Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama When the Camellia Blooms, which masterfully blends heartwarming romance with edge-of-your-seat thriller elements, creating one of K-drama’s most unique and emotionally satisfying viewing experiences.
When the Camellia Blooms aired from September 18 to November 21, 2019, with 40 episodes running approximately 35 minutes each (or 20 episodes of 70 minutes), broadcasting on KBS2 every Wednesday and Thursday. Available on Netflix, this romantic comedy-thriller follows Oh Dong-baek, a single mother who moves to the fictional small town of Ongsan and opens a bar named Camellia. Her quiet life becomes complicated when she falls in love with earnest police officer Hwang Yong-sik while simultaneously becoming the target of a serial killer.
What makes this drama extraordinary is its ability to balance multiple genres seamlessly. The series combines small-town romance, community dynamics, single motherhood struggles, and serial killer suspense into a cohesive narrative that feels both cozy and thrilling. It’s a show that proves you can have your cake and eat it too when it comes to genre-blending in K-dramas.
Oh Dong-baek: The Resilient Single Mother
Oh Dong-baek (Gong Hyo-jin) is a single mother who owns the Camellia Bar in Ongsan, facing prejudice from the conservative townspeople due to her unwed status. Her character represents the strength of women who refuse to be defined by society’s narrow expectations while struggling to provide for their children. Dong-baek’s journey throughout When the Camellia Blooms explores themes of self-worth, community acceptance, and finding love despite past trauma.
Gong Hyo-jin delivers a powerhouse performance that makes Dong-baek both vulnerable and incredibly strong. Her portrayal shows how single mothers navigate judgment while maintaining hope for their children’s future and their own happiness.
Hwang Yong-sik: The Golden Retriever Boyfriend
Hwang Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul) is the epitome of the “golden retriever” male lead – loyal, optimistic, and completely devoted to protecting Dong-baek and her son Pil-gu. His character brings both comic relief and genuine warmth to the series, representing the kind of unconditional love that sees past society’s prejudices. Yong-sik’s dedication to his community and his pure-hearted approach to love make him incredibly endearing.
Kang Ha-neul’s performance transforms what could have been a simple nice-guy character into someone genuinely compelling. His chemistry with Gong Hyo-jin creates some of K-drama’s most heartwarming romantic moments.
The Town of Ongsan: A Character in Itself
When the Camellia Blooms excels in its portrayal of small-town dynamics, showing both the suffocating judgment and surprising warmth that can exist in tight-knit communities. The supporting characters, from the gossipy ajummas to the various bar patrons, feel like real people with their own stories and growth arcs. The series doesn’t romanticize small-town life but shows its complexities honestly.
The community’s gradual acceptance of Dong-baek mirrors real-world changes in attitudes toward single mothers and outsiders, making the social commentary feel organic rather than preachy.
When Love Meets Mortal Danger
The series reaches its most intense moments when the serial killer plot converges with the romance, putting Dong-baek directly in harm’s way. These climactic episodes showcase When the Camellia Blooms at its most thrilling, proving that the show can handle serious suspense without losing its emotional core. The way the series reveals the killer’s identity and motivations adds psychological depth that elevates the thriller elements beyond typical K-drama mystery plots.
The final confrontations demonstrate that sometimes the greatest act of love is learning to accept help and protection from those who truly care about you.
Success on Netflix
When the Camellia Blooms became the highest-rated mini-series on KBS2 for 2019, achieving peak ratings of 23.8%. The series swept major awards ceremonies, with Gong Hyo-jin winning multiple Best Actress awards and the drama itself earning recognition for its writing and directing. On Netflix, the show gained international acclaim for its unique genre blend and authentic portrayal of single motherhood. When the Camellia Blooms sparked conversations about social stigma, community acceptance, and the challenges faced by single parents, resonating with viewers worldwide who appreciated its realistic yet hopeful perspective.
A Perfect Blend of Heart and Suspense
If you love stories about community, resilient women, and romance with a dash of thriller excitement, When the Camellia Blooms is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. It’s a drama that proves the best love stories aren’t just about romance but about finding your place in the world and the people who accept you completely.
Why This Series Will Restore Your Faith in Human Goodness
Throughout its episodes, viewers witness how love and community support can triumph over prejudice and fear when good people choose to stand together. When the Camellia Blooms proves that the most beautiful love stories are those where acceptance and protection come not just from romantic partners but from entire communities that choose to embrace rather than exclude.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 40 (35 minutes each) / 20 (70 minutes each) (Completed)
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2019
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Thriller, Drama
Status: Completed series
Main Characters: Gong Hyo-jin (Oh Dong-baek), Kang Ha-neul (Hwang Yong-sik), Kim Ji-seok (Kang Jong-ryeol)
Antagonist: The Joker (serial killer) and societal prejudice against single mothers