Difference between revisions of "The Potato Lab"

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Drama: The Potato Lab (English title) / Potato Research Institute (literal title)
Revised romanization: Gamjayeonguso
Hangul: 감자연구소
Director: Kang Il-Soo
Writer: Kim Ho-Soo
Network: tvN
Episodes: 12
Release Date: March 1 - April 6, 2025
Runtime: Sat. & Sun. 21:20
Genre: Romantic-Comedy
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Kim Mi-Kyung (Lee Sun-Bin) is a researcher at the Potato Research Institute in a mountain valley. She has been working at the institute for 12 years and she is serious about her work. Her life is simple, but things change after So Baek-Ho (Kang Tae-Oh) appears at the Potato Research Institute. So Baek-Ho has a good looking appearance with a bright smile, but he can be a cold-blooded capitalist. Kim Mi-Kyung and So Baek-Ho don’t get along and they have conflicts on pretty much everything.

Notes

"The Potato Lab" takes over tvN's Sat. & Sun. 21:20 time slot previously occupied by "When the Stars Gossip" and followed by "Resident Playbook" on April 12, 2025
First acting role for Kang Tae-Oh since he was discharged from the South Korean military on March 19, 2024.
Director Kang Il-Soo and Screenwriter Kim Ho-Soo previously worked together in 2016 JTBC drama series "Solomon's Perjury" and 2019 MBC drama series "Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung."

Cast



Lee Sun-Bin	Kang Tae-Oh	Lee Hak-Joo
Kim Mi-Kyung	So Baek-Ho	Park Ki-Se

USB Guesthouse



Kim Ga-Eun	Shin Hyun-Seung	Jung Sin-Hye
Lee Ong-Ju	Kim Hwan-Kyung	Yoon Hee-Jin

Potato Lab



Yoo Seung-Mok	Woo Jung-Won	Kwak Ja-Hyoung	Kim Ji-A	Yoon Jeong-Seob
Bu Jae-Joong	Ju Seung-Hee	Ko Jung-Hae	Jang Seul-Gi	Lee Chung-Hyeon



Nam Hyeon-Woo	Kim Kyu-Cheol	Song Hoon
Kwon Hee-Dong	Hong Soon-Ik	Mr. Park

Wonhan Retail



Cha Mi-Kyung	Son Ji-Yoon	Nam Jung-Woo	Kim Cha-Yoon	Yoo Yong
Chairwoman Wang	CEO Yoon	Lee Seung-Hoon	Choi Ji-Hyun	HR employee



Min Dae-Sik	Ha Gyu-Rim
employee	employee

Youngeul-ri People



Hwang Jung-Min	Lee Sang-Hee	Hong Suk-Bin	Kim Kyeong-Ryong	Park Eun-Young
Ms. Jjeon	Byun Chang-Sik	Mr. Park	village development chair	Ms. Park



Kim Huong Ji-Yun	Shin Yun-Sook	Jeon Sung-Ah	Lin Da-Jeon	Kim Joo-A
Paeng	Ms. Hong	Ko Jung-Hae's wife (ep.2)	hairstylist (ep.3)	Byun Chang-Sook (ep.8)

Choi Ga-In

farmer (ep.11)

Others

Lee Dae-Yeon

Monk Sung Joo



Lee Han-Wi	Han Myung-Chul	Ryu Tae-Ho	Jung Ja-Young	Myung Jae-Hwan
Joongchan-ri farmer (ep.1)	Joongchan-ri farmer (ep.1)	Mr. Choi (ep.1)	Sunnyeo Food employee (ep.1)	Michael Lee (ep.1)



Heo Jung-Do	Hong Eun-Chul	Jung Min-Goo	Jun Joon-Woo	Won Gun-Su
Mr. Cho (ep.1)	Mr. Choi (ep.3)	Chris Choi (ep.3)	Kim Jin-Su (ep.4)	comic donor (ep.4)



Lee Seung-Min	Kim Young-Sun	Lee Seung-Chul	Lee Jung-Eun	Kwak Young-Sun
surfer (ep.4)	restaurant employee (ep.5,10)	Sunnyeo Shaman (ep.5)	Park Ki-Se's mom (ep.9)	Lee Ong-Ju's dad (ep.9)



Cha Young-Mi	Sung Ji-Ru	Yun Seong-Won	Kim Mi-Hye	Shim Ji-Yoo
Lee Ong-Ju's mom (ep.9)	Sweet Potato Lab staff (ep.10)	Sweet Potato Lab staff (ep.10)	Sweet Potato Lab staff (ep.10)	Ko Su-Jin (ep.10)

Kim Min-Suk

Chairman Kang (ep.12)

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Date	Episode	AGB
Date	Episode	Nationwide	Seoul
2025-03-01	1	1.7%	1.7%
2025-03-02	2	1.8%	1.9%
2025-03-08	3	1.4%	1.6%
2025-03-09	4	2.0%	1.8%
2025-03-15	5	1.1%	1.1%
2025-03-16	6	1.6%	1.6%
2025-03-22	7	1.3%	1.4%
2025-03-23	8	2.0%	1.6%
2025-03-29	9	1.1%	1.4%
2025-03-30	10	1.9%	1.7%
2025-04-05	11	1.2%	1.3%
2025-04-06	12	1.8%	1.7%

Source: AGB Nielson

Comments

vann hall May 11 2026 9:33 am I was curious about the title. It seems kind of whimsical for the lowly potato to have an entire 'lab' named after it. After the first episode I was really into the 2 leads and after all 12 episodes, I recommend the series to my friends. It follows the familiar notion that to really have an interesting, romantic story first there must be conflict between the (eventual) lovers. The resolution of the conflict, while it is inevitable, and obvious to the audience, is the story. The test of a good romantic story is how long the conflict can be drawn out, keeping the audience involved, before the 2 principal actors admit the attraction. Both lead actors Lee Sun Bin and Kang tae Oh are outstanding in their individual roles. I will look for them in other roles.

Kiki May 09 2026 3:06 am I decided to watch this drama because I saw plenty of comments saying how bad it was. I’m surprised it’s actually not that bad at all. I think they could’ve picked a better title for this drama, which I think might’ve contributed to people saying how bad it was. Like how people say you eat with your eyes first, the title probably affected people’s first impression of it. The drama itself is very laid back, so if you have a lot of free time to spare, this is the perfect drama for you. And Kang Tae Oh, excuse me, the stylists deserve a raise. I know he’s already hot, but his styling here is chef’s kiss.

Musenge Jan 30 2026 11:07 pm Loved this drama, I was cracking up the entire time, the supporting cast was top tier and the storyline was good and made sense.

Wu80 Jan 24 2026 5:04 am The plot is cute and there are some great actors and characters. But Lee Sun-Bin is a low-tier actor and Kim Mi-Kyung is an unlikable, selfish character. It was rough by episode 6-7. Too bad because there were elements for a silly and cute romcom but the FL ruins it and there is zero chemistry between her and Kang Tae-Oh/So Baek-Ho.

Nik Jul 26 2025 5:38 pm Just finished it. I'm a little sad that it's another 12-eps-only K-drama, meh, but it's great RomCom! I love the lead couple's chemistry and the supporting cast is just wonderful! The comedy/slapstick elements are perfectly mixed in without being annoying.

I just wonder if I'm the only one who didn't get the last episode. One more would maybe have been better to understand why they appear at the end like this, then saying "we're not done yet" and everything feels a little rushed. But this is nothing to worry about if you ponder watching this drama, it's time well spent !

jeya Jul 20 2025 1:31 am love this RomCom! you will laugh at every episode such nice light hearted story! more romcom for Kang Tae Oh plssss

Ellen Jun 05 2025 8:26 am Great to see Kang Tae Oh back but poor choice of drama after Attorney Woo, and irritating FL who is either throwing a tantrum or being hypa active. All is saved by the delightful Kim Ga Eun who is a joy to watch. Shame she was never a FL, maybe too short but so pretty and talented. Missed some middle episodes without interrupting the plot! Watching 7&8.

aiden Jun 02 2025 7:21 pm Surprisingly Kang Tae Oh is much compatible with Lee Sun Bin. Their chemistry is too good. Rather than Park Eun Bin in Extraordinary Attorney Woo, quite awkward although the drama genre is quite similar, office lover.

For those who love to watch drama without much 'drama', this is for you. No bad character here, just one annoying character, ex boyfriend KMK. lols

Kdramawatcher May 02 2025 11:45 am Ku Do Won is new member of green flag troupe which is founded by Netflix ?

Drama ahjumma Apr 29 2025 7:03 am Hmm it was okay… not bad, but just okay. I loved the interaction of the lead actors. No toxic relationship at all. There wasn’t must twsists to the story and it wasn’t very interesting.

Hamidah Ashari Apr 18 2025 2:37 am This drama is not bad, entertaining wise. M just annoyed with the leading female’s character. Should hv just told them you would close the lab, Baek-ho. The company always hv the upper hand. Why just accept their bs??

Nea Apr 14 2025 11:26 pm Wow...i dont expect this is interesting to watch.

Nothing found a single anoyying character or unimportant scene until end episode. None of them are overdone or overpower. All character is unic and balance. Even an ex-couple who initially have problems, have good character development. But making her best friend and her bro end up as a couple , it feels weird. Hhaha

Lead couple have a good chemistry and make natural comedy. Especially Kang tae oh, he is very talented since in 5urprise member. Good see you shine untill now.

Elle Apr 10 2025 5:08 pm Loved this drama; it was a lot of fun to watch. There were a lot of times I laughed

at how relatable some of the scenes were and the cast was good together. I enjoyed the fact that even with the seriousness of some topics, it wasn't too heavy. And the absence of love triangles was a plus.

Zeila Apr 08 2025 7:23 am Cons: Waaayyyy too much screaming and over-the-top crying. Had to keep fast-forwarding or turning the sound down, especially when the kids were doing it. If I had a "best friend" or coworkers like she did, I'd bury myself in the potato field. Excessively nosy, pain-in-the-butts I wanted to slap repeatedly...especially the idiot "best friend".

Pros: Cameo of the adorable Kim Min Suk as the spoiled rich guy. Wonder why he's not listed above? ML and FL were great and were given solid dialogue. FL character reminds me of Honey Lee or Jun Ji Hun. Some great, laugh-out-loud moments. Best Kiss Scenes I've seen in a long, long time. No pecks. No drooling. No sucking on her upper lip. Good, realistic kissing that will make you jealous!

Overall, thoroughly enjoyed.

Kristine Apr 08 2025 4:32 am Great story and acting. Really enjoyed the mix of pathos and comedy.

Ash Apr 08 2025 12:50 am 1st ep was a bit hard to get through but it picked up from 2nd ep. Loved the drama! It's cute, funny and refreshing.

Kang Tae Oh is a Treat to look at. Lee Sun-Bin's acting is toooo goood. And is it just me or does Shin Hyun-Seung look like Jungkook?????????

Billa Apr 07 2025 9:10 pm Love it ! I mean this was clearly not an A-listed kdrama, but it was light and entertaining like romcom should be. A drama to ease your mind after waching a tear jerking one. This the first time I saw Lee Sun Bin in a series, she’s dope. And watching Kang Tae Oh after his military service was definitely graceful ! I recommend this for all rom com lovers

colette Apr 06 2025 3:19 pm Hated this k drama. I’ve only ever hated 2 Why are we normalizing tantrums and hitting and presenting it as funny? Several scenes made no sense Tired of the ‘high power money man loves hard working girl’ trope Most tired of the ‘I’m 30+ and have been engaged/serious relationship but now I’m too shy for accidentally touching hands’ it’s completely ok to be nervous or shy and still confident.

The only good thing about this was the supporting cast and the storyline didn’t have abusive patents beating their children with golf clubs.

Very sad. Start giving the fans positive examples of perseverance in traditions meets modern culture expectations. And abuse isn’t funny

Jillibean Apr 05 2025 3:08 am "Director Kang Il-Soo and Screenwriter Kim Ho-Soo previously worked together in 2016 JTBC drama series "Solomon's Perjury" and 2019 MBC drama series "Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung.""

Ok, I Am In! I Adored Those Two Dramas!

Maggie Wilkie Apr 04 2025 3:04 pm Story lines moved well—great supporting cast.

Elsa Apr 03 2025 12:02 am Love the village panoramic view.

Jia Apr 02 2025 12:03 am I disagree with the rating. I watch this without expectation but it turns out to be so good and entertaining! I haven't had a really good laugh from a kdrama these days. This drama is so refreshing. I have fun watching this so far.

This is a great comeback of Kang Tae Oh after "The Extraordinary Attorney Woo" (still hope for its second season, tho!). At first I watch Potato Lab because of Kang Tae Oh but staying for the story and comedy. I really appreciate the director and screenwriter for delivering this super entertaining romcom. I'll be waiting for their next projects!

Simply Temmy Apr 01 2025 8:04 am I had to screenshot MK and Beak Romantic part and use it as my WhatsApp Dp.i love love the movie !

Dinah Mar 31 2025 1:43 pm It’s been so long since I’ve been really invested in a k-drama. I started getting tired of the same suspense/detective stories. This drama is so refreshing, entertaining and simple. Its makes me giggle, and the smile never leaves my face while I’m watching it.

Vodka Mar 30 2025 12:58 pm My heart goes out to MK. Now that she has fallen in love... she's getting hurt again. She may have been acting flippant and annoying but that is her armour from hurting. She deserves to be happy. I don't know how is she going to move on...how is she going to forgive everyone who had a hand in destroying her life, career and happiness...sigh

Ss Mar 29 2025 8:26 pm How come this drama has such a low rating when it's so hilarious and entertaining!!!

PANDORA Mar 29 2025 1:32 pm Kang Tae-oh is so attractive. His height, deep voice, acting skills are top notch. I love the stoic genius character. Sun-bin is stunning, I love the bubbly character, the side characters are also all brilliant, never a boring moment. 10/10

Darey Mar 28 2025 6:36 pm since the first time I watched it I knew this drama was made just to fill an empty slot. the story is so boring and their love story is very common and template. It just wastes of time and actors' talent. it doesn't deserve to being called a romantic comedy because the comedy is cringe.

if you compare it with 'My Dearest Nemesis' which airs at the same time and is also produced by tvn and has the same genre, it is much better. their drama has a light and simple story but touching.

Grasshopper Mar 26 2025 7:43 am Great acting by Lee sun bin, the comedy aspect literally comes so natural that I enjoy the most, and Kim ga eun always give some boost as Main lead bestie duo in every drama she's in. If this drama receive bad reviews, then I really won't understand, soo.. Maybe just not in your liking,

Cute i pie Mar 26 2025 4:42 am So goood,,, cute & entertaining, I'm not disappointed chose this one now beyond all my watchlist

rusty greaves Mar 25 2025 9:26 pm what a surprise...a good entertaining show...good acting from all especially Lee Sun-Bin....to remember her continuous dialogue episodes is a feat...shame it has poor ratings....nice to see a show that is entertaining....

bella Mar 22 2025 2:22 pm started fun at episode 7!!!! u guys need to watch it!! so cute oh my god

blueberrypie Mar 20 2025 9:05 pm this is the drama i've been craving for, sooo good and really funny, love the main leads although the FL is a bit extra and sometimes she too exagerrated but it's not a big deal still enjoyable, kang tae oh is soooooo attractive i wish they give him more romance comedy drama in the future, recommended

scorpianio Mar 19 2025 4:27 am I genuinely don't understand how this drama is currently receiving good reviews? The first two episodes felt so slow and a chore to get through! I know it's meant to be a lighthearted romcom but I'm finding the setup to be ridiculous and completely unrelatable and unbelievable. The main leads keep bickering like crazy and I'm sure it'll get better but the chemistry's just not there. While the main female lead is bold and confident, she's not very likeable either which makes it even more frustating to watch. I've decided to drop this drama.

Hororololo Mar 17 2025 3:59 am So funnnn

Aaron B Mar 17 2025 1:50 am I'm from California and this series is absolutely the best and funniest! I have screen. All the actors and writers did a great job!

Pooja Mar 16 2025 12:04 pm Must watch show.

Hana Kimi Mar 16 2025 12:00 pm This is my first time writing a review here. But this drama is so much fun and funny! It made me laugh many times! It shows the importance of crop research and the work of crop production, researchers, and tissue culture. It really provides fresh ideas and a unique plot. All the characters are funny, and I really enjoyed watching this drama. The female lead is also funny and chaotic. It portrays the love dynamic between a chaotic girlfriend and a calm boyfriend.

Debbie Mar 15 2025 4:21 pm I really live this kdrama. It is so funny! I can’t wait until the next episode!

Tuka Mar 10 2025 4:01 am I do not understand, I don't want to understand this scorn against scientists.

Carolyn Mar 09 2025 5:47 pm Silly, infantile script. Adults behaving like early teens. Really disappointing.

Chelsea Mar 09 2025 1:32 pm Episode 3 was so hilarious. I still can't contain my laugh until now.

Lyk Mar 09 2025 6:28 am Is it going to get better? Ep 1 and 2 are about ML and FL spats and don't see that chemistry between them. I made a lot of fast forwards due to the incessant screaming too.

Almost all of them here are whining adults..over acting.

I like the male lead though and will stay to watch his performance in this drama. He played the ML in Extraordinary Atty. Woo.

Sojin Mar 08 2025 10:21 pm I find this drama very similar to Brewing Love...not so excited about it but will definitely watch it when I got the time.

Nadine Mar 08 2025 11:50 am Don't understand the FL bash :)) She's really funny and relatable, cuz at the end of the day she just doesn't care about social norms and is not afraid to speak her mind. And a out the anger issues thing, the people who judge never had a stressful job and it shows :)). Also it is said that she just quit smoking so that's another factor. Just don't read too much into it. It is a fun and easy-going drama, no need to overanalize.

Lauren Mar 08 2025 11:45 am This show is really funny I live it!! It's kind of like a no brainer and easy to watch I love that it doesn't follow the standard k-drama time-line and it's fast paced You should give it a try!

Vodka Mar 08 2025 4:23 am Please bear with FL's personality and behaviour... she's nicer when she was smoking. Anyway, roles in comedies are generally quirky, exaggerated and over the top...or she could be naturally so, since she's cast in many such roles. I shall just watch it for fun and not pay attention to logic or social norms.

aauder Mar 08 2025 12:21 am I find it her character is funny, thrilling and not boring, somehow I can relate to FL perspective about how to barely endure from stress of job plus some ex BF issue. I'm bored looking at some drama women can't speak out loud, always look sad and oppressed while here FL can speak whatever she wants even the boss lol (ofc we can't do that easily in real life) Well, she pass the vibe check from the director and writer about FL in anger issue, so what? her acting is brilliant to potray about it. if its not your taste, just skip her part lol no need to drain your energy for being bashful about her acting and her private life

Mira Mar 06 2025 2:55 am I'm on the first minutes of ep2 and geez. I am really annoyed by the FL character i think i will drop this drama. How tf in the world a 36 or 37 yo woman could behave like that and then they made her the FL. She acts like a psychopath with anger issue. I am looking forward for the bestfriend since i saw her in king the land, but i dont think I'll be continue watching. What's wrong with her? Lack of nicotine? Given they always mentioned that every time she's throwing tantrums. Seriously, she's too annoying to watch. I really agree with @kara and @hana. Somebody also mentioned this is the first drama the ML played in after his military service, well, uh, huh. *shrugs

Hot Potatoes Mar 03 2025 7:07 pm tvn team experimenting a lot they are releasing weird thing again after when the stars gossip

Fossy Mar 03 2025 5:34 pm If it were me I would have closed down the Lab after the first couple of days of insult. Really looked forward to the show but I find it terribly annoying. Hope people don’t act like this in the real world

Haena Mar 03 2025 3:30 pm Boring first week, but maybe it will get better? There’s 10 more episodes left… I guess I’ll wait.

Renji Mar 03 2025 8:00 am Dropping this one... Episodes 1 and 2 is a combination of boring and annoying scenes. You can do something else while this series is playing in the background and you still won't miss anything important.

Kara Mar 03 2025 7:21 am I love the ML and the best friend actress, the story with the querky countryside lab is right up my alley as well... but i just cannot get over the FL, there is feisty and there is acting like a psychopth, she comes across like a very unstable and aggressive person and not in a funny way. Someone below mentioned "my love from the stars" and i have to disagree. IMO Gianna Jun or Jun Ji Hyun acting style is tempestuous but her face has a certain naïveté, a softness if you will, that combined with her comedic timing that's unparalleled makes her get away with it, unlike this FL that makes me wanna run.

soom Mar 02 2025 9:33 pm ep 2-- so far mostly set up for characters. But FL not very sympathetic or engaging--shrill, opinionated, and constantly bickering with everyone. I suppose within the framework of corporate buyout and cost cutting, the leads will ropund each others sharp corners to softer curves. But...is that enuf to hold interest? we'll see.

Geraldine Mar 02 2025 3:06 pm If you liked my love from the star, you'd love this. Excluding the fantasy. Don't think too much about it. Just enjoy the chaotic Fl and cool Ml. I think people are just over evaluating. After extraordinary attorney woo, Kang tae oh has to show Another side of him. I think it's funny and chaotic. Get off your high horses.

Yumi Mar 02 2025 12:31 pm Love to see Kang Tae-Oh back! But why (only 2 episodes in) is the FL character such a horrible person? A caricature so far. Not appealing. Hopefully it gets better.

Mona Mar 02 2025 12:24 am Good looking actor and actress but did not care for the story. I was bored on the first episode

Sarnie0927 Mar 01 2025 12:53 pm Kang Tae Oh?

Jillibean Feb 18 2025 3:07 am Wow that director-writer team delivered fabulous dramas together in Solomon's Perjury and Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung. I will check it out for that alone!

Aimen May 23 2024 9:41 am My darlings.....♡♡♡♡♡♡

M May 16 2024 10:04 am Kang Tae Oh is back!

External Links

Official Website

@@ Line 148: / Line 148: @@
 |1charactername=Monk Sung Joo
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-{{CastPictures20
+{{CastPictures21
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 |1name=Lee Han-Wi
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 |20name=Shim Ji-Yoo (2016){{!}}Shim Ji-Yoo
 |20charactername=Ko Su-Jin (ep.10)
+|21picture=File:The Potato Lab-Kim Min-Suk.jpg
+|21name=Kim Min-Suk (1990){{!}}Kim Min-Suk
+|21charactername=Chairman Kang  (ep.12)
 }}

Difference between revisions of "The Potato Lab"

Revision as of 00:28, 23 April 2025

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

USB Guesthouse

Potato Lab

Wonhan Retail

Youngeul-ri People

Others

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Comments

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Comments

External Links