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All we know About The Potato Lab K-Drama: A Quirky Office Romance set in a Potato Research Center
Exciting news for K-drama fans! A brand new clip for The Potato Lab has just been released, offering a glimpse into the quirky world of this upcoming romantic comedy. Featuring hilarious moments and introducing key characters, the official clip showcases the fun dynamic between the passionate Mi-kyung and the strict Baek-ho.
Set in a picturesque mountain valley, The Potato Lab offers a refreshing, unique twist on office romances. The drama follows two eccentric adults working at a potato research center, but there's much more to this unlikely love story than meets the eye. From tense bickering to unexpected sparks, the chemistry between Mi-kyung and Baek-ho will be one of the most surprising aspects of this show.
Ready to dive deeper into what The Potato Lab has to offer? We’ve got all the juicy details, from cast insights to the show's official plot points and everything you need to know to get excited about this upcoming K-drama. Trust us, you won’t want to miss what's coming next. Stay tuned as we continue to update you with the latest news!
Release date & Where to Watch
The Potato Lab will globally premiere on Saturday, March 1, 2025, with new episodes airing every Saturday and Sunday until the finale on April 6, 2025. The show will debut on tvN in South Korea, with international audiences able to stream it simultaneously on Netflix and TVING. With a total of 12 episodes, viewers can catch the latest episodes each weekend at 9:20 pm KST.
What is the plot of The Potato Lab?
Set in a picturesque mountain valley, the K-drama follows Kim Mi-gyeong, a passionate potato researcher at a local research center. Known for her 12-year tenure and her love for potatoes, she is admired by the town for her dedication but labeled as eccentric.
Mi-gyeong works on a secret project to create a new type of potato called "Mi Gyeong," and her life takes a turn when So Baek-ho, a cold and practical businessman, is appointed as the new director of the institute. Their initially strained relationship, marked by constant bickering, slowly transforms into an office romance.
Mi-gyeong, who is deeply committed to her work, and Baek-ho, who is emotionally distant and reserved, eventually find themselves drawn to one another. Baek-ho, with his captivating looks and polished demeanor, is far from what Mi-gyeong expects from a colleague. Despite his suave exterior, he is a loner with little to no personal life, which only adds to the tension between the two.
Director Kang Il-soo shared in a press conference, "It is a heartfelt story about ordinary people who, like the common potato, may not be glamorous or stand out, and at times struggle to understand their own emotions." He continued, "I hope the show offers audiences a delightful experience like a potato, a simple yet essential ingredient in our meals." (via MSN)
As Mi-kyung and Baek-ho navigate their professional differences, their connection deepens, making for a story that blends humor, romance, and personal growth.
Who’s Starring in The Potato Lab?
- Kang Tae-oh (Extraordinary Woo) as So Baek-ho: The composed and poised organizational innovation director at Wonhan Retail, who maintains a strong and professional demeanor.
Baek-ho, Mi-kyung's love interest, is a cold and principled man with a firm set of standards, becoming sensitive to anything that challenges them. "When he encounters the uncontrollable Mi-kyung, her actions challenge his principles, creating conflict. However, over time, he finds himself unknowingly influenced by her," Kang said. (via Korea JoongAng Daily)
- Lee Sun-Bin (Boyhood) as Kim Mi Gyeong: A potato-obsessed researcher.
On why she chose to star in the drama, Lee Sun Bin shared, “When I first received the script, I found it really fun to read. I noticed that people enjoyed my performances in slice-of-life roles, so I wanted to give them something they would love while ensuring that this drama had a distinct atmosphere from my past projects.” (via Soompi)
She continued, “Since this story unfolds in an unusual setting—a research institute dedicated to potatoes—I felt it was the perfect opportunity to showcase my acting in a fresh way. This drama is the ideal blend of romance and comedy. Also, I always heard great things about Kang Tae Oh from those around me, so I really wanted to act alongside him. On top of that, the senior actors I worked with were wonderful, which made me feel incredibly lucky.”
Speaking about her character Mi Kyeong, Lee Sun Bin remarked, “She’s a lovable character who you just can’t dislike. But it’s not just Mi Kyeong—every character in our drama is endearing, including Baek Ho. Each person has their own reasons and charm. That’s what I loved most about the script.”
She continued, “Mi Kyeong serves as the emotional anchor in the story. She’s not the oldest at the research lab, but she has earned everyone’s trust and is very passionate about her work. At the same time, she’s quite realistic and highly empathetic—to the point that if she were to take an MBTI test, her F (Feeling) score would be at 200 percent.”
- Lee Hak-joo (My Dearest) as Park Gi Se: Mi-kyung's ex-boyfriend and the executive director of Wonhan Retail's strategic planning division.
- Kim Ga-eun (Because This Is My First Love) as Lee Ong Ju: Mi-kyung's best friend, a web novel writer.
- Shin Hyun-seung (Han River Police) as Kim Hwan Gyeong: Mi-kyung's younger brother.
- Jung Shin-hye (My Perfect Stranger) as Yoon Hee-jin
- Kwak Ja-hyung (May I Help You) as Ko Jeong Hae: The self-proclaimed hipster manager.
- Yoo Seung Mok as Bu Jae Jung
- Woo Jeong Won as Ju Seung Hui: A deputy manager who has made the greatest contribution to the Potato Research Institute's teamwork.
- Nam Hyun Woo as Kwon Hui Dong: The enthusiastic new hire at the Potato Research Institute.
- Kim Ji Ah as Jang Seul Gi
- Yoon Jung Sub as Lee Chung Hyeon
- Jin Ga Eun
Is There a Trailer for The Potato Lab?
The official trailer for The Potato Lab, released by Netflix gives viewers a glimpse into the dynamic between So Baek-ho and Kim Mi-gyeong. Baek-ho arrives at the potato research center as its new director, bringing his rigid work ethic and clashing with Mi-gyeong.
However, as time passes, the tension melts away, leading to an unexpected office romance. Alongside their growing connection, the trailer promises plenty of humorous moments. Do check out the trailer below.
On Feb. 26, 2025, the streamer released a new clip from The Potato Lab, showcasing the series' best moments. The visual emphasizes the show's comedic strengths while introducing key characters, including the fiery Mi-gyeong and the straightforward Baek-ho, who begin as bitter rivals.
Episode Guide
- Season 1 Episode 1 (Saturday, March 1, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 2 (Sunday, March 2, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 3 (Saturday, March 8, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 4 (Sunday, March 9, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 5 (Saturday, March 15, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 6 (Sunday, March 16, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 7 (Saturday, March 22, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 8 (Sunday, March 23, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 9 (Saturday, March 29, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 10 (Sunday, March 30, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 11 (Saturday, April 5, 2025)
- Season 1 Episode 12 (Sunday, April 6, 2025)
Behind the Scenes
The Potato Lab is directed by Kang Il Soo and written by Kim Ho Soo. The duo previously collaborated on the hit 2019 drama Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung. Initially developed under the working title Potato Research Institute, the series is produced by Chorokbaem Media and planned by CJENM Studios.
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