The Potato Lab Kdrama Review
Office drama meets romance in The Potato Lab, where two polar opposites stumble their way into falling in love.
Not gonna lie, I didn’t expect much at first—but wow, was I proven wrong.
If you’re into cheesy romcoms with a fiery employee clashing (and then failing hopelessly in love) with a cold and emotionally unavailable boss, this one’s definitely for you.
The story is about our main girl, Kim Mi-kyung, who had just a few years ago left her job at Wonhan Retail, where she worked in the planning team after a hellish few months that saw her co-workers turn on her. She decided to start her new life again as a potato researcher with Sunyeo Foods after moving in with her brother and best friend.
In the premiere of The Potato Lab, Kim Mi-kyung finds herself caught in the chaos of a corporate shake-up when Wonhan Retail takes over Sunyeo Foods, after Wonhan Retail’s organizational innovation director, So Baek-ho, prompts the launch of a rigorous internal review.
By the time the second episode rolls around, the two companies have merged, and Mi-kyung ends up working under So Baek-ho, a serious and no-nonsense executive who manages the new facility. Mi-kyung and Baek-ho have both met and realised that they couldn’t be more different, leading to a strain in their working relationship. Things get more interesting (and awkward) when Baek-ho moves in next door to Mi-kyung.
Mi-kyung is played by Lee Jin-kyung, who is known for roles in Squad 38 (2016), Missing 9 (2017), and Criminal Minds(2017).
Meanwhile, Baek-ho is played by Kang Tae-oh, who became popular for his role in Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022).
Mi-kyung is both caring and hardworking, while always caring deeply about her loved ones and co-workers. However, you don’t want to get on the wrong side of her, as she knows just how to bring you back down to earth.
Baek-ho, who, while good at his job, fails to connect with others. But thankfully, as the show goes on, we see a more caring side of him, especially as his relationship with Mi-kyung blossoms.
The supporting characters are also great. Mi-kyung’s best friend, Lee Ong-ju (played by Kim Ga-eun), is a web novelist who believes in romance and love at first sight. She is constantly looking out for her friend’s best interest while also rooting for Kim-Mihyung to get with Baek-so.
Then there’s Park Ki-se (played by Lee Hak-joo), Mi-kyung’s ex, who reappears after the company merger. While I instantly disliked him, I also felt that his character made the show interesting, like he was jealous of Mi-hyung and Baek So’s relationship, and always interfering.
What I like about The Potato Lab is that it doesn’t rush storylines and character development. Baek-ho’s feelings for Mi-kyung don’t change overnight but gradually develop.
The comedy is another great part of this show. It’s not over-the-top, and I love the small, awkward moments—like when Baek-ho tries to hide his feelings for Mi-kyung, or when Mi-kyung overreacts in certain situations.
The pacing is also great, so it’s easy to watch the episodes one after the other. The series is set in a mountain valley, so there are plenty of picturesque scenes.
However, I would have to say the ending is a bit predictable and slightly boring. But that’s the only real criticism I have for this series. Don’t expect an action-packed or dramatic ending.
If you’re looking for a light, funny K-drama with a strong romance, The Potato Lab is definitely worth watching. It’s also worth noting that the drama has only 12 episodes instead of 16.