The premiere episode of "The Potato Lab" kicks off with an intriguing glimpse into Sunnyeo Foods, a haven for individuals utterly enchanted by the humble potato. At the epicenter of this potato-centric universe stands the determined assistant manager, Kim Mi-kyung, a potato researcher whose heart and soul have been poured into cultivating a novel spud variety for an extended period.
However, just when her tireless efforts seemed poised to bear fruit, a corporate merger struck like a thunderbolt, altering the landscape irrevocably. Michael Lee, the charismatic CEO of Mores Company, was inching closer to sealing a groundbreaking deal for Sunnyeo, until Director So Baek-ho, an official from Wonhan Retail's Strategic Planning Department, stepped in with a scathing critique of Lee's dealings and business tactics.
It emerged that Lee's identity was a mere alias, his true name being Lee Moon-su. Over the years, he had silently invested in numerous companies, wielding stocks like puppets, falsifying disclosures, and embodying the essence of a "fraudulent vulture." Unfortunately, his deceptive machinations had the unintended consequence of casting Sunnyeo Foods into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, ultimately leading to its bankruptcy. As fate would have it, Sunnyeo was to merge with Wonhan Retail, seemingly marking the end of its illustrious potato chip legacy.
Mi-kyung was incensed, her fury compounded by the fact that she had once been a part of Wonhan herself before switching sides to Sunnyeo. Back at her abode, a humorous vignette unfolds as we delve into her domestic life, shared with her brother, Hwang-kyung, and her vivacious best friend, Ong-joo. They playfully tease Mi-kyung, who is torn between different career paths, grappling with the aftermath of Sunnyeo's dissolution.
With Sunnyeo now a mere memory, its former employees are to be absorbed into Wonhan's Food and Beverage department. While the company is offering buyouts to staff, Mi-kyung's position remains precarious, especially considering her less-than-amicable departure from Wonhan.
Baek-ho remains indifferent to the entire takeover saga, while his colleagues heap accolades upon his actions with abandon. After quelling a rebellious employee, his thoughts wander to the very fabric of the company, zeroing in on the necessity of the potato lab in particular. Three weeks slip by, and the potato gang makes its appearance at Wonhan, only to find themselves minor players in this grand scheme (indeed, prepare for a spud-tastic array of puns in our recaps!). They are then ushered into the presence of Choi Ji-hyun, the assistant HR manager, who leads them to an auditorium where our fiery protagonist holds forth passionately on the science driving their department's endeavors.
As for Baek-ho, he embarks on an expedition to the potato lab, scrutinizing every nook and cranny to assess its adequacy. When word reaches Mi-kyung and her compatriots, they hastily attempt to return. Or, at least, they try. On their way out, Mi-kyung finds herself entangled in an awkward predicament, literally getting stuck while squeezing through the exit barriers, only to bump into her ex, Ki-se. His presence clearly ruffles her usually serene demeanor. She flips him the bird and storms off. Later in the episode, we uncover the depth of Ki-se's past mistreatment towards Mi-kyung, now an Executive Director, a revelation that leaves her anything but pleased.
But there's little time for dwelling on personal grievances as Mi-kyung and her team race back to the potato lab. There, Baek-ho meticulously examines their operations, critical they perceive as "budgetary extravagance." Following the inspection, Baek-ho is suddenly assailed by Sunnyeo, a magpie loyal to Mi-kyung whom she had once rescued. This brave bird compels our protagonist to dart down and rescue Baek-ho, who ends up tumbling headlong through the potato fields. The farmers, thinking quickly, rescue him by cleverly tipping wheelbarrows, creating a makeshift cushion for Baek-ho's ungainly descent.
After Baek-ho had been mended at the hospital, the Director concluded that a viable solution must be devised for Sunnyeo. It seemed that the creature only unleashed its fury when provoked or when Mi-kyung required its assistance. She elaborated, unveiling that their pursuit of the ultimate potato was an arduous and time-consuming endeavor. Considering they had evaluated over two thousand samples, Baek-ho conceded and acknowledged their relentless efforts. However, he insisted that concrete results were imperative to sustain the operation of their lab.
The following day at the lab, Chief Hong faced termination, heralding the impending arrival of a new Chief to oversee their endeavors. Who could this mysterious newcomer be? While we remain in the dark about the identity, a plausible candidate looms in our imagination!
Mi-kyung was incensed by the alteration of the sign. As she ventured outdoors to smoke, an unexpected downpour halted her footsteps. She roared defiantly at the heavens, but upon glancing upward, she was startled to find Baek-ho standing over her with an umbrella. He apologized for being the epitome of a "Wonhan bastard," a moniker she had bestowed upon him numerous times. In her astonishment, Mi-kyung unleashed a torrent of curses upon him.
