tvN’s weekend K-drama ‘Potato Research Institute’ continues to captivate viewers as Episode 5 portrays the subtle yet significant emotional shifts between Kim Mikyung (Lee Sun-bin) and So Baekho (Kang Tae-oh). Their growing connection brings forth excitement and intrigue.
So Baekho struggles with jealousy after realizing that Kim Mikyung confided in Park Kise (Lee Hak-joo) instead of him regarding a research dilemma. Meanwhile, he begins to see new sides to Kim Mikyung—her relentless dedication and selflessness—further drawing him in. However, their relationship takes a complicated turn when Yoon Hee-jin (Jung Shin-hye) visits So Baekho’s guesthouse, unintentionally sparking Kim Mikyung’s jealousy. A misunderstanding ensues but is quickly resolved, though their emotional distance remains.
Kim Mikyung, on Park Kise’s recommendation, joins the corporate merger team. When Park Kise offers support, his words overstep boundaries, angering her. Meanwhile, So Baekho, noticing Kim Mikyung and Park Kise’s interactions, feels even more conflicted as he realizes she hasn’t shared her struggles with him.
A humorous mix-up unexpectedly changes the dynamic between Kim Mikyung and So Baekho. A prank involving eerie recorded sounds leads to an unexpected exorcism attempt by So Baekho. The incident concludes with Kim Mikyung apologizing for the joke, to which So Baekho, smiling, tells her to “keep apologizing in the future.”
This lighthearted ‘apology battle’ strengthens their bond—Kim Mikyung gifts apples, and So Baekho reciprocates by carving apples into bunny shapes. When she brings drinks, he goes a step further, arranging a coffee truck delivery. Their playful bickering continues until Park Kise reappears, adding fresh tension to their story.
Meanwhile, Lee Ong-joo (Kim Hwan-kyung) experiences a new, unexpected emotion—jealousy. Upon hearing that Kim Hwan-kyung plans to visit a craft beer pub with Yoon Hee-jin, Lee Ong-joo starts feeling possessive, hinting at forthcoming changes in their dynamic.
