The Potato Lab- Episodes 7-8

Confessions, Potato Politics & a Whole Lot of Misunderstandings

Episode 7 of The Potato Lab delivers everything we’ve come to love about this show: romantic tension, messy misunderstandings, work drama disguised as potato debates, and of course, a completely unnecessary but amazing card full of smut. Let’s get into it.

We open with Baek-ho dropping the line-crossing bombshell, and Mi-kyung doing what any normal person would do—turn to Ong-ju for advice. Ong-ju, bless her, thinks Baek-ho’s talking about international borders. Mi-kyung decides to cut the nonsense and just ask him what he meant.

Baek-ho, ever the emotionally-repressed strategist, admits that Mi-kyung has completely thrown off his carefully structured life. He’s catching feelings—hard. But instead of leaning in, he tries to brush it off like a failed experiment. Mi-kyung, on the other hand, keeps it real: she likes him, but suggests they put a pause on anything romantic until she’s no longer working under him. Responsible queen.

Later that night, Ong-ju bolts upright in bed, remembering Mi-kyung’s confession. Naturally, she takes her role as wing woman very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that her grand plan involves taking Mi-kyung shopping and… practicing karate moves in the front yard. (???)

Back at work, the tension between Baek-ho and Mi-kyung is palpable—but professional. They’re in a full-on potato standoff, arguing Marshall vs. Maroo like their lives depend on it. It’s heated, but respectful, and a reminder that these two are actually a killer team underneath all the romantic chaos.

Eventually, Baek-ho breaks the stalemate—not with a potato pun—but with a real date invitation. Mi-kyung plays it cool, but she’s clearly into it.

On their walk, Baek-ho reveals he already chose the Maroo potato. That whole fight earlier? Just him being a little sh*t for fun. Mi-kyung takes it in stride and drags him to a scenic spot to enjoy the view… which just so happens to be the exact place Ong-ju and Hwan-kyung are having their own makeout session. Oops.

They hide, but leave behind a “congratulations” card. Baek-ho reads it and freaks out when he sees Ong-ju’s very explicit message—blurred out for viewers, but clearly rated 19+.

Meanwhile, Ki-se has entered his villain era in a discount sailor outfit and sends his lackey Mr. Lee to dig up dirt. Mr. Lee doesn’t disappoint—he catches Baek-ho and Mi-kyung having a very cozy lunch and gets the photographic proof.

The thing is, he’s not the only one who finds out. Ms. Jjeon, queen of office gossip, overhears Baek-ho admit he’s seeing Mi-kyung and spreads it faster than you can say “marriage rumors.” Suddenly the entire team is planning their wedding, and Baek-ho is low-key loving it.

Back at the guesthouse, Hwan-kyung decides he’s done playing Mr. Nice Guy. After handing out freebies and losing money left and right, he finally puts his foot down: Mi-kyung and Ong-ju have to pay rent. And yes, that includes coffee.

The girls instantly know Baek-ho’s behind this business-savvy transformation. They’re not thrilled—but Mi-kyung can’t help herself and starts listing Baek-ho’s good traits mid-scolding. It’s cute, hilarious, and ends with both guys getting kicked out of the house.

Later, Baek-ho tells Mi-kyung he’s “recklessly” into her (same), and Hwan-kyung gives Baek-ho a bit of backstory—how Mi-kyung’s always carried the weight of responsibility, especially since their mom passed.

Touched, Baek-ho gifts her a teddy bear and leans in for what we think is going to be a kiss… but nope. Forehead kiss.Still romantic. Still swoon-worthy. Still driving us nuts.

In a final twist, Baek-ho helps Hwan-kyung go through his business finances, trying to salvage his struggling coffee shop. But even Baek-ho hits a wall. So… did Hwan-kyung come up with the rent plan all on his own? Plot twist of the century.

Bear-Sized Feelings, Cow Dramas & Scandalous Sleepovers

Episode 8 of The Potato Lab is pure chaos — the fun, romantic, messy kind. From teddy bears and accidental peeping, to dramatic cow chases and hotel room mind games, this one has everything. Let’s unpack it.

We kick off with Mi-kyung carrying her giant teddy bear upstairs, glowing with happiness after her forehead-kiss moment with Baek-ho. But that joy is cut short when she realizes Ong-ju and Hwan-kyung are hiding in her room. Why? To confirm their suspicion that Mi-kyung is definitely crushing on someone. One peek out the window and they find the cause: a shirtless Baek-ho getting changed. Naturally, they assume Mi-kyung’s been peeping.

Mi-kyung quickly calls Baek-ho to clear it up, but this smooth-talking man says, “You’ll see it soon enough,” and sends her into a tailspin. Sir. Please.

Meanwhile, Hee-jin’s out with friends when she sees a couple proposing on the beach. This triggers a flashback to when she was the one who proposed to Ki-se — yep, it was all her. No surprise: Ki-se’s heart was never really in it. And now, knowing Mi-kyung and Baek-ho are a thing, Ki-se is spiraling hard.

Mi-kyung ditches Ong-ju for a date with Baek-ho, leaving Ong-ju sulking in the car with Hwan-kyung. But things quickly go off the rails when Ki-se comes speeding into town like he’s in an action movie. Ong-ju storms back to the guesthouse and verbally annihilates Ki-se, calling him a leech and threatening violence — until he turns it around and blames her for the breakup with Mi-kyung. Oof.

Outside, Baek-ho and Mi-kyung walk right into the tension. Hwan-kyung gives Baek-ho the rundown and urges Mi-kyung to finally spill what really went down with Ki-se. But Mi-kyung retreats — she’s not ready yet.

Just when you think the drama might cool down — plot twist — a calf goes missing. That’s right, emergency alerts are sent out across Youngeul-ri: Myung-su the cow has escaped. Baek-ho, thinking it’s an actual emergency, grabs an entire rescue pack. Of course, he and Mi-kyung find the runaway calf (thanks to Baek-ho’s aggressively powerful flashlight).

Turns out the cow belongs to an elderly woman with dementia — it’s more than just a pet; it’s her lifeline. Baek-ho even attaches a tracker to Myung-su in case she runs again. Sweetest side quest ever.

Back at the guesthouse, Mi-kyung walks in on Ong-ju and Hwan-kyung in bed — naked. Her best friend. Her brother. Together. The betrayal is too much. Mi-kyung bolts, refusing to return.

She ends up back at the potato lab, where Baek-ho finds her stewing. Her rant? Iconic. She compares Ong-ju and Hwan-kyung’s romance to siblings hooking up out of boredom. Not exactly fair, but totally in character. Baek-ho listens, then casually books a hotel room for her.

But plot twist — it’s not a “come-hither” move. He’s just trying to give her space. No ulterior motive. Just kindness (and some light teasing). King behavior.

Enter Park Seung-hoon (aka Ki-se’s creepy plant), who struts into the potato lab ready to throw his weight around. He immediately tries to boss people into fetching coffee and the team hates him instantly. He’s clearly there to spy, but nobody knows the full extent — yet.

Meanwhile, Hee-jin is dealing with her own emotional confusion. She calls Ki-se and says she’s been thinking of him — it’s their anniversary, after all. He encourages her to visit the office.

What he doesn’t expect? Baek-ho and Mi-kyung showing up at that exact moment. The elevator doors open to reveal one incredibly awkward scene — Hee-jin in Ki-se’s arms, Mi-kyung clocking the connection, and everyone looking like deer in headlights.

DramaZen's Opinion

Runaway Cows and Romantic Chaos? Sign Me Up.

Episodes 7 and 8 of The Potato Lab had me laughing, swooning, and gasping in equal measure. Baek-ho and Mi-kyung are finally admitting their feelings (sort of), but of course, nothing comes easy in Potato Land™.

Between Ong-ju’s unhinged karate support, Baek-ho’s sweet-but-chaotic hotel “gift,” and the runaway calf rescue missionthat somehow made me cry, these episodes balanced ridiculous humor with surprising tenderness. And let’s not forget Mi-kyung walking in on her best friend and brother in bed — iconic meltdown.

Plus, that elevator scene? One word: awkward. I'm living for the messy love square energy.

These two episodes were peak rom-com chaos, and I loved every second. Potato drama has never been this addictive. 🥔