The excitement around The Potato Lab continues as episodes 5 and 6 debuted on March 15 and 16, 2025. This unique drama centers on Kim Mi-kyung, a devoted potato researcher, who finds her life unexpectedly complicated when the stern director, So Baek-ho, arrives at her lab, sparking unexpected romantic feelings amidst their professional environment.
Previously, viewers witnessed a pivotal moment when Mi-kyung impulsively kisses Baek-ho. This surprising act prompts Baek-ho to suggest they start dating. However, Mi-kyung’s confusion deepens when he later informs her of her dismissal from the lab the following day.
Aiming to find clarity in her career, Mi-kyung encounters her former lover, Ki-se, amidst a thunderstorm. When she rushes to save valuable potato saplings from potential disaster, it is Baek-ho who offers his assistance, marking the beginning of a significant turning point in their relationship.
Recap of Episodes 5 & 6: A Deepening Connection
Episode 5, titled Person of Interest, opens with Baek-ho and Mi-kyung working together to rescue the potato saplings in the lab’s greenhouse. After their challenging effort, they head inside to rest, where a light-hearted moment arises from Mi-kyung’s playful suggestion about showering together. However, their hunger directs them to share a meal instead.
During their meal, Baek-ho questions Mi-kyung about her dedication during the storm, leading her to passionately defend her commitment to the lab. She emphasizes that without her efforts, the lab could face significant losses. Baek-ho expresses his admiration for her work ethic, noting her tendency to take on the responsibilities of others, which often results in her receiving reprimands.
After their candid talk, Baek-ho reflects on whether firing Mi-kyung is indeed the right course of action. The next day at the USB Guesthouse, an unexpected visitor, Yoon Hee-jin, stirs curiosity among the staff. Unsuspecting, Ong-ju and Hwang-kyung assume the newcomer is Baek-ho’s girlfriend, sparking jealousy in Mi-kyung.
Her nonchalance quickly fades as she joins Ong-ju in observing Hee-jin, who readily invites them to a barbecue later that evening. Tensions rise when Baek-ho, in a surprising move, takes the grill despite his vegetarian preferences. Mi-kyung’s indignation mounts as she questions Baek-ho’s intentions while having a girlfriend, and Hwang-kyung bluntly asks Hee-jin about her relationship with Baek-ho.
Hee-jin clarifies with a laugh that their bond is purely platonic, belonging to childhood friends. This revelation leads to Mi-kyung’s reassignment to the PMI team, compelling her to attend weekly meetings at the Wonhan head office. To her shock, she finds Ki-se leading the project.
In an awkward encounter, Ki-se invites her to his office, claiming he’s helping her avoid termination. His condescending behavior ignites Mi-kyung’s frustration, just as Baek-ho enters and senses a rivalry brewing. The tension culminates at lunch, where Mi-kyung boldly asserts her independence, claiming control over her own body, leaving the room in disbelief.
That evening, Baek-ho hears peculiar noises, prompting him to confront his colleagues. When Mi-kyung lies, denying they’ve heard anything, things spiral when Baek-ho discovers mysterious red stains and a damaged chair in his office – the results of a staff mishap involving nail polish. In a moment of panic, he consults a shaman.
Realizing the noise is merely the calls of the White Thrush, Mi-kyung’s attempt to reconcile with Baek-ho only intensifies his fury, leaving her desperate to mend their fractured relationship, which is marked by humorous miscommunications.
Meanwhile, CEO Yoon questions Ki-se’s decisions regarding Hee-jin’s cards, revealing she has been spending time with Baek-ho, leading Ki-se to confront Mi-kyung unexpectedly at the guesthouse.
In episode 6, titled False Goat’s Beard, Ki-se’s surprise at finding Mi-kyung at Baek-ho’s residence breeds jealousy. Their heated exchange hints at unresolved feelings as Mi-kyung asserts her independence to Ki-se, dismissing his concerns over her purported romance with Baek-ho.
Later, Baek-ho presents a controversial potato procurement plan, aiming to replace Jangsaeng potatoes with imported Marshall varieties. Faced with team skepticism regarding potential taste changes, Mi-kyung cleverly proposes an alternative—introducing a superior lab-grown potato named Maroo, showcasing the lab’s innovation.
As they visit the potato fields, Mi-kyung expresses no lingering resentment about her former dismissal, signaling growth in her character. Back at the guesthouse, Ong-ju’s jealousy surfaces, leading her to confront Hwang-kyung about his burgeoning feelings for Hee-jin, resulting in an unexpected romantic encounter.
Meanwhile, Mi-kyung and Baek-ho share a serene moment at the lab, entwined in each other’s hands as they fall asleep in the car, oblivious to their colleagues watching and whispering about their seemingly blossoming romance. Tension mounts when Ki-se reminds Baek-ho of his obligations to streamline the lab, forcing Baek-ho to confront his priorities.
As the episode concludes, Baek-ho’s decision to submit the paperwork for Mi-kyung’s termination underscores the challenges they face. Mi-kyung, in turn, becomes the target of gossip at the cafeteria regarding her past with Ki-se, stirring painful memories of exclusion from her colleagues.
In a climactic final scene of episode 6, Mi-kyung confronts Baek-ho about his mixed signals, ultimately prompting him to reveal that she represents a significant turning point in his life. He closes the door thoughtfully on her as they share a poignant moment, hinting at deeper feelings beneath the surface.
The Potato Lab, featuring performances by Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh, airs every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 KST on tvN, captivating audiences with its blend of romance and humor in the world of potato research.