Watch When the Camellia Blooms

When the Camellia Blooms is a romantic comedy-drama series that aired in 2019 in KBS TV2. It stars Kong Hyo-Jin as Dong-baek, a single mother who runs a bar named Camellia, Kim Ji-seok as Hwang Yan-sik, a police officer, and Kang Ha-neul as Yong-sik, a free-spirited man who falls in love with Dong-baek.

The storyline revolves around Dong-baek, who moves to a small town called Ongsan with her young son in search of a fresh start. She opens a bar named Camellia, which proves to be a popular destination among the locals despite some initial prejudices against a single mother running a business. Along with running the bar, Dong-baek also faces personal challenges like dealing with her abusive past and raising her son without a father figure.

As she tries to settle in, Dong-baek encounters Hwang Yong-sik, a police officer who is notorious for his childish and quirky behavior. He develops a crush on Dong-baek and sets out to win her heart while also trying to protect her from the danger posed by her past.

The show also features an ensemble cast of supporting characters, including Dong-baek's best friend and fellow single mother, Hong Ja-young, and her ex-boyfriend, Kang Jong-ryeol, a successful baseball player who wants to reconnect with her.

The show's themes include love, friendship, parenting, and forgiveness. It highlights the various difficulties that single mothers face in Korean society, including stigmatization and financial struggles. It also explores the comic and romantic aspects of falling in love again after past trauma and heartbreak.

The acting performances of the three lead actors are particularly noteworthy. Kong Hyo-jin delivers an impressive portrayal of Dong-baek, a woman who battles her inner demons while trying to raise her child and run a business. Ji-seok Kim's portrayal of Hwang Yong-sik is hilarious and heartwarming, perfectly capturing the lovable goofball who tries to save the day. Kang Ha-neul adds depth to his character as a free spirit who falls madly in love with Dong-baek but is haunted by his own past.

The show's cinematography and music also deserve a special mention. The picturesque town of Ongsan, with its lush greenery and rustic charm, serves as the perfect backdrop for the show's romantic and comic moments. The music, which features a mix of catchy local tunes and sentimental ballads, enhances the emotional impact of the show's dramatic scenes.

Overall, When the Camellia Blooms is an engaging and heartwarming show that offers a fresh perspective on romantic and family relationships. With its stellar performances, clever writing, and beautiful visuals, the show is definitely worth a watch.

When the Camellia Blooms is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between September 18, 2019 and on KBS TV2