Michelle Topham 
In a very nice turnaround last night, the South Korean drama Motel California has notched up its highest viewership ratings yet with its third episode.
Starring Lee Se Young and Na In Woo, the show has been gaining traction since its premiere on MBC on January 10th, with last night’s ratings rise the result.
Motel California, Episode 3 sees substantial ratings rise
According to Nielsen Korea, the third episode of Motel California achieved an average nationwide rating of 5.2%, marking a significant increase from the 3.8% of its second episode.
Viewers in Seoul also bumped the K-drama in the ratings, as it jumped from Episode 2’s audience share of 3.6% to last night’s 5.0% rating.
Despite airing in the competitive Friday-Saturday time slot then, and directly opposite the massively popular Love Scout, Motel California had an excellent Friday night.
This rise in viewership also reflects a growing interest in the series, which has been lauded for its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances by the lead actors.
The episode’s success comes at a time when the drama is beginning to explore deeper emotional connections and past conflicts, particularly those involving Kang Hee (beautifully played by Lee Se Young).
Social media abuzz about Motel California
The drama’s rise in ratings has also been celebrated online, with fans expressing their excitement on various platforms.
Posts on X are showing overwhelming support, with comments like, “Time flew by again today. Lee Se Young’s Ji Kang Hee is the best,” reflecting both a positive reception and the viewer’s anticipation for future episodes.
This sentiment is echoed by others who hope the word-of-mouth will continue to spread, boosting the drama’s viewership even further.
The Motel California plot
Motel California tells the story of Ji Kang Hee, who returns to her rural hometown after twelve years.
Raised in the titular motel, Kang Hee faces the challenges of her past, including discrimination due to her mixed-race background.
The drama also rekindles her relationship with her childhood friend and first love, Cheon Yeon Soo, played by Na In Woo, who has since become a veterinarian in the village.
The show’s narrative, based on the novel “Home, Bitter Home” by Sim Yoon Seo, offers a blend of romance, drama, and social commentary, set against the backdrop of rural Korean life.
The chemistry between the two leads, combined with the drama’s focus on overcoming societal prejudices, has resonated well with audiences, leading to this recent spike in viewership.
With nine more episodes to go then, and if the K-drama continues to be this good, it has the potential to become one of the memorable romantic dramas of 2025.
Fingers crossed, eh?
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