When the Camellia Blooms

When the Camellia Blooms is a captivating South Korean television series that first premiered on KBS TV2 in 2019. A combination of a romantic and thriller plot, this show does an excellent job of blending light-hearted moments with suspenseful ones, creating a unique drama that captivates and delights in equal measure. Directed by Cha Yeong-hoon and written by Lim Sang-Choon, this drama has illustrated an exceptional storytelling ability that hooks viewers from the start.

Set in the small, peaceful town of Ongsan, the storyline follows the fierce and independent single mother, Dong Baek, played by Gong Hyo-jin. Dong Baek, which signifies 'Camellia' in Korean, is the owner of the bar 'Camellia.' Life for this strong woman doesn't seem easy, given the societal prejudices about single mothers and the bar, often viewed as unrespectable. However, she takes everything in her stride and bravely confronts these difficulties with her resilience and firm conviction.

The duality of life and the bloom of quasi-relationships become evident as the intriguing plot develops. The entry of Yong-sik, a lovable and energetic policeman, played by Kang Ha-neul, into Dong Baek's life, chronicles a heart-touching love story. Yong-sik becomes the knight in shining armor for Dong Baek, adoring her and her son, Pil-gu unequivocally. The ensemble's chemistry and the on-screen portrayal of their characters add depth to the narrative, making it a heart-rending watching experience.

However, the show is not just a simple romantic drama. The serene town of Ongsan harbors a dark secret - a serial killer whose presence lurks in the background. As the intensity of the love triangle heightens, the audience is simultaneously plunged into a web of mystery and thrill, which complements the drama, adding riveting suspense and making the story even more compelling.

A range of colorful supporting characters add a unique flavor to the drama. The "Ajummas" or the neighborhood women and the other residents of Ongsan bring a sense of reality to the world of fiction, making the storyline relatable and the town of Ongsan almost palpable to viewers. Their gossips and judgments may initially come off as annoying, but as the drama unfurls, their show of solidarity extends crucial support to Dong Baek.

Moving back and forth between the past and present, When the Camellia Blooms brings to screen a to-and-fro narrative structure that adds layers to the drama. The show does a fantastic job of delving into the backstory of the main characters, enriching the narrative and giving viewers a better understanding of the characters' current predicaments.

The show sprinkles humor throughout its episodes to balance the more dramatic and suspenseful moments, which works perfectly to keep the viewers hooked. The writing is consistently sturdy, seamlessly transitioning from laughter to tears, showcasing the drama's broad emotional scope.

A compelling theme of the show is its constant emphasis on the importance of the proverb "When the Camellia Blooms." This statement is symbolic of the awakening and recognition of Dong Baek's worth as an individual, a mother, and a woman in love; this blooming is a metaphorical representation of Dong Baek's journey of self-recognition.

When the Camellia Blooms is visually pleasing, using vibrant color palettes to represent the town of Ongsan and the life within it. The cinematography deserves praise for its attention to detail, showcasing beautifully shot scenes, making it exciting and watchable.

The show won several awards, including Best Screenplay at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards, and the Grand Prize (Daesang) for Kang Ha Neul's outstanding performance in the leading role. The captivating performances of the ensemble cast, the engaging storyline, the moments of comedy and suspense, the well-constructed set pieces, and the emotionally resonating script make the series a must-watch.

In a nutshell, When the Camellia Blooms is a heart-warming South Korean drama that beautifully combines romance, comedy, and suspense, providing an enjoyable viewing experience. With its engaging narrative, strong performances, compelling characters, and many unexpected twists, this show successfully delivers a satisfying, touching, and thought-provoking journey. For fans of Korean drama, this series is not to be missed - it will indeed touch hearts with its poignant storytelling.