Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Potato Lab, which proves that love can sprout in the most unlikely places when a strict director arrives at a passionate researcher’s potato lab. This Korean series brings a fresh take on workplace romance with its unique agricultural setting and charming leads.
The Potato Lab premiered on March 1, 2025, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 (KST), and was also made available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions. Written by Kim Ho-soo and directed by Kang Il-soo, the series stars Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh in this comedy, drama, and romance that explores themes of healing and personal growth.
Set in a potato research center in a mountain valley, the story depicts a refreshing romance between slightly screwed adults. The series combines the tranquil rural atmosphere with workplace dynamics, creating an engaging backdrop for unexpected love to bloom.
Research Meets Romance
Kim Mi-Kyung is a researcher at the Potato Research Institute in a mountain valley who has been working at the institute for 12 years and is serious about her work. Her life is simple, but things change after So Baek-Ho appears at the Potato Research Institute. A potato researcher with 12 years of experience working on a secret project and a newly appointed eccentric director go head to head before falling for each other in a sweet office romance.
The series explores how two completely different personalities clash and eventually find common ground in the most unexpected workplace setting. Their professional conflicts gradually transform into personal connections, creating a slow-burn romance that feels authentic and heartwarming.
Kim Mi-Kyung: The Dedicated Researcher
Kim Mi-Kyung, played by Lee Sun-bin, is a researcher at the Potato Research Institute who has been working there for 12 years and is serious about her work. Her character represents dedication and passion for her field, having spent over a decade perfecting her craft in the quiet mountain valley. Mi-Kyung’s simple life becomes complicated when her routine is disrupted by the arrival of the new director.
Lee Sun-bin brings depth to this character, showing how someone deeply rooted in their comfort zone can still grow and evolve. Mi-Kyung’s journey involves learning to balance her professional commitments with unexpected personal feelings, making her a relatable protagonist for viewers who understand the struggle between career and love.
So Baek-Ho: The Charming Capitalist
So Baek-Ho, played by Kang Tae-oh, 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. This contrast creates the perfect setup for enemies-to-lovers dynamics.
Kang Tae-oh’s appearance on the new K-drama marks his first acting project since he was discharged from his military service in early 2024. His portrayal of Baek-Ho showcases a character who appears charming on the surface but operates with business-minded practicality, creating tension and chemistry with Mi-Kyung’s more idealistic approach to their work.
Supporting Characters and Rural Charm
The supporting cast includes Lee Hak-joo and Kim Ga-eun, who add depth to the rural research institute setting. These characters help create a lived-in world where the potato research center feels like a real workplace with its own dynamics and relationships.
The mountain valley setting provides a peaceful backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the interpersonal conflicts, making the eventual romance feel more meaningful against the serene agricultural landscape.
Success on Netflix
The series has achieved a Nielsen rating of 1.8 percent, demonstrating solid viewership for this unique romantic comedy. Mi-kyung’s potato-focused world changes when she meets the practical Baek-ho, sparking a spiraling romantic comedy about healing and growth. The series stands out on Netflix for its unconventional workplace setting and the chemistry between its leads, offering viewers a refreshing alternative to typical office romances. The Potato Lab proves that love stories can flourish in the most unexpected environments, making it a delightful addition to Netflix’s Korean drama catalog.
If you love workplace romance with a unique twist, The Potato Lab is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The combination of rural charm, professional conflicts, and slow-burn romance creates an engaging viewing experience that’s both heartwarming and entertaining.
Summary
The Potato Lab successfully cultivates a sweet romance in an unexpected agricultural setting, proving that love can grow anywhere with the right ingredients of chemistry, conflict, and genuine character development.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 12 episodes
Platform: Netflix
Rating: 7.0/10 (IMDb)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Lee Sun-bin (Kim Mi-Kyung), Kang Tae-oh (So Baek-Ho)
Supporting Cast: Lee Hak-joo, Kim Ga-eun