The Potato Lab

The Potato Lab: A Hearty Mash of Comedy, Catharsis, and Chemistry

Let’s get this out of the way: The Potato Lab is not a reinvention of the wheel. It’s not here to subvert romcom expectations or deliver a genre-defying narrative. It is, proudly and unapologetically, a romcom. It wears its predictability like a badge of honor, marches to the beat of a familiar drum, and somehow… makes all of that feel like the warmest bowl of potato soup you didn’t know you needed.

The Potato Lab simply says, “You like the wheel, right? Here’s one that rolls smoothly, is painted a lovely pastel shade, and happens to whisper emotional truths while spinning.” That’s The Potato Lab in a nutshell—or a potato sack, if you will. At its center is Kim Mi-kyeong, played with incandescent chaos and aching vulnerability by Lee Sun-bin, who continues her streak of portraying women that feel like firestorms bottled in coffee cups. Mi-kyeong is a character built for contradiction—short-tempered but endlessly giving, confrontational yet emotionally reserved, someone who yells when she cares and says nothing when she's truly hurting. And Lee Sun-bin understands this paradox with a frightening amount of precision. Her comedic timing is surgical, her emotional breakdowns feel like cracked porcelain, and her painfully awkward, forced laughter when uncomfortable is the kind of acting choice that makes a character unforgettable. It’s not just good—it’s microwave-scream-in-the-office-kitchen level good.

Opposite her is Kang Tae-oh as So Baek-ho, a cold and calculating corporate number cruncher who might as well be allergic to sunlight and small talk. At first glance, he’s the walking embodiment of a productivity app, all schedules and logic. But as the drama progresses, Kang Tae-oh slowly dismantles the robot façade and replaces it with tenderness, subtlety, and (let’s be honest) an unfair amount of emotional damage in soft lighting. Watching him unravel—sometimes clumsily, sometimes beautifully—feels earned, like watching a glacier slowly, gloriously melt under the weight of spring.

And yet, The Potato Lab never feels stale. Maybe it’s the quirky setting of a lab and a guesthouse. Maybe it’s the sheer brilliance of the cast. Or maybe—just maybe—it’s the way it treats emotional healing like a slow-cooked stew, not a microwave dinner.

And when these two leads collide? Sparks. Electric, flammable, potato-fueled sparks. The chemistry between Mi-kyeong and Baek-ho is downright delicious. They argue like they’ve been married for a decade and flirt like it’s their first day on Earth. Their banter slides effortlessly into vulnerability, and their most serious conversations can seamlessly give way to absolute chaos—like, say, ending up in a police station with Baek-ho still in pajamas. It’s not just romantic tension; it’s a masterclass in tonal balance.

But The Potato Lab isn’t just about the central couple. The supporting cast brings their A-game, and the drama makes space for them to shine. Kim Ga-eun and Shin Hyun-seung make up the secondary couple, and their comedic timing is so sharp it could slice through tension like a hot knife through—well, a potato. Ga-eun’s character, Ong-ju, in particular, becomes Mi-kyeong’s emotional harbor, the best friend who knows when to crack a joke and when to anchor her in silence. Meanwhile, the rest of the lab team adds flavor without overpowering the main dish. They're quirky, they're lovable, and more importantly—they know when to exit stage left.

And then there's Yoon Hee-jin, played with relaxed brilliance by Jung Shin-hye. Hee-jin is Baek-ho’s best friend—and bless this drama for keeping that friendship 100% platonic. There are no romantic undertones, no secret pining, no “but maybe…”s. Just two straight, attractive people being emotionally intimate in the way K-dramas often refuse to allow unless it ends in a kiss. Their friendship is as pure as fresh-fallen snow and serves as a foundation of support that never once asks for anything more. It’s so refreshing, I wanted to frame it and hang it on a wall labeled “How To Write Friends Who Stay Friends.”

And just when you think you’re here for giggles and romance, The Potato Lab throws emotional haymakers. It tackles grief, burnout, failed relationships, and post-traumatic inertia with a level of honesty rarely seen in shows with this many food metaphors. Mi-kyeong’s six-year spiral after a double whammy of heartbreak and career devastation isn’t told in melodrama—it’s told in sighs, silences, and lines like, “I only wake up because I open my eyes.” That line? It broke me. I had to physically pause, whisper “damn,” and walk it off like a sports injury. The emotional arcs aren’t just believable—they're lived-in.

And let’s talk OSTs, because The Potato Lab didn’t just pick background music—it curated a playlist of soul. Strong Girl by B!ni and Hailey by Lee Sun-bin herself (!) bring the sunshine when the script leans silly, while Sondia’s Pretend and Seungmin’s My Destiny drag your heart across the pavement during the more gut-wrenching moments. Every scene feels tailored to its soundtrack, and that care pays off in buckets.

One of the smartest things The Potato Lab does is hide emotional nuance in plain sight. If you understand Korean formality levels, you’ll catch Baek-ho starting stiffly formal and gradually loosening up, while Mi-kyeong lingers at an awkward coworker level. Watching that formality drop over episodes is like watching walls crumble—quiet, but deeply intimate. It’s the kind of detail that rewards attentive viewers without excluding casual ones.

The drama also never underestimates its audience. It trusts us to read between the lines, to recognize that Mi-kyeong’s angry bursts are a defense mechanism, and Baek-ho’s cold demeanor is just professional trauma in a tailored coat. That line, “I only wake up the next day because I open my eyes,” casually dropped by Mi-kyeong like she wasn’t just holding my soul in her fist? Yeah. That’s the kind of dialogue that lives rent-free forever.

As for the ending? Chef’s kiss. No dangling threads, no last-minute drama bombs. Just resolution across the board—for the couple, the side characters, and the potato-shaped void in our hearts. And the drama even manages to leave the door open (just a crack!) for a potential Season 2, without sacrificing narrative satisfaction.

Now, let's peel the skins off a few minor nitpicks: the drama follows a fairly standard romcom trajectory. That didn’t bother me (structure is comforting!), but some viewers might wish for more narrative risk-taking. The past trauma, though central, is told rather than shown—we could've used a well-executed flashback or two. The comedy sometimes pops in at awkward emotional moments like an overenthusiastic party guest, and yeah… that first kiss in Episode 2? Way too soon. My romantic oven hadn't preheated yet, okay?

The backstory, while crucial, gets mostly told rather than shown. We’re told about tragedy. We’re told about past wounds. A few flashbacks could’ve given the emotional payoffs even more weight—particularly in a short 12-episode format.

Also, while the comedy hits more often than it misses, it sometimes interrupts intense scenes like a clown horn during a eulogy. The tone shifts are mostly well-handled, but when they miss, it’s a jarring bounce.

Lastly—and this is personal—I wanted more Hee-jin and Baek-ho. Their friendship is such a rare, sparkling gem that I was greedy for more. They’re platonic perfection, and frankly, I’d trade in a couple of banana peel gags for more of their quiet, unwavering bond.

But in the end, these are tiny bruises on an otherwise perfectly baked potato.

Verdict:
Let’s be honest: The Potato Lab isn’t revolutionary. But it doesn’t have to be. It doesn’t need to chase innovation when it understands the assignment so well. Like your favorite cup of ramyeon or a rainy day playlist, this drama is about emotional rhythm, not surprise. The joy isn’t in what happens—it’s in how it happens.

The Potato Lab never promised to be revolutionary. What it offers is something better: emotional sincerity wrapped in hilarious hijinks. It’s a story about finding love after loss, trusting again after betrayal, and allowing softness to return to a heart that’s been hardened by life. It’s absurd. It’s moving. It’s funny. And most importantly—it’s real.

It’s in Mi-kyeong learning to breathe again. It’s in Baek-ho realizing logic isn’t always the answer. It’s in watching people, broken in different ways, find each other and slowly rebuild—not because the story forces them to, but because they choose to.

It’s romance not as fantasy, but as emotional growth. And that, dear friends, never goes out of style.

So yes, it’s a romcom. But it’s a damn good one.

Score: 143,234 potatoes (total potatoes shown in 12 episodes) out of 10

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Potatoes and Plot Holes

The Potato Lab starts with a promising premise—M&A executive So Baek Ho (Kang Tae Oh) is sent to revamp a struggling potato research center, where he clashes with passionate researcher Kim Mi Gyeong (Lee Sun Bin). It sounds like a setup for quirky fun, right? Sadly, the drama just doesn’t deliver.

The story feels undercooked, lacking the depth or charm to make it memorable. The leads never quite click—when they’re not arguing, their dialogue feels awkward and overly sentimental, which doesn’t match their supposedly mature characters. The supporting cast? Mostly loud, one-note, and unnecessary to the plot. For a show about potatoes, it’s disappointing how little comfort or heart it offers.

That said, Lee Sun Bin and Kang Tae Oh give solid performances, doing their best to bring life to a flat script. Unfortunately, even their talent isn’t enough to save this drama from feeling bland.

If you’re craving a lighthearted rom-com, this one might leave you unsatisfied. But if curiosity gets the better of you, give it a try—and maybe grab some fries to make up for the lack of flavor.

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I just couldn't like it

I'm not trying to change anyone's mind. Try it, you may like it. I, however, just couldn't get on board with this for numerous reasons.

1) This show struggled with tone. It started out pretty slapstick and I was amused by it, but then it would turn very serious, and then back to comedy. It didn't know what it wanted to be.
2) FL. Oh my gosh, I didn't like her, from beginning to end. She was supposed to be a strong woman maybe, but she just came off as a shrew. She yelled, A LOT, at everyone. I found nothing to root for where she was concerned.
3) ML. I find it interesting that Kang Tae Oh loved someone neurodivergent in Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and WAS neurodivergent here. Think gorgeous, unfeeling robot.
4) Relationship. They hated each other, then suddenly they loved each other. Did I miss an episode? There was no rhyme or reason to their relationship. She continued to yell, he continued to be a robot.
5) Chemistry. Nope. There were some technically good kisses, but I couldn't feel them as a couple.
6) Story. This could have been about anything. I don't know why she loved potatoes, etc. It also felt like they threw in things to make the story longer. Her ex lied. Then we find out that the ML lied. Then we find out that the best friend lied.
7) About the best friend. Oh my gosh, she was SO irritating!
8) Music. The theme song was like a buzz in my head that wouldn't go away. ugh.
9) Costuming. The FL dressed like a sack of potatoes. There was nothing remotely attractive about anything she wore. However, ML wore some fabulous suits.
10) Hair - FL had the worst hairstyle! Did they not have the budget for a hair stylist? ML hair was entirely too dark.
11) Makeup - ML makeup apparently was applied with a trowel, and boy did he look plastic. However, the four times he smiled were wonderful. In some of the scenes the ML looked like he had a bad case of pink eye.
12) Though it was only 12 episodes, it felt like 45 and I didn't think I'd EVER finish it.

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Smart Start, Dumb Finish — Still Had Me Laughing

Potato Lab started strong, packed with nonstop laughs, and had a fun and likable secondary couple. The chemistry was great and the comedy timing was on point; honestly, I laughed through almost every episode. That said, the story slowly lost its way. The humor stayed funny, but the plot started to unravel and get, well... dumber as it went on. The ending felt rushed and the final scene was so ridiculous it crossed from “what?” to full-blown weird. Still, it was a fun ride that left me wishing for a second season — or at least a rewrite of the last ten minutes.

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I won't lie. At first, this drama did not catch my attention. I started it because there was nothing I wanted to watch, and it was the first thing on the screen when I opened my app. That being said. I think the storyline was super strong at the beginning, but somehow it just became mediocre towards the middle, and I feel like it just kept going downhill after that. I feel like the 'misunderstanding', 'my fault', did not make sense. I mean, it just didn't feel right. I feel like they could have gone with a better and different conflict for the story. I also did not like the ending. It's just meh. It left me wanting more for them, I mean, yeah, they are making her dream come true, but I feel like they could have done a better ending. Which also felt rushed, but I am not going to complain about that since the storyline was not interesting to me anymore.

I also feel like the romance between the brother and friend was better than the one between the main characters, which was disappointing.

The actors did an amazing job, not many complaints about the acting. Some of the side characters seemed awkward to me, but that was due to the writing and not so much the actors.

It was hard to finish this drama, and I do not think it has a good rewatch value.

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Added to the list of "My Favorite Watch"

Some shows leave you devastated because they are too short!

“The Potato Lab” was one such show for me; the quirky friendships, office buddies, cold-hearted male lead turning into a softie and the very violent female lead who is actually too kindhearted for her own good. This show had everything that I loved. At the center of this potboiler was the self-sufficient Kim Mi Jyung, she is a hardworking researcher, almost like a “Jill of all Trades”; the potato lab won’t work without her. Although she was never trained to be a researcher, her dedication towards breeding new potato varieties will win your heart; because it isn’t easy for someone from a non-science background to become a researcher. Our male lead, So Baek Ho is the perfect anarchist. He is blunt, only concerned with his own business and only speaks numbers; that is until his world collides with Mi Kyung’s, and he discovers a new neighborhood where the villagers are warmhearted and caring. The narrative literally hinges on their odd dynamics, Mi Kyung’s presence softens Baek Ho’s cold heart and his strength makes her braver. A perfect balance indeed!

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/04/08/the-potato-lab-series-review/#more-1698

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Funny but crazy ＼(〇_ｏ)／

Romantic & slapstick comedy with an explosive CL ＼(〇_ｏ)／

PLOT: The ML (cold, rational, emotionless) comes to stay in the cottage of the FM (an irascible researcher in a potato lab), during the restructuring of the lab, which was bought by a large firm. 6 years earlier, the FL was kicked out of this group (by the ML, then HR Director) because she was the ex-girlfriend of the President's daughter's fiancé. Hate -> love between these two characters, both excessive.

+++ Intense & explosive CL with Kang Tae-Oh & Lee Sun-Bin
+++ The tone is clearly sarcastic, all the clichés to the second degree are here.
+++ Lively direction & good OSTs. Innovative agricultural setting.

### Funny but not addictive. Lots of caricatured characters.

=> A wacky series, performed brilliantly.
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Comédie Rom & burlesque avec un CL explosif

PLOT: Le ML (cold, rationnel, sans émotion) vient loger ds le gite de la FM (irascible chercheuse ds 1 labo de patates), durant la restructurat° du labo, rachetée par 1 gde firme. 6 ans + tôt, la FL s'est faite viée de ce gpe (par le ML alors Directeur RH) car c'était l'ex du fiancé de la fille de la Présidente. Hate -> love entre ces 2 caractères aussi excessif l'1 que l'autre.

+++ CL intense & explosif avec Kang Tae-Oh & Lee Sun-Bin
+++ Le ton est clairement sarcastique, on a droit à tous les clichés au nd degré.
+++ Réalis° vive & bons OSTs. Contexte agricole innovant.

### Drôle mais pas addictif. Bcp de personnages caricaturaux.

=> Série farfelue, interprétée avec brio.

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Funny and endearing

I will defend this kdrama with my life. I watched it when I was feeling low and it was so funny and endearing, I think more people should give it a chance.

yes it’s a little on the cringe side, so I understand why someone don’t like it as much, but to me, that’s why I love kdrama’s. And this one is wholesome, cringe, and hilarious is the best ways. and it’s short enough it’s definitely now a go to for me when I want to rewatch something that will put me in a good mood.

I even enjoyed the supporting cast, which for me, I don’t usually enjoy the side stories as much.

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Slowburn with misunderstandings

This is a story about a ML lead who doesn’t care much about things slowly falling in love with someone who cares too much. He is very composed and he doesn’t loose his cool easily, he is very good at his job, very corporate. She doesn’t seem to have her professional life together but she cares deeply about her team, her community and for her work. She has a thing for him at first sight while he only noticed her because she is also the personality hire of the team. He is there because his company bought the lab and he took the task to make this acquisition successful, he is sniffing money from the lab he just is not sure how so he goes there to figure it out. Otherwise he could just fire everyone and be done with it. The Lab family doesn’t know anything, they just want to keep doing their research without major changes so they are very unwelcoming and defensive and that’s how all their misunderstandings start.

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