Wait… Why Is No One in Korea Watching This Drama?
Okay, K-drama fans, let’s talk. Have you ever watched a show and thought, why isn’t everyone freaking out about this?! Well, that’s exactly what’s happening with “The Potato Lab.”
Even though this quirky rom-com is Netflix global trending, it’s barely making waves in Korea. Weird, right? It’s ranking in 52 countries, hitting #7 on Netflix’s global charts, and even making the Top 10 in the U.S., but back home? Meh. The ratings are stuck at 1.7%.
So, what’s going on? Let’s break it down.
Why Is ‘The Potato Lab’ a Hit Everywhere Except Korea?
1. The Story Is Different (In a Good Way!)
You’ve seen K-dramas set in big cities, rich family mansions, and corporate offices. But have you ever watched one set in… a potato research lab?
That’s the heart of this drama. Kim Mi-kyung is a passionate scientist (played by Lee Sun-bin), and her life turns upside down when So Baek-ho, a cold and serious director (Kang Tae-oh), shows up to shut her lab down. Cue bickering, tension, and you guessed it, unexpected romance.
It’s got workplace drama, hilarious misunderstandings, and even an awkward first kiss during a company dinner. What’s not to love?
2. The Leads Have Crazy Chemistry
You know how some actors just click? That’s Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh. Fans are obsessed with their love-hate dynamic, and let’s be real, Kang Tae-oh coming back from military service probably helped fuel the hype.
If you liked the slow-burn romance in “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” or the fun banter in “Business Proposal,” you’ll love this one.
3. Netflix Makes Everything Bigger
Here’s the thing: Netflix changed the K-drama game. Before, if a drama flopped in Korea, that was pretty much it. But now? A show can blow up overseas, and that’s exactly what’s happening here.
Thanks to Netflix’s global reach, multi-language subtitles, and instant worldwide streaming, “The Potato Lab” has found an audience that loves its lighthearted, feel-good story.
So, Why Aren’t Koreans Watching?
It’s not that the show is bad, it’s just different. Korean audiences tend to prefer thrillers, high-stakes dramas, or chaebol love stories over slow-burn rom-coms.
But remember Extraordinary Attorney Woo? That show also started with low ratings in Korea and then exploded worldwide. So who knows, maybe “The Potato Lab” will catch on later!
Should You Watch It?
If you’re into:
✅ Romantic comedies
✅ Witty workplace dramas
✅ Adorable, awkward love stories
Then Potato Lab is for you! It’s got 12 episodes, airing every Saturday and Sunday on tvN. And, of course, you can binge it on Netflix anytime.
Join the Hype – Watch ‘The Potato Lab’ Now!
Seriously, don’t sleep on this one. It’s funny, fresh, and has all the right ingredients for a feel-good K-drama.
Have you watched it yet?