Lee Sun-bin, Kang Tae-oh, Lee Hak-joo, Kim Ga-eun, Yoo Seung-mok, and Nam Hyun-woo from ‘Potato Research Institute’ went on a special variety outing a week before the first broadcast.
The production team of tvN's new Saturday-Sunday drama ‘Potato Research Institute’ (directed by Kang Il-soo and Shim Jae-hyun, written by Kim Ho-soo, planned by CJ ENM Studios, produced by Green Snake Media) presented a special variety show ‘Potato Three Meals’ (directed by Shin So-young) on the 22nd and 23rd. Lee Sun-bin, Kang Tae-oh, Lee Hak-joo, Kim Ga-eun, Yoo Seung-mok, and Nam Hyun-woo, who became deeply immersed in potatoes while filming the potato drama, showcased unique potato recipes and perfect teamwork, raising expectations for the first broadcast of ‘Potato Research Institute’.
The episode of ‘Potato Three Meals’ that was aired began with Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh harvesting potatoes upon arriving in peaceful Jeju Island. Their chemistry while obtaining a basket of potatoes through a lively ‘labor song’ that excited the mothers in the potato field brought about cheerful laughter.
Reuniting in Jeju Island, the ‘Potato Family’ consisting of Lee Sun-bin, Kang Tae-oh, Lee Hak-joo, Kim Ga-eun, Yoo Seung-mok, and Nam Hyun-woo had to prepare three meals solely with potatoes. For the first potato meal, Yoo Seung-mok, who received secret recipes from his wife, and Lee Hak-joo stepped up to help the team, including Kang Tae-oh. Yoo Seung-mok, who brought along green onions and Cheongyang peppers he personally cultivated, even used a phone call to his wife to revive a struggling spicy pepper stew. Kang Tae-oh's menu was potato rice. However, both washing the rice and slicing the potatoes seemed awkward for him, but with Lee Sun-bin's strong support, he successfully completed the perfect potato rice, even making scorched rice. Despite the pleas of the ‘Potato Enthusiasts’ who are serious about potatoes, Lee Hak-joo successfully made a delicious zucchini potato pancake.
After succeeding with the ‘potato rice’, Kang Tae-oh ambitiously set out to make sweet and sour potato snapper with two potato meals. The production team unexpectedly had the ‘Potato Family’ go sea fishing for the ‘snapper’ ingredient. Led by Kang Tae-oh, Lee Hak-joo, the only fishing experienced Yoo Seung-mok, and the youngest Nam Hyun-woo boarded a fishing boat. Contrary to their dreams of a bountiful catch, they only managed to catch a small fish. However, with a gift of snapper from the captain, they began making sweet and sour potato snapper, and Kang Tae-oh perfectly filleted the snapper, causing Lee Sun-bin to exclaim in admiration. Kim Ga-eun's potato black bean noodles captivated the taste buds of the Potato Family.
The heartfelt stories added to the diverse potato dishes were also intriguing. The Potato Family revealed their reasons for choosing ‘Potato Research Institute’. Lee Sun-bin stated that she participated because it was a work where she could showcase ‘life acting and healing rom-com’. Kang Tae-oh mentioned that he found the script so interesting that he read it quickly, raising expectations for the first broadcast of ‘Potato Research Institute’. Meanwhile, Yoo Seung-mok shared a fateful anecdote that led him to decide to appear in ‘Potato Research Institute’. He planted old, dried seed potatoes without expecting anything, and miraculously, they bloomed. He shared a warm story about how he decided to appear after receiving an offer for ‘Potato Research Institute’. Kim Ga-eun lightened the mood with a witty response, saying, “I did it because Lee Sun-bin is my friend!”
The next day, the Potato Family set out at dawn to wish for the success of ‘Potato Research Institute’. The moment when the sun peeked through the clouds, resembling a potato, was a ‘Potato Enthusiast’ moment that revealed their special affection for the drama. Following Yoo Seung-mok's lead, “Let’s make ‘Potato Research Institute’ a hit!” the Potato Family’s enthusiasm for potatoes heightened the anticipation for the first broadcast of ‘Potato Research Institute’.
With their teamwork strengthened, the three potato meals included potato dumplings made by Nam Hyun-woo. The unique aroma of the potato dumplings was enhanced by Yoo Seung-mok's green onions and Cheongyang peppers. Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh, who claimed that dumplings were their life food, added to the cheerfulness with their appetizing potato dumpling eating show.
The preparations for dinner were dynamic in itself. After finishing the potato harvest, the Potato Family exploded with teamwork in a potato game to acquire other ingredients. They successfully obtained ribs, abalone, and octopus through perfect coordination and flawless strategy in potato quizzes, potato flower games, and stacking three water bottles.
The final dish showcased the synergy of the Potato Family even more. Kim Ga-eun made a seafood potato pizza with Lee Hak-joo, bringing laughter with their chemistry as they are the same age, while Kang Tae-oh completed a braised baby potato rib dish with the support of Nam Hyun-woo. They also did not forget to send a message to the viewers ahead of the first broadcast of ‘Potato Research Institute’. Lee Sun-bin said, “I hope this can be a work that warms your heart and body after going through a cold winter,” leaving a warm message. Kang Tae-oh mentioned, “The writer said he just wanted to create a really fun work. I hope the viewers can just enjoy it comfortably and have fun,” he conveyed. Lee Hak-joo encouraged viewers to tune in, saying, “We gathered people who enjoy acting. I hope you enjoy watching it.”
tvN's new Saturday-Sunday drama ‘Potato Research Institute’ will premiere on March 1st, Saturday at 9:20 PM.
