tvN 'The Potato Research Institute' offered delightful laughter from the very first broadcast with a variety of colorful characters.
The tvN weekend drama 'The Potato Research Institute' (directed by Kang Il-soo and Shim Jae-hyun, written by Kim Ho-soo, planned by CJ ENM Studios, produced by Chorokbaem Media) premiered on the 1st to great interest. Kim Mi-kyung (played by Lee Sun-bin), who aims to 'protect the Potato Research Institute,' and So Baek-ho (played by Kang Tae-oh), who intends to 'close the Potato Research Institute,' had a spicy first meeting, and the unique chemistry of the Potato Research Institute family, rough but warm like potatoes, further heightened expectations for their future endeavors.
That day's broadcast depicted a crisis that rolled into the Potato Research Institute. Kim Mi-kyung, who failed to secure the 'Everlasting Potato' contract, exclaimed in anger, "I hope Sun-nyeo Foods goes completely bankrupt!" and that wish quickly became a reality. The acquisition of the former Han Retail, from which Kim Mi-kyung had been driven out, and Sun-nyeo Foods was on the horizon.
At the center of the Potato Research Institute's crisis was So Baek-ho, the director of organizational innovation at Han Retail. He prevented Sun-nyeo Foods from being acquired by a ruthless corporate raider, pushed for the merger with Han Retail, and initiated organizational restructuring at Sun-nyeo Foods. So Baek-ho's discovery of the Potato Research Institute, marked with a question mark from the bottom of the organizational chart, seemed to foreshadow significant changes.
The Potato Research Institute at Sun-nyeo Foods was engulfed in a storm due to the merger with Han Retail. Kim Mi-kyung was summoned to headquarters to complete personnel record cards, along with Yoo Seung-mok (played by Yoo Seung-mok), Go Jeong-hae (played by Kwak Ja-hyeong), Joo Seung-hee (played by Woo Jeong-won), Lee Chung-hyun (played by Yun Jeong-seob), Kwon Hee-dong (played by Nam Hyun-woo), and Jang Seul-ki (played by Kim Ji-a). Kim Mi-kyung, determined not to be dismissed by the demoralized Potato Research Institute family, prepared them mentally for a "battle of wits." However, for Kim Mi-kyung, Han Retail was a hellish place. She encountered her ex-boyfriend Park Gi-se (played by Lee Hak-joo), now an executive in the strategic planning department, and responded with a fiery greeting, but her heart fell apart.
Meanwhile, a crisis struck the Potato Research Institute while the researcher was away. So Baek-ho launched a surprise inspection for the reality check. His first impression, shining like a halo, didn't last long. His keen eye, which didn't overlook any small flaws in the research institute, made everyone tense. Kim Mi-kyung, who was dissatisfied with everything, yelled at So Baek-ho to watch out for a backstabbing while passing by, and it seemed her wish came true when 'Seonnyeo,' the magpie guarding the institute's yard, launched a counterattack that led to a humiliating roll in the potato field.
Kim Mi-kyung, who accompanied So Baek-ho to the hospital, saw a different side of him. When asked what would become of the Potato Research Institute, So Baek-ho replied that he wouldn't rush to judge the institute's efforts and told her to focus on her work for the time being. Contrary to his cold first impression, So Baek-ho's understanding of their potato research and efforts made Kim Mi-kyung sigh in relief. However, the dismissal of Director Hong Soon-ik (played by Kim Gyu-cheol) shook Kim Mi-kyung fiercely. Everything from Han Retail that reminded her of a painful past was burdensome for Kim Mi-kyung. As she sat down in the pouring rain in despair, So Baek-ho appeared before her. So Baek-ho sheltering Kim Mi-kyung under an umbrella added to the excitement and raised expectations for change.
'The Potato Research Institute' was distinctive from the beginning. The witty dialogues and strong characters were rhythmically brought to life by trusted actors, enhancing the genre's thrill. In particular, the chemistry between Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh exceeded expectations. Lee Sun-bin portrayed Kim Mi-kyung, a character who is fiery but harboring unseen wounds, in a dynamic manner, while Kang Tae-oh transformed perfectly into 'So Baek-ho,' who is cold yet has a fiery twist, receiving much acclaim. Adding to the vitality of the cast were Lee Hak-joo, who intrigued viewers from the first episode as Kim Mi-kyung's ex-boyfriend Park Gi-se, Kim Ga-eun, who resonated with fans through her genuine chemistry, and Shin Hyun-seung, along with 'Potato Research Institute Family' members Yoo Seung-mok, Kwak Ja-hyeong, Woo Jeong-won, Yun Jeong-seob, Nam Hyun-woo, and Kim Ji-a. Their extraordinary presence raised further expectations for future performances.
Meanwhile, episode 2 of tvN's weekend drama 'The Potato Research Institute' will air tonight (2nd) at 9:20 p.m.
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