The 'Research Institute of Potatoes' seeks viewers with a refreshing and healing comic romance that is hotter than boiled potatoes and fresher than new potatoes.
The new tvN Saturday-Sunday drama 'Research Institute of Potatoes,' directed by Kang Il-soo and Shim Jae-hyun, written by Kim Ho-soo, planned by CJ ENM Studios, and produced by Chorokbaem Media, premieres on March 1 (Saturday) and portrays a healing comic romance as a cold principled man, Baek Ho (played by Kang Tae-oh), appears before Mi-gyeong (played by Lee Seon-bin), for whom potatoes are everything. The sizzling romance set against the backdrop of the Research Institute of Potatoes is expected to deliver cheerful laughter and a unique excitement. With the first broadcast just three days away, 'Research Institute of Potatoes' highlighted warm and crispy viewing points that will captivate the audience.
# Diverse emotional synergy between director Kang Il-soo and writer Kim Ho-soo! A refreshing healing comic romance with a unique theme.
Kang Il-soo, who has shown diverse emotions across genres in works like 'The Tale of Nokdu' and 'Solomon's Perjury,' has teamed up with writer Kim Ho-soo once again, raising expectations.
Director Kang Il-soo noted, "The combination of the ordinary existence of potatoes and the scientific space of the Research Institute was intriguing. The question of 'What story will be born when completely unrelated elements meet?' was the starting point of 'Research Institute of Potatoes.'" He added, "In this unique space called 'Research Institute of Potatoes,' the characters collide, change, and form relationships, all portrayed realistically. I hope it becomes a work that allows people to slowly and firmly reconsider the meaning of living, with many moments that resonate unexpectedly, even while laughing heartily."
Writer Kim Ho-soo explained the planning intention, stating, "Creating a new potato variety involves countless failures. I felt that even the nameless potatoes found in supermarkets hold someone's arduous effort. Although they may seem unremarkable, they are everywhere and resonate with our lives, quietly overcoming individual failures and continuing to live in their places."
He added, "I hope that while watching, viewers will be left with a warm lingering feeling at some point. You can expect the delightful chemistry between Kim Mi-gyeong, a woman with a lot of fire in her fortune, and Seo Baek-ho, a man as cool as stainless steel T 100%."
# The charming chemistry of Lee Seon-bin and Kang Tae-oh in 'The Polar Opposites' makes it even more appealing.
The synergy of Lee Seon-bin and Kang Tae-oh, who will complete the charming chemistry of opposites, is the best viewing point.
First, Lee Seon-bin will play the role of 'Kim Mi-gyeong,' a potato researcher who has invested her life in potatoes. The down-to-earth and free-spirited Kim Mi-gyeong experiences dynamic emotional changes as she meets the intriguing research subject Seo Baek-ho. Kang Tae-oh transforms into Seo Baek-ho, a retail organization innovation director whose calmness is his weapon. Although he has a bright smile reminiscent of first love, in reality, he is the very embodiment of the 'grim reaper of capitalism.' Seo Baek-ho experiences the greatest upheaval in his life as he meets the unpredictable variable Kim Mi-gyeong in the research institute where principles do not apply. The trust that the production team has in Lee Seon-bin and Kang Tae-oh, who maximize the appeal of 'will they or won't they,' is extraordinary.
Director Kang Il-soo stated, "The difference between the two actors, each with completely different colors, created a surprisingly natural chemistry. I am confident that the subtle undercurrents while bickering will provide an excitement beyond expectations." Writer Kim Ho-soo also commented, "I think the chemistry between the two actors brought the relationship between Mi-gyeong and Baek-ho to life well. Lee Seon-bin embodied the passionate and caring aspects I imagined in Mi-gyeong. Kang Tae-oh also has outstanding talent in comedy. He vividly expressed the character of Baek-ho, who swings between seriousness and silliness, in a diverse spectrum of his own."
# Irresistible once you start! A character lineup enjoying potato chips in various ways, from Lee Hak-ju, Kim Ga-eun, Shin Hyeon-seung to Yoo Seung-mok, Kwak Ja-hyung, Woo Jung-won, Yoon Jeong-seob, Nam Hyun-woo, Kim Ji-a!
The character lineup that embodies the irresistible 'potato chip' charm, including Lee Hak-ju, Kim Ga-eun, Shin Hyeon-seung, Yoo Seung-mok, Kwak Ja-hyung, Woo Jung-won, Yoon Jeong-seob, Nam Hyun-woo, and Kim Ji-a, is also a must-watch point. Lee Hak-ju plays 'Park Gi-se,' an ex-boyfriend who is a bad fate for Kim Mi-gyeong and the former executive director of strategic planning at a retail organization. Kim Ga-eun transforms into 'Lee Yong-joo,' a popular web novelist who is a 'romance fanatic' and a close friend of Kim Mi-gyeong, energizing the storyline as her designated Cupid.
Unlike his older sister Kim Mi-gyeong, who has 'maxed out' her combat power, Shin Hyeon-seung plays the role of Kim Hwang-kyung, the most positive king with 'zero combat power.' The character play of the researchers at the 'Research Institute of Potatoes,' who can't stand neglecting potatoes, is also generating anticipation. Yoo Seung-mok plays the legendary 'absent' Director General, while Kwak Ja-hyung plays the self-proclaimed Daegwallyeong hipster, 'Ko Jeong-hae,' a Director. Woo Jung-won passionately plays the role of 'Joo Seung-hee,' Vice Administrator, a shield for the absent director's annoying moments and a key contributor to the teamwork in the Research Institute of Potatoes.
The activities of the youngest team, the 'Jangchung-dong Trio,' also add to the fun. Kim Ji-a plays the first 'Jang Seul-ki,' an agent who is always looking to switch jobs, while Yoon Jeong-seob plays the calm and reserved 'Lee Chung-hyeon,' a staff member. Nam Hyun-woo takes on the energetic role of 'Kwon Hee-dong,' the youngest at the Research Institute of Potatoes, completing the delightful chemistry with Kim Ji-a and Yoon Jeong-seob.
Director Kang Il-soo, who revealed that there was perfect teamwork from the first shoot, stated, "There were always ad-lib battles on set. It was an energetic and lively filming set, bursting with laughter at every moment," raising expectations for the delightful and diverse synergy among the skilled actors.
Meanwhile, tvN's new Saturday-Sunday drama 'Research Institute of Potatoes' will premiere on March 1 (Saturday) at 9:20 p.m.
[Photo] tvN
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