'The Potato Lab,' starring Kang Tae Oh and Lee Sun Bin, is creating a buzz globally on Netflix.
Despite initially flying under the radar in South Korea, the series swiftly entered the Netflix Global Top 10, leaving a significant mark.
While the premiere episode of 'The Potato Lab' on March 1 garnered a modest nationwide viewership rating of 1.7%, the second episode saw a slight bump to 1.8%, hinting at room for growth. However, the show's reception on the global stage tells a different story.
As of March 3, data from FlixPatrol revealed that 'The Potato Lab' secured the 7th spot on Netflix's Global TV Show rankings in its debut week. Notably, the drama also clinched the 9th position in Netflix's primary market, the United States, and made it to the Top 10 in 52 countries worldwide. Simultaneously, 'The Potato Lab' escalated from 6th place to 4th in South Korea's Netflix chart by March 4.
'The Potato Lab' signifies Kang Tae Oh's comeback post-military service, following his role in 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo.' Portraying So Baek Ho, a principled executive embarking on closing the Potato Research Lab due to financial constraints, Kang Tae Oh delivers a riveting performance capturing attention right from the onset with a physical altercation scene.
Lee Sun Bin essays Kim Mi Kyung, known as the "Potato Obsessed," displaying unwavering determination to preserve the Potato Research Lab. Directed by Kang Il-soo and scripted by Kim Ho Su, the drama promises a compelling narrative blending drama and passion.
In the debut episode, viewers witness Kim Mi Kyung's struggles amid a corporate takeover by Wonhan Retail, while intrigue mounts with internal inquiries led by So Baek Ho.
Subsequently, the storyline takes a surprising twist in the second episode as Kim Mi Kyung's strategy to safeguard the lab intertwines her fate with So Baek Ho's. An unexpected moment unfolds during a company gathering when Kim Mi Kyung impulsively kisses So Baek Ho, sparking anticipation for their unpredictable romantic journey.
As the plot thickens, Kim Mi Kyung's past resurfaces through her involvement with her ex-boyfriend, Park Gi Se, adding layers of conflict and intrigue to the storyline.
Despite lukewarm ratings in South Korea, the global acclaim for 'The Potato Lab' stands as a testament to the show's international appeal, underscoring the notion that a drama's worth transcends domestic viewership metrics.
Looking ahead, episode 3 of 'The Potato Lab' is set to air on March 8 at 9:20 PM, piquing viewers' curiosity regarding the aftermath of the unexpected kiss and the implications of Kim Mi Kyung's past romance with Park Gi Se.