Lee Sun-bin from "Potato Research Institute" was greatly surprised by the unexpected appearance of Kang Tae-oh.
On the 1st, the first broadcast of tvN's weekend drama "Potato Research Institute" (written by Kim Ho-soo, directed by Kang Il-soo and Shim Jae-hyun) depicted the meeting between So Baek-ho (Kang Tae-oh) and Kim Mi-kyung (Lee Sun-bin).
Kim Mi-kyung, a deputy in the research team at Sunyeo Foods Potato Research Institute, introduced the new potato variety "Jangsaeng" to local residents and explained the business plan, but there was a corporations that offered 940 won per kg first, resulting in a failed business expansion. Frustrated with the head office's budget support issues, Kim Mi-kyung cursed, "May Sunyeo Foods go bankrupt." Meanwhile, So Baek-ho, an ex-special forces officer with perfect work capabilities, successfully conducted a merger and acquisition of Sunyeo Foods and Wonhan Retail. Consequently, Sunyeo Foods went bankrupt as Kim Mi-kyung had cursed, but since she held a grudge against Wonhan Retail, difficulties were anticipated.
After a hard day filled with contract failures and company mergers, Kim Mi-kyung was consoled by her friend Lee Yong-joo (Kim Ga-eun) and younger brother Kim Hwan-gyeong (Shin Hyun-seung). The two suggested quitting, saying that working at Wonhan Retail again was unthinkable, and although employment succession occurred, having been treated poorly at Wonhan Retail, Kim Mi-kyung resolutely said, "Shouldn't I leave behind the potatoes in my name when I die?" and continued her research on potatoes. Meanwhile, So Baek-ho pondered the significance of the existence of the Potato Research Institute.
Three weeks later, employees of the Potato Research Institute came to Seoul to fill out personnel record cards. The human resources team, including Yoo Seung-mok, made seemingly dismissive remarks about the Potato Research Institute, to which they emphasized, "We research potatoes, develop new varieties, manage seed potatoes, and supervise to enhance the qualitative and quantitative development of farming. This is a place engaged in scientific work." In particular, Kim Mi-kyung expressed her displeasure at seeing her past lover, Park Gi-se (Lee Hak-joo), who is the executive director of planning and strategy at Wonhan Retail, and insulted him.
While the employees of the Potato Research Institute were filling out personnel record cards, So Baek-ho conducted an unexpected audit. Rushing in, he questioned the employees of the Potato Research Institute, stating, "I have not overlooked anything. I only checked common items. The owner of this office, Wonhan Retail, is also represented by me, so there is no ethical issue. Should I have given you a time to avoid being scrutinized? That was closer to a formal introduction than an audit."
In response to So Baek-ho's sharp reaction, Kim Mi-kyung cursed, "May you get hit in the back while walking." At this, the magpie "Sunyeo," which Kim Mi-kyung had once saved as a chick, attacked So Baek-ho, and as he fled in panic, he slipped and rolled into a potato field. While experiencing a life-and-death moment, So Baek-ho was gripping a potato in his hand. Accompanying him to the hospital, Kim Mi-kyung told So Baek-ho, "Variety research is difficult and takes a lot of time. It may seem like it's consuming the budget like a hungry insect, but I am working really hard and getting closer to success. I hope you view the situation in a broader perspective," to which So Baek-ho replied, "I know the institute is making efforts. Even if they are all potatoes, I think of them as different samples. It was impressive, and I will not make a hasty judgment, so don't worry and focus on your work."
Upon returning home, Kim Mi-kyung mentioned meeting Park Gi-se and shed tears. She was feeling like a dying insect, while Park Gi-se, who had become an executive, appeared to be living well, which made her cry. It turned out that they had met for six years since starting the job together, but she had been betrayed. Although Kim Mi-kyung fell into a depression, her friend Lee Yong-joo comforted her, helping her find her smile again.
The next day, the USB guesthouse buzzed with news of new guests arriving. However, a storm came to the Potato Research Institute when Director Hong Soon-ik (Kim Gyu-cheol) was suddenly fired. Additionally, the name "Sunyeo Foods Potato Research Institute" was changed to "Wonhan Retail Potato Research Institute," leaving Kim Mi-kyung engulfed in feelings of betrayal. She said, "Anyone can come. I will show you what hell is like," igniting her fighting spirit.
Kim Mi-kyung, attempting to express her anger by reaching for the cigarettes she had quit, was prevented from smoking due to sudden rain, leading her to show signs of irritation. Watching her, So Baek-ho apologized, saying, "I'm sorry. It's because I'm a grudge holder." Startled by So Baek-ho's sudden appearance, Kim Mi-kyung let out a curse.
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