In ‘Potato Research Institute’, Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh have officially kicked off their delightful and thrilling ‘flirtation & conflict’.
The tvN weekend 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) showcases the healing comic romance through the ever-changing relationship between Kim Mi-kyung (played by Lee Sun-bin) and So Baek-ho (played by Kang Tae-oh). The contrasting romance of the opposites, who are more attracted to each other because they are different, has received praise for the delightful laughter and excitement added by the performances of Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh. Thus, from their fiery first meeting to the ‘stainless steel confession’, we explored the emotional changes in Kim Mi-kyung and So Baek-ho’s ‘flirtation & conflict’ in each episode subtitle within just four episodes.
#A Grudge Child (Episode 1) - Lee Sun-bin X Kang Tae-oh, a fiery first meeting hotter than boiled potatoes
The peace of the Potato Research Institute was shattered by the news of the merger between Seonnyeo Foods and Wontan Retail. The past of Kim Mi-kyung, who was forced to leave Wontan Retail, came back to haunt her. The merger soon brought a storm to the Potato Research Institute as well. So Baek-ho, the director in charge of organizational innovation at Wontan Retail, made a surprise visit for a fact-finding investigation. The cold principled So Baek-ho, who contrasts with his dazzling visuals, is a capitalist reaper who does not miss even the slightest gap in the research institute. Kim Mi-kyung, who cannot tolerate any disrespect towards ‘potatoes’, found herself at odds with So Baek-ho, who nitpicked at every little thing. While she felt reassured by So Baek-ho’s other side, which promised not to jump to conclusions about the institute’s efforts, the actions of Wontan Retail, which stirred up the past, continued to trouble Kim Mi-kyung. The ending, where So Baek-ho appeared with an umbrella in front of Kim Mi-kyung, who sat down in the rain saying, “Why do you keep making me angry!” signaled the beginning of a romance that is more attractive because it is different.
#The Sexy Director (Episode 2) - Lee Sun-bin X Kang Tae-oh, a drunken kiss that pressed the ‘exciting button’
The first person to foresee the romance between Kim Mi-kyung and So Baek-ho was none other than Kim Mi-kyung’s best friend, Lee Ong-joo (played by Kim Ga-eun). With the intuition of a romance enthusiast, Lee Ong-joo sensed the clichés of romantic comedy in Kim Mi-kyung and So Baek-ho and warned, “You’re definitely going to have a heart flutter.” However, rather than excitement, Kim Mi-kyung, who was displeased with So Baek-ho’s indifference to the research institute, began to plot ways to get back at him to protect the institute. From blocking So Baek-ho’s access to the research institute to forcibly mobilizing pest control operations, So Baek-ho’s tumultuous entry into the institute began. However, an unexpected moment brought a change in the relationship between Kim Mi-kyung and So Baek-ho. After getting drunk and falling asleep, So Baek-ho reminded Kim Mi-kyung of her favorite romance novel, ‘The Sexy Director’. Unknowingly, Kim Mi-kyung pulled So Baek-ho in for a surprise kiss, ending the episode and pressing the viewers’ excitement button, raising anticipation for the unfolding romance.
#170,000 Won (Episode 3) - Kang Tae-oh’s unique and unexpected ‘stainless steel confession’ towards Lee Sun-bin
After the drunken kiss, So Baek-ho’s straightforward approach was thrilling. So Baek-ho, who was trying to jog Kim Mi-kyung’s memory in his own way, confronted her, who was pretending not to remember. Chasing after Kim Mi-kyung, who was dodging him to get back the 170,000 won she borrowed, So Baek-ho’s ‘goblin-like’ behavior elicited laughter. However, So Baek-ho’s unpredictable actions exceeded expectations. He confessed to Kim Mi-kyung, “Will you officially go out with me?” So Baek-ho’s ‘stainless steel confession’, which stated that they should be a couple because they kissed even though he didn’t like her, left Kim Mi-kyung flustered. Kim Mi-kyung expressed her strong rejection of So Baek-ho’s absurd principles, which lacked any romance. However, So Baek-ho, who was too different emotionally, shook Kim Mi-kyung’s heart with his words, “I will try to make you like me,” and the decisive line, “I didn’t dislike the kiss,” made Kim Mi-kyung’s heart flutter. The budding romance between Kim Mi-kyung and So Baek-ho, sparked by the drunken kiss, raised curiosity about what kind of flower it would bloom into.
#Deleted Message (Episode 4) - Kang Tae-oh’s principles shaken by a variable = Lee Sun-bin ‘between excitement and principles’
A variable has emerged in the relationship between Kim Mi-kyung and So Baek-ho. Before the excitement of the confession could fade, So Baek-ho selected Kim Mi-kyung as a candidate for dismissal. Despite Kim Mi-kyung’s persuasion, So Baek-ho adhered to his principle of not reversing a decision once made. However, So Baek-ho felt that he had changed, even though he was following the restructuring he had been doing until now and had acted according to his principles. He couldn’t help but be concerned about Kim Mi-kyung’s struggling appearance. Then, something happened that shook So Baek-ho’s heart. Jang Seul-ki (played by Kim Ji-ah) mistakenly sent a message criticizing So Baek-ho in the group chat of the Potato Research Institute, and Kim Mi-kyung lied that she had done it to cover for her. At that moment, So Baek-ho realized his heart was racing. Awakening to unfamiliar feelings he didn’t even know he had, So Baek-ho’s unexpected confession was confusing for Lee Sun-bin, who was also receiving a dismissal notice. The intense eye contact between the two, who faced each other in the heavy rain with their complicated feelings, hinted at a turning point in their relationship.
The production team of ‘Potato Research Institute’ stated, “The subtitle for the upcoming episode 5, airing on the 15th (Saturday), is ‘A Person of Interest’. Please look forward to the activities of the characters who will add tension to the relationship between Kim Mi-kyung and So Baek-ho,” and added, “Please watch to see what choice So Baek-ho will make regarding the variable ‘Kim Mi-kyung’, which keeps shaking his principles.”
The 5th episode of the tvN weekend drama ‘Potato Research Institute’ will air on Saturday, the 15th, at 9:20 PM.
