained. “That’s why ‘Motel California’ is the project that showcases the most of who I am. I put a lot of effort into bringing out the similarities between myself and the character.”

When speaking about his co-star Lee Se Young, he shared, “When I take on a project, I usually rely on my co-stars, and this time was no different. As we worked together, I realized Se Young is the perfect match for the role of Ji Kang Hee. I listened to her ideas, we brainstormed together, and I followed her lead with full confidence.”

On a personal note, Na In Woo revealed that his greatest luxury is eating to his heart’s content. “I’ve lived alone for a long time, and there were times when I couldn’t eat properly, so food has become the most important thing to me,” he said. “I also make sure others have enough to eat. Even if there are leftovers, I’d rather order generously. That, to me, is the ultimate luxury.”

Reflecting on his past, he shared that he has no regrets because he always gave his best. He remarked, “If I worked hard and did my best, there’s nothing to regret. But that only holds true if I can honestly say I gave it my all. You have to put in enough effort to be able to say, ‘I did my best,’ to avoid self-justification. Maybe that’s why there’s no moment I’d want to change. Even if there were, I believe those experiences made me who I am today. Every little moment, no matter how small, has shaped me. That’s why I wouldn’t change a thing.”