“The Potato Lab,”featuring Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh, recently aired episodes 7 and 8 on March 22 and 23, 2025, on tvN. This intriguing drama centers on Kim Mi-kyung, an employee at a potato laboratory who finds her life transformed when the meticulous chief, So Baek-ho, joins the team, unexpectedly leading her on a journey of love.
In earlier episodes, tension brewed as Mi-kyung confronted her surprise visitor Ki-se, dropping Baek-ho’s name into their conversation, provoking jealousy about their supposed relationship. Meanwhile, the stakes rise in the lab, with Baek-ho proposing the replacement of Jangsaeng potatoes with the American Marshall variant, a suggestion Mi-kyung adamantly opposes, advocating for their lab-grown Maroo potatoes instead.
As Baek-ho grapples with his growing feelings for Mi-kyung, he recognizes they’re impacting his focus at work, prompting him to act distant. This sudden change puzzles Mi-kyung, rekindling memories of a past heartbreak. Their complicated dynamic culminates in episode 6 when Baek-ho confesses that she represents the line he wishes to cross.
Episode Recap: Emotional Confessions and New Challenges in “The Potato Lab”
In episode 7, titled “Softie Sweetie,”Mi-kyung is left startled and retreats after Baek-ho’s candid revelation. Seeking clarity, she consults Ong-ju, who humorously suggests the only line worth discussing in South Korea is the North-South divide. Eventually, she confronts Baek-ho, who opens up about his upbringing in an orphanage, painting a stark picture of how his traumatic past has led him to erect emotional barriers.
Despite his struggle with these walls, Baek-ho realizes he cannot continue to remain emotionally distant due to his feelings for Mi-kyung. They agree to postpone any romantic intentions until Mi-kyung can transition out of her current job roles. Ong-ju, initially skeptical about Mi-kyung’s budding romance, later offers her support, jokingly warning Baek-ho not to break Mi-kyung’s heart.
As the story unfolds, both Mi-kyung and Baek-ho attempt to maintain professionalism while their chemistry grows stronger at work. After some flirtation following indirect romantic gestures, Baek-ho takes the plunge and asks Mi-kyung on a proper date. Mi-kyung protests, still agitated from their earlier confrontation, but Baek-ho insists that their initial encounters count as a precursor to their first official date.
Their date takes a comical twist when they stumble upon Mi-kyung’s brother and Ong-ju, hiding after realizing their cover has been blown. After a humorous mix-up regarding a card with suggestive content, rumors of their relationship quickly circulate throughout the lab, sparking both jealousy and intrigue as Ki-se becomes increasingly threatened by Baek-ho’s affection for Mi-kyung.
In a parallel subplot, Hwang-kyung seeks to play the protective brother role regarding Mi-kyung’s relationship with Baek-ho. Ironically, while trying to give his sister sound advice, he uncovers some financial missteps on his own. As relationships grow and tensions rise, Baek-ho attempts reconciliation with Mi-kyung, culminating in a tender moment where he presents her with teddy bears.
Moving to episode 8, titled “Lethal,”comedy reigns as Mi-kyung discovers her friends, Ong-ju and Hwang-kyung, hiding as they spy on her reaction to Baek-ho, who playfully teases her. Meanwhile, Hee-jin’s romantic flashbacks re-surface during a beach outing, complicating the emotional landscape for everyone involved.
As tensions erupt between Ong-ju and Ki-se, Mi-kyung finds herself navigating confusion and hurt feelings related to how her brother’s choices affect her. The cliffhanger arrives when Mi-kyung rejects Baek-ho’s offer for a hotel room, seeking space to comprehend her feelings about Hwang-kyung and Ong-ju’s budding relationship.
As “The Potato Lab”progresses, the intricate dynamics between Mi-kyung, Baek-ho, Ki-se, and their friends continue to evolve, offering viewers a rich blend of romance, comedy, and drama. The series airs every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 KST on tvN and is also available for streaming in various regions on Netflix.