Kiss and Confusion: The Complicated Relationship of Ji Kang-hee and Cheon Yeon-soo in Motel California

In the latest episode of MBC's drama Motel California, aired on January 31, 2025, the characters Ji Kang-hee (이세영) and Cheon Yeon-soo (나인우) found themselves in a precarious friendship that took a turn when they shared another kiss.

During the episode, Ji Kang-hee kissed Cheon Yeon-soo but quickly asserted, "We can still be friends." Cheon Yeon-soo challenged her, questioning why she hid him when an older man arrived if he was just a friend. Ji Kang-hee replied that she was concerned about misunderstandings.

Cheon Yeon-soo insisted, "We can't just be friends after kissing. That’s not how it works." Ji Kang-hee dismissed the significance of the kiss, saying, "Just because we kissed once doesn’t mean anything. It was you who initiated it, not me." Cheon Yeon-soo retorted, reminding her of how she had clung to him affectionately, to which Ji Kang-hee feigned forgetfulness.

The tension escalated as Cheon Yeon-soo expressed his hurt, revealing that if he had known she would abandon him, he wouldn’t have slept with her. Ji Kang-hee countered that it was a significant moment for her too, but she was focused on leaving their small town, Hana-eup, once construction was complete, while he would remain there.

Cheon Yeon-soo expressed his willingness to follow her anywhere, but Ji Kang-hee had already distanced herself. They both decided to stop discussing the past, but the unresolved feelings lingered.

Later, reminiscing about their childhood, Cheon Yeon-soo sighed, appreciating the simplicity of their friendship back then. That evening, while drinking alone, he reflected on the comfort of not having to confess feelings or worry about breakups.

After witnessing the friendship between Kim Seok-kyung (김태형) and Park Esther, Cheon Yeon-soo proposed to Ji Kang-hee, "Let’s be friends. I saw you with Esther, and it looked nice." Kim Seok-kyung enthusiastically supported their friendship, encouraging a handshake between Ji Kang-hee and Cheon Yeon-soo.

On a bus to Seoul, Ji Kang-hee and Cheon Yeon-soo maintained their distance while sharing a meal. Ji Kang-hee invited him to see her home, explaining her journey from a goshiwon to her current place, emphasizing her hard work. Cheon Yeon-soo praised her resilience, and as they embraced, Ji Kang-hee playfully asked, "Is it okay for friends to kiss?" before leaning in for another kiss.