tvN’s upcoming weekend drama The Potato Lab (directed by Kang Il-soo and Shim Jae-hyun, written by Kim Ho-soo) is set to premiere on Saturday, March 1st.
This heartwarming romantic comedy follows Mi-kyung (Lee Sun-bin), a woman whose life revolves around potatoes, and Baek-ho (Kang Tae-oh), a cold-hearted perfectionist who enters her world like a whirlwind.
Against the backdrop of the Potato Research Institute, their heated romance unfolds—roasted, fried, and boiled—bringing plenty of laughter and unexpected thrills.
Director Kang Il-soo and writer Kim Ho-soo, who previously worked together on Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung and Solomon’s Perjury, reunite to craft a romance as fresh as a newly harvested potato.
Kang shared, “When writer Kim suggested a drama set in a potato research lab, it was such an unusual combination that I was immediately intrigued.
I knew it would be fun, so I headed to Gangwon-do for research.” Expressing his trust in Kim, with whom he is collaborating for the third time, Kang added, “We have great synergy, which made the process enjoyable.”
A Unique Setting That Sparks Curiosity
The unusual premise of The Potato Lab is already drawing significant interest.
Writer Kim explained, “I wanted to create a drama that anyone could enjoy. While brainstorming, the idea of a potato research lab fascinated me.”
Director Kang added, “Combining something as ordinary as potatoes with the scientific world of a research institute was intriguing. I wanted to explore what kind of story could emerge from such an unexpected mix.”
At its core, The Potato Lab is not just a simple love story. Kang elaborated, “The key point is how two people who seem completely incompatible find themselves entangled. Their journey isn’t a straightforward romance—it’s filled with emotional twists and turns.”
Writer Kim described it as a “roller coaster romance” with moments of excitement, frustration, gratitude, and comedic tension.
A Fresh Approach to Romantic Comedy
For Director Kang, this drama is a new challenge in terms of directing. “Unlike my previous works, this is a romantic comedy with a B-movie sensibility. The biggest task was to seamlessly blend the rustic simplicity of potatoes with the high-tech world of research.”
He also noted that the personalities of the two leads mirror this contrast—Mi-kyung is down-to-earth and unpolished, while Baek-ho is methodical and data-driven. Their evolving dynamic breathes life into the research institute itself.
The Perfect Cast Chemistry
One of the drama’s biggest draws is the chemistry between leads Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh.
Director Kang remarked, “They have completely different personalities, which actually made their interactions feel more natural. Their playful bickering and subtle emotional shifts will exceed expectations.”
Writer Kim added, “Lee Sun-bin perfectly embodies the passionate and determined Mi-kyung, while Kang Tae-oh brings depth to Baek-ho, who oscillates between being serious and unexpectedly quirky.”
Beyond the lead couple, the supporting cast—including Yoo Seung-mok, Kwak Ja-hyung, Woo Jung-won, Yoon Jeong-seop, Nam Hyun-woo, and Kim Ji-ah—adds another layer of charm to the drama.
Kang shared that filming began on a high note, with spontaneous ad-lib battles among the actors creating a lively and laughter-filled set.
A Story That Warms the Heart
Director Kang summed up the drama’s essence with the phrase “slowly, but firmly,” explaining, “Potatoes may be ordinary, but they play an essential role in many dishes.
Similarly, The Potato Lab tells the story of simple yet meaningful people. I hope viewers will take a moment to reflect on life’s small but significant moments.”
Writer Kim chose “low-temperature heat” as a keyword, saying, “I want this drama to leave a lasting warmth in viewers’ hearts. It’s filled with both comedy and romance, so I hope people end their day watching it with a smile.”
He teased, “You can look forward to the sizzling chemistry between Mi-kyung, a woman full of fiery passion, and Baek-ho, a man as cool and precise as a scientific formula.”
Mark your calendars—tvN’s Potato Research Institute premieres on Saturday, March 1st.
