“The Potato Lab” is an upcoming romantic comedy K-drama set to premiere on March 1, 2025, on tvN and will also be available for streaming on Netflix.
The Potato Lab Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Title | 감자연구소 |
| Country | South Korea |
| Genre | romantic comedy, office, healing |
| Director | Kang Ilsoo and Shim Jaehyun |
| Writer | Kim Ho soo |
| Cast | KiLee Sun Bin, Kang Tae Oh, Lee Hak Joo, Kim Ga Eun, Shin Hyun Seung |
| Number of Episodes | 12 |
| Airing Period | March 1, 2025 to April 6, 2025 |
| Streaming Info | Netflix |
The Potato Lab Cast
Kim Mi-kyung (played by Lee Sun-bin)
A passionate potato researcher with 12 years of experience who embarks on a fresh start at the Potato Lab.
Lee Sun-bin
🔹Date of Birth: January 7, 1994
🔹Place of Birth: Cheonan, South Korea
🔹Debut Work: “Saint Wang Xizhi” (2014)
🔹Notable Works: “Madame Antoine: The Love Therapist,” “Squad 38,” “Criminal Minds,” “The Uncanny Counter”
🔹Social Media: Instagram
So Baek-ho (played by Kang Tae-oh)
The Director of Organizational Innovation at Wonhan Retail, known for his principles and rationality.
Kang Tae-oh
🔹Date of Birth: June 20, 1994
🔹Place of Birth: Incheon, South Korea
🔹Debut Work: “After School: Lucky or Not” (2013)
🔹Notable Works: “The Tale of Nokdu,” “Run On,” “Doom at Your Service,” “Extraordinary Attorney Woo”
🔹Social Media: Instagram
Park Ki-se (played by Lee Hak-joo)
Mi-kyung’s ex-boyfriend and an Executive Director at Wonhan Retail’s Strategic Planning Division.
Lee Hak-joo
🔹Date of Birth: January 9, 1989
🔹Place of Birth: South Korea
🔹Debut Work: “The Youth” (2014)
🔹Notable Works: “The World of the Married,” “My Name,” “Private Lives,” “Sweet Munchies”
🔹Social Media: Instagram
Lee Ong-joo (played by Kim Ga-eun)
Mi-kyung’s best friend and a successful romance web novel writer.
Kim Ga-eun
🔹Date of Birth: January 8, 1989
🔹Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
🔹Debut Work: “Love & Secret” (2014)
🔹Notable Works: “Because This Is My First Life,” “The King: Eternal Monarch,” “The Witch’s Diner,” “King the Land”
🔹Social Media: Instagram
Kim Hwan-gyeong (played by Shin Hyun-seung)
Mi-kyung’s younger brother and the owner of the USB Guesthouse.
Shin Hyun-seung
🔹Date of Birth: July 15, 1998
🔹Place of Birth: South Korea
🔹Debut Work: “Be My Boyfriend” (2021)
🔹Notable Works: “So Not Worth It,” “Work Later, Drink Now,” “Sh**ting Stars,” “Revenant”
🔹Social Media: Instagram
other characters
Boo Jae-jung (played by Yoo Seung-mok)
A veteran researcher at the Potato Lab, considered a living legend in potato studies.
Go Jung-hae (played by Kwak Ja-hyung)
A researcher with a flamboyant fashion sense who develops a crush on So Baek-ho.
Joo Seung-hee (played by Woo Jung-won)
A team member at the Potato Lab who dreams of a single life but is, in fact, married.
Jang Seul-gi (played by Kim Ji-ah)
A seven-year employee contemplating a career change.
Lee Chung-hyun (played by Yoon Jung-seop)
A quiet and diligent researcher with three years of experience.
Kwon Hee-dong (played by Nam Hyun-woo)
An upbeat and cheerful intern under Mi-kyung’s mentorship.
The Potato Lab Plot
“The Potato Lab” is a heartwarming and quirky romantic comedy that delves into the everyday lives of researchers at a potato research institute. The story revolves around Kim Mi-kyung (Lee Sun-bin), a dedicated and passionate researcher with 12 years of experience, who decides to join the Potato Lab for a fresh start in both her career and personal life.
At the lab, Mi-kyung crosses paths with So Baek-ho (Kang Tae-oh), the no-nonsense Director of Organizational Innovation at Wonhan Retail, who finds himself entangled in the seemingly ordinary but surprisingly complex world of potato research. Though Baek-ho is known for his strict adherence to rules, Mi-kyung’s vibrant personality slowly breaks down his walls, leading to an unexpected and charming love story.
The lab is filled with an eclectic mix of characters, including Mi-kyung’s ex-boyfriend Park Ki-se (Lee Hak-joo), who also happens to be an executive at Wonhan Retail, and Lee Ong-joo (Kim Ga-eun), Mi-kyung’s best friend and a successful romance web novelist. The series also introduces Kim Hwan-gyeong (Shin Hyun-seung), Mi-kyung’s cheerful younger brother who runs a guesthouse, and a cast of lively coworkers who add layers of humor and warmth to the narrative.
Through a mix of professional challenges, personal growth, and budding romance, “The Potato Lab” showcases how even the most unexpected places—like a potato research lab—can become the perfect setting for love and self-discovery. The drama promises to blend witty humor with genuine emotions, capturing the audience’s hearts with its delightful storytelling and the undeniable chemistry of its lead actors.
The Potato Lab Viewing Tips
Kang Tae-oh’s Comeback After Military Service: A Highly Anticipated Return
“The Potato Lab” is generating buzz as the highly anticipated comeback project for rising star Kang Tae-oh following his discharge from mandatory military service. The actor captured widespread attention with his breakout role in the hit drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” where he charmed audiences with his warm and sincere portrayal of Lee Jun-ho.
Just as his popularity soared, Kang Tae-oh enlisted in the military in September 2022, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his return. Many expressed disappointment at his sudden departure, as his gentle yet compelling performance in “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” had solidified him as one of Korea’s promising new talents.
Now, with “The Potato Lab,” Kang Tae-oh is ready to showcase his growth as an actor, stepping back into the spotlight with a fresh and exciting role. His chemistry with Lee Sun-bin and his portrayal of the principled yet endearing So Baek-ho are expected to add depth and charm to this romantic comedy. Fans are excited to see how his time away has shaped his craft and are hopeful that his return will exceed expectations.
Love Blossoms in the Potato Fields: A Heartfelt Rom-Com Set in Korea’s Countryside
“The Potato Lab” is set against the picturesque backdrop of Gangwon Province, a region in South Korea renowned for its lush landscapes, fresh mountain air, and, of course, its top-quality potatoes. The charming rural setting adds a unique warmth and authenticity to this romantic comedy, promising viewers a delightful escape into the beauty of Korea’s countryside.
The story unfolds in a quaint potato research institute where Kim Mi-kyung (Lee Sun-bin), a passionate researcher, meets So Baek-ho (Kang Tae-oh), a principled director from Wonhan Retail. As they navigate the ups and downs of research and romance, the serene fields and cozy villages of Gangwon provide the perfect backdrop for love to blossom.
The show not only highlights the region’s agricultural charm but also offers a refreshing break from the usual urban settings of K-dramas. Through its heartwarming story and scenic views, “The Potato Lab” invites audiences to experience a slice of country life, filled with laughter, love, and the simple joys of rural living.
With the incredible cast, the stunning visuals of Gangwon’s potato fields, and the promise of a touching story, “The Potato Lab” is shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone craving a feel-good romantic comedy with a twist of nature’s charm.
A Fresh Start: Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh’s Chemistry in ‘The Potato Lab
“The Potato Lab” is generating significant buzz as a refreshing romantic comedy, bringing together a talented cast and crew with impressive filmographies.
Kang Tae-oh, known for his breakout role in “Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” returns to the screen after his military service, selecting “The Potato Lab” as his comeback project. His portrayal of Lee Jun-ho garnered widespread acclaim, and fans eagerly anticipate his new character, So Baek-ho, a principled director of organizational innovation. Kang Tae-oh expressed his enthusiasm for the script, noting that it invigorated him during his service.
Lee Sun-bin, celebrated for her versatile performances in series like “Work Later, Drink Now,” takes on the role of Kim Mi-kyung, a dedicated potato researcher. Drawn to the project’s unique narrative and character dynamics, Lee Sun-bin found the script engaging and the characters endearing.
The series is helmed by director Kang Il-soo and writer Kim Ho-soo, who previously collaborated on “Solomon’s Perjury” and “Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung.” Their reunion promises a well-crafted storyline enriched by their combined expertise.
With a compelling plot and a team of seasoned professionals, “The Potato Lab” is poised to captivate audiences seeking a heartfelt and humorous narrative.
Heartfelt K-Dramas That Bring Love and Laughter to the Countryside
“When the Camellia Blooms” (2019)
Set in the small town of Ongsan, this romantic comedy-thriller tells the story of a single mother, Dong-baek (Gong Hyo-jin), who runs a bar called Camellia. The series beautifully portrays small-town life, local gossip, and the blossoming love between Dong-baek and the goofy yet sincere police officer Hwang Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul).
“Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” (2021)
This heartwarming series is set in the coastal village of Gongjin. It follows Yoon Hye-jin (Shin Min-a), a pragmatic dentist who moves from the city, and Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho), a beloved jack-of-all-trades in the town. The show combines romance, humor, and the charm of rural community life.
“Our Blues” (2022)
Set on Jeju Island, this ensemble drama weaves together the lives of multiple characters, each with their own stories of love, loss, and healing. The series beautifully captures the island’s natural beauty and the everyday warmth of its community.
“Once Upon a Small Town” (2022)
This sweet drama tells the story of a veterinarian from Seoul, Han Ji-yul (Choo Young-woo), who temporarily moves to a rural village where he meets Ahn Ja-young (Joy from Red Velvet), a bubbly local police officer. The series is filled with the charm of village life, cute animals, and blossoming romance.
The Potato Lab OST
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The Potato Lab Trailer Video
The Potato Lab Poster
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