By Lee Min-young
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| Actress Gong Hyo-jin wins her first drama award grand prize in a 20-year acting career. Courtesy of KBS |
In the romantic comedy, Gong plays Dong Baek, an orphan and single mom struggling to make ends meet at a new town she settles in with her young son.
The women-empowering drama shows how she deals with life's difficulties and a man she later falls in love with, Yong-shik (Kang Ha-neul), who slowly opens her heart through love and care.
In her acceptance speech, an overwhelmed Gong said: "I have received so much love through this drama. The drama has consoled and encouraged the actors as much as it did for the viewers. I felt sad as the drama was nearing an end because it was so special to me.
"I think I won't be able to meet a drama like this ever again in my life."
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| "When the Camellia Blooms" topped the ratings on KBS when it aired from Sept. 18 to Nov. 21. Courtesy of KBS |
"When the Camellia Blooms" also set a record in KBS drama awards by receiving 12 prizes at Tuesday's ceremony.
The show quickly rose to top spot in the ratings after it aired on Sept. 18 and maintained that until it finished on Nov. 21. It is now available on Netflix.
Gong was a teenager when she debuted as a model. Her film career began with the horror flick "Whispering Corridors 2" in 1999. She has starred in mega-hit TV dramas and films throughout her 20-year career, including MBC's "Pasta" (2010) and "The Greatest Love" (2011).
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