On April 17, more details emerged about Kang Tae Oh and Lee Sun Bin's upcoming drama.

"Potato Research Institute," this romantic comedy with a twist revolves around the unconventional journey of Kim Mi Kyung (played by Lee Sun Bin), a woman whose life takes a dramatic turn as she faces heartbreak and unemployment.

Seeking solace, she retreats to her brother’s guesthouse, where she stumbles upon a job opportunity at the whimsically named 'Fairy Food Research Institute.' While working in the field one chilly day, Kim discovers a lone potato seed on the frozen ground.

Struck by a sudden epiphany about the resilience of potatoes, she develops an all-consuming passion for these tubers, sparking a series of amusing and heartwarming adventures.

Kang Tae Oh is set to portray a character vastly different from his previous role as Lee Jun Ho in "Extraordinary Attorney Woo."

Playing the role of So Baek Ho, a man indifferent to potatoes, Kang Tae Oh's character is appointed as the new director of the institute. Despite his charming smile, soft voice, and striking looks reminiscent of a romance novel cover, Baek Ho is simple in many ways.

He is depicted as an outsider, thriving independently with no personal connections, friends, and a touch of roughness.

Initially at odds, Kim Mi Kyung and So Baek Ho gradually find themselves drawn to each other, eventually embarking on an unexpected office romance despite Kim's initial vow against it.

Filming is scheduled to commence in the last week of May 2024. Produced by CJ ENM and Chorokbaek Media, known for their works like "Park's Marriage Contract" and "Perfect Marriage Revenge," the 12-episode drama, with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes per episode, is slated to air on tvN in the first half of 2025.

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]