The recent episodes of The Potato Lab, which aired on March 29 and 30, have captivated viewers with their engaging storytelling and nuanced character development. The series follows Kim Mi-kyung, a dedicated employee at a potato research institute, whose life takes an unexpected turn when So Baek-ho enters the scene, leading her to find love amidst the challenges of her professional and personal life.
In preceding episodes, the chemistry between Mi-kyung and Baek-ho has intensified, while Ki-se grapples with feelings of discontent over Mi-kyung’s progress. This emotional backdrop sets the stage for a series of revelations and confrontations that further complicate their relationships.
As tensions rise, Mi-kyung struggles to reconcile her feelings after learning about Hwang-kyung’s connection with Ong-ju, revealing the tangled web of their romantic entanglements.
Episode 9 & 10 Overview: Regrets and Revelations in The Potato Lab
Episode 9, titled I Regret It, opens with a poignant flashback to six years prior, illustrating Mi-kyung’s deep affection for Ki-se. A planned surprise welcome is foiled when Ki-se fails to show up, instead opting to socialize with coworkers, laying the groundwork for a complex and emotionally fraught relationship.
As the plot progresses, viewers witness Ki-se’s growing coldness towards Mi-kyung, particularly when he warns her about the perils of workplace romance. This tension culminates in a devastating moment when he hands Mi-kyung an invitation to his wedding, leaving her heartbroken.
In a pivotal scene, Mi-kyung unravels Hee-jin’s secret identity, leading her to abruptly leave a conversation with Baek-ho, who instinctively senses her distress. Meanwhile, Ki-se confronts Hee-jin, culminating in a fierce exchange where she challenges him about his emotional neglect during their marriage. Embittered, she walks away, wishing him endless misery.
The narrative continues as Mi-kyung and Baek-ho immerse themselves in a ramyeon date by the Han river, where an intoxicated Hee-jin crashes their evening, sharing the backstory of her romance with Ki-se. Uncomfortable with the details, Mi-kyung decides to leave, indicating her struggle to cope with the unfolding drama.
Upon returning home, Mi-kyung discovers that Ong-ju has vacated the guesthouse, provoking reflections about her brother’s first love and the sacrifices made for her happiness. In a comedic twist, a botched reunion involving the police ensues, highlighting the complex interplay between love, friendship, and familial duty.
Meanwhile, Ki-se seeks to reconcile his feelings and extend an olive branch to Mi-kyung as he reveals the turmoil surrounding his marriage. He shares that Hee-jin’s sudden departure was orchestrated through legal channels, leaving Ki-se befuddled by the uncertainty of their failed union. In a moment of vulnerability, Mi-kyung expresses a begrudging satisfaction at Ki-se’s predicament while still offering him support.
As chaos erupts in the lab when greenhouse doors are unintentionally left open, Mi-kyung confronts Seung-hoon about his negligence, while Joo Seung-hee’s boldness steals the spotlight as she chases him with a metal bat. This scene underscores the urgency and stakes of their work in agriculture, reinforcing the show’s thematic ties to perseverance in the face of adversity.
Episode 9 crescendos with Ki-se’s heartfelt confession of regret as he seeks solace with Mi-kyung, culminating in a moment that leaves Baek-ho astounded as he witnesses their emotional encounter from afar.
The ensuing episode, titled Yes, begins with Ki-se still enveloped in sorrow, drawing Mi-kyung into a vulnerable moment fraught with implications for their interconnected lives. As Baek-ho grapples with his own guilt from six years ago, he reflects on his inadvertent role in distancing Mi-kyung from the potential for happiness and her passion.
At a team picnic that veers off course due to sabotage from their rivals, Baek-ho manages to lift the spirits of his team while subtly acknowledging underlying tensions as Su-jin’s antics turn the mood somber, prompting Mi-kyung’s attempts to restore levity.
As tensions mount, Mi-kyung introduces Baek-ho to her closely guarded greenhouse, revealing her unwavering dedication to her potato passion, regardless of her professional environment. However, Baek-ho’s guilt leads him to abruptly withdraw, leaving their relationship in a state of uncertainty.
The conclusion of the episode sees a confrontation between Mi-kyung and Baek-ho, where long-buried truths emerge. He confesses to orchestrating her exit from the company, which shakes Mi-kyung to her core, igniting a fierce reaction that sets the stage for future conflict.
The Potato Lab, featuring a stellar cast including Lee Sun-bin, Kang Tae-oh, and Lee Hak-ju, airs every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 KST on tvN, with availability for streaming on Netflix in select regions.