Actor Na In Woo, known for his charming visuals, is making headlines not just for his upcoming drama Motel California but also for being exempted from military service due to a unique classification process.

Na In Woo is set to star in MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama Motel California, which premieres on the 10th. The story revolves around a young woman who grew up in a rural motel and reconnects with her first love after 12 years. This “first love remodeling romance” promises plenty of twists and is based on the popular novel Home, Bitter Home by Shim Yoon Seo.

Na In Woo will play Cheon Yeon Soo, a veterinarian whose life takes an unexpected turn when he reunites with his first love, Ji Kang Hee. In the newly released character poster, Na In Woo exudes warmth and innocence, standing alone on a snowy rooftop while gazing into the distance. The line, "You were my first. That’s why I’ll wait for you," perfectly captures his character’s steadfast and pure-hearted nature.

Lee Se Young stars alongside him as Ji Kang Hee, an interior designer with a tough past due to her mixed-race background and a challenging upbringing in a rural motel. The cast also includes Choi Min Soo as Ji Kang Hee’s free-spirited father, Kim Tae Hyung as a wealthy businessman, and Choi Hee Jin as a fellow veterinarian caught in a marriage scandal with Na In Woo’s character.

While fans eagerly anticipate the drama, many were surprised to learn about Na In Woo’s military exemption. The actor had received a Grade 4 reservist classification during his medical examination and had been waiting for enlistment as a social service worker. However, three years passed without a summons from the Military Manpower Administration (MMA), leading to his exemption.

According to the Military Service Act, those classified as Grade 4 reservists are exempt if not called within three years. Reports say more than 10,000 individuals have been exempted under this rule since 2019, with Na In Woo among them.

His agency, Hanada Company, addressed the situation, stating, "It is true that Na In Woo was exempted from military service while awaiting enlistment and assignment. This was a decision made by the Military Manpower Administration, and we have no additional comments to offer."

Fans can’t wait to see Na In Woo bring Cheon Yeon Soo to life in Motel California, while his recent military exemption continues to spark curiosity and discussion.

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Lee Jun Young recently opened up about the emotional toll of playing a villain—and how one powerful scene made him break down in tears behind the scenes.

On the May 1st episode of KBS 2TV’s variety show Problem Child in House, Lee Jun Young appeared alongside co-star Jung Eun Ji to promote their new KBS drama Pump Up the Healthy Love.

During the show, Lee Jun Young was asked about the most unforgettable villain he’s played. He chose his role as Han Su Gang in the film Brave Citizen.

He explained, “It was really tough to film. I had to act like I was leading school violence, and there was even a scene where I bullied a grandmother.”

The hosts were surprised, pointing out how kind and gentle he seems in real life. Lee Jun Young shared how he transforms for such roles.

“I try to act as bad as I can, but sometimes the director says, ‘You still look too nice.’ Then I focus even harder and adjust right away.”

He also revealed that filming one particular scene hit him hard emotionally. “My real grandmother was sick at the time,” he said.

“In one scene, there’s a grandma selling gimbap, and I ad-libbed by stubbing a cigarette out on the gimbap. I was really into character, but after filming, I just broke down. So many thoughts came to me and I started crying.”

Fans praised his dedication to acting but also felt moved by how deeply the role affected him. Lee Jun Young’s honesty gave a raw look at how even fictional roles can hit close to home.

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