Is “The Potato Lab” Based On A Webtoon?

Alright, let’s talk about the biggest K-drama mystery of the season—The Potato Lab. Sit tight, because this one’s a wild ride. When I first heard about this drama, I had exactly three thoughts: Why potatoes? Why a research lab? Why does this already sound like my next obsession?

I mean, naturally, I assumed it had to be based on a webtoon. Because let’s be real—only webtoons come up with this level of wonderfully bizarre, oddly specific, yet totally addictive storytelling.

But plot twist! The Potato Lab is not based on a webtoon. Nope. Not even a little bit.

No speech bubbles, no “original story by” credits, and no webtoon purists screaming about how they “ruined the second male lead.”

And honestly? That just makes me want to grab my coziest blanket, cancel all my plans, and prepare for a weekend of laughing, crying, and emotionally investing in fictional potato researchers.

Wait … So Where Did The Potato Lab Come From?

Lately, I feel like I’ve been swimming—no, drowning—in webtoon-to-drama adaptations (Friendly Rivalry, My Dearest Nemesis, Trauma Code—seriously, webtoons are everywhere), so I was shocked to learn that The Potato Lab is 100% original.

That means no one knows what’s going to happen, no webtoon fans dropping spoilers in the comments, and no comparisons to an illustrated version where the characters “looked hotter.” Just fresh, homegrown drama goodness.

Some fans initially thought The Potato Lab was adapted from the webtoon History of Losers .

And honestly? I don’t blame them. Both stories involve workplace struggles, humor, and slow-burn romance.

But nope—this drama sprouted (pun fully intended) straight from the creative brain of screenwriter Kim Ho-soo.

But nope—this drama sprouted (pun fully intended) straight from the creative brain of screenwriter Kim Ho-soo.

That means every awkward stare, every accidental hand brush, and every deeply passionate argument about potato varieties was written just for us. It’s like getting a drama-shaped present we weren’t expecting but absolutely needed.

Because while webtoon adaptations can be great, there’s something exhilarating about diving into a fresh story where no one knows exactly what’s coming next. No spoilers lurking on the internet. No “the webtoon did it better” debates.

Just pure, unspoiled K-drama goodness.

This Drama Screams Webtoon Energy (But It’s Not!)

Now, just because The Potato Lab isn’t based on a webtoon doesn’t mean it doesn’t feel like one. This drama is serving full webtoon-to-K-drama vibes:

• A heroine (Kim Mi-kyung, played by Lee Sun-bin) who is so obsessed with her job (potatoes are life) that romance isn’t even on her radar—until it is.
• A broody, emotionally constipated male lead (So Baek-ho, played by Kang Tae-oh) who walks into her world, messes up her routine, and is somehow ridiculously attractive while doing it.
• Workplace bickering that will inevitably lead to intense staring, accidental touches, and at least one dramatic “I didn’t ask for your help” moment.
• A setting (a potato research institute, of all places) that makes you think, “Who greenlit this?”—and then five episodes in, you’re emotionally invested in root vegetable science.

Why This Is A Big Deal (And Why You Should Care)

I’ll be straight up—when a K-drama is based on a webtoon, you kind of know what you’re getting into. There’s a built-in audience, an established plot, and a roadmap the writers will probably follow (even if they decide to make the second male lead suffer more than usual).

But when a drama is an original, anything goes.

This means:

• More surprises. No webtoon readers dropping spoilers like “Just wait till episode 10 when THIS happens.”
• A chance to fall in love with something new. No preconceived notions. No expectations. Just fresh, potato-powered romance.
• The potential for a wild cult following. Sometimes, original dramas end up being the ones that stick with us the most (*Hello, Crash Landing On You and Reply 1988). Maybe The Potato Lab will be one of those!

The Secret Ingredient That Makes This Drama So Addicting

I have to talk about something that makes this drama hit differently—jeong (정). If you’ve watched enough K-dramas, you’ve felt it even if you didn’t know what to call it.

It’s that invisible thread that binds characters together, even when they drive each other absolutely insane.

Jeong is why a boss who starts out as an ice-cold robot ends up softening after countless late-night ramen sessions with their employees. It’s why the grumpy male lead suddenly finds himself buying hot packs for the heroine when she forgets her gloves.

It’s that slow-burning, deeply ingrained connection that K-dramas capture so well.

And trust me, The Potato Lab is about to serve up some serious jeong—and not just the ‘I tolerate you’ kind, but the ‘I’ll stand in the rain for you without an umbrella’ kind.

And trust me, The Potato Lab is about to serve up some serious jeong—and not just the ‘I tolerate you’ kind, but the ‘I’ll stand in the rain for you without an umbrella’ kind.

Mi-kyung and Baek-ho aren’t just going to flirt their way into romance. Oh no. They’re going to bicker, roll their eyes, get on each other’s nerves, and then—before they even realize it—become each other’s safe space.

And that, my fellow drama addicts, is what makes K-dramas superior.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch The Potato Lab?

Uh, obviously. If you’re a sucker for workplace romance wrapped in ridiculous-yet-somehow-endearing storytelling, then The Potato Lab is basically begging for a spot on your watchlist.

Plus, with Kang Tae-oh making his grand return after military service (!!!) and Lee Sun-bin bringing her signature charm, we’re in for some chef’s kiss level romance.

So, nope—it’s not a webtoon adaptation. But that doesn’t mean it won’t feel like one in the best way possible.

But who needs a webtoon when you have an original K-drama that’s about to make us all emotionally attached to potatoes?

Will you be watching The Potato Lab? And more importantly—what’s your favorite way to eat potatoes?

Asking for science. And also for snacks.

Oh, and don’t forget to comment below and subscribe for more K-drama scoops!