Original subtitles

THE POTATO LAB

In case you missed it…

Ms. Kim, 36 years old and without any dreams, hopes, or assets,

is left alone and on the brink of failure

after the company she worked for went under.

Meanwhile, at Ms. Kim's brother's guesthouse,

where she's freeloading,

an unexpected visitor arrives.

Someone who holds Ms. Kim's fate in his hands.

Someone who's in the prime of his life.

Her young, handsome boss.

So Baek…

Ho!

Seriously, would you stop?

The dumb voiceover isn't helping anyone!

Frankly, it's super freaking rude.

Ms. Kim, royally pissed,

takes it out on her poor friend…

You.

You really let him check into Ward B?

The jerk from Wonhan Retail?

The bastard who came to mess with our lab?

I'll give you ten seconds.

Get out there right now and kick him out.

-I can't do that. -Ten.

Nine.

-Eight. -I can't!

I already bought a dryer with the money.

And a cypress steamer and an automatic rotating pot.

So what? It's not like they cost a fortune.

I can buy them too! I'll buy them for you!

Yeah, right. You barely make anything.

How dare you.

Wait, this is so unfair.

It's not like I knew he was from Wonhan!

He said he'll rent out the whole ward for at least a month,

so I thought he was just a crazy rich dude!

But then we started talking

about why he was here, and that's when I--

You should've said no then!

Just thinking about how that man kicked out our chief

and barged into the lab makes me freaking furious!

So why do I have to see his stupid face

seven days a week, 24/7?

Wonhan at work, Wonhan at home, freaking Wonhan everywhere!

Do you want to see your sister explode and die from anger?

Mi-kyung, Mi-kyung.

You should go put on some nicotine patches first.

You're way too worked up right now.

And as the person with the highest IQ in this group,

I'd like to put my two cents in.

I'm with Hwan-kyung.

-Hey! -But he's right.

The last guest we had was four months ago.

This guesthouse had no guests

and just functioned as a house, but now it finally has a guest

and can actually serve its purpose!

But you want to kick him out? What is he supposed to do?

I'm sorry, Mi-kyung.

But I haven't had a guest in so long, I can't let him go.

It feels like it's my fault that business is bad

and I'm doing nothing with my inheritance.

I had even thought about shutting this place down.

Damn.

For heaven's sake.

Fine. So?

Exactly how much is he paying for rent?

"He was virtuous even as they aided him in need,

and those in and out of court admire him."

EPISODE 2 THE HOT DIRECTOR

"What more can one say about the thoughts of the people?"

"If you lose your virtues as king, even your kin will betray you."

Ta-da! Welcome!

Make room for some shiny, sparkling memories in your heart!

Welcome to USB Guesthouse!

Yes, thank you.

Wait.

As the owner's family, that was my duty to our guest.

But I personally have a few things to say.

This doesn't seem to be a mere coincidence to me.

You became the new chief of the potato lab despite knowing nothing about potatoes.

Well, I guess we can chalk that one up to Wonhan's bad decision-making.

But why are you here, of all places?

There are a number of hotels and resorts nearby.

Not to mention the numerous guesthouses!

I mean, if you're swimming in money,

you could've just gotten an apartment.

I assume you're not going to leave until I give you an explanation.

Hotels and resorts are convenient, but don't allow you to cook,

and there wasn't an apartment I could rent for just one month.

There are only seven places within 50 kilometers of the lab

that accommodate electric vehicle charging.

The closest one to the lab was USB Guesthouse.

Any more questions?

No.

Well, that's very…

very reasonable of you.

I don't make decisions unless they're reasonable.

Goodbye.

Wait, hold on.

It seems like we'll be seeing a lot of each other, whether we like it or not.

So let's set some ground rules.

Does anyone know that you're staying here?

-No. -Good.

Then let's keep it that way. Don't tell people at the lab.

I don't want the rumor mill churning.

Sure.

And I think we should keep work and private life separate.

Here, there's no director or assistant manager.

It's just two normal people, Ms. Kim and Mr. So.

I want to leave my job at the door when I come home.

-Do you agree? -Yes.

One more thing.

I'd like to give you a piece of advice.

Don't underestimate our lab.

All right.

I'm serious.

If you mess around, especially with our potatoes,

-I won't just stand by. -Understood.

Yes. Well, that was all I had to say.

Do you have anything else to say?

Perhaps, "Please take good care of me. I'm out of my depth"?

Or maybe,

"It's a shame what happened to Mr. Hong"?

I do have a question.

That thing on your head.

Is that floss?

Pardon?

My head? What?

Yes, it is. It's mine.

I'm going to use it later.

Okay. Good night.

Oh, jeez.

Where did this even come from?

Hey, Ong-ju.

Did you know there was floss on my head?

What?

I was flossing on the sofa and lost some.

Ew, why are you so disgusting?

What's with that face?

What scheme are you cooking up now?

Mi-kyung.

Now that it's just us, tell me.

Be honest.

What are you doing?

Come on!

You!

What is going on?

What?

Are your eyes twitching?

Take some magnesium.

Ugh, you're so frustrating.

You, Kim Mi-kyung.

You're interested in the guest in Ward B, aren't you?

Here you go again with your damn ideas.

No,

I'm not saying this because I write romance.

I can smell the rom-com cliché

just wafting off of you and Ward B!

You're at the stage where you're bickering while growing closer!

Is that right?

When's my paycheck coming in?

I mean it!

Just listen to me.

Sheesh.

I have proof here that So Baek-ho is your destiny.

SUNGBUK MIDDLE SCHOOL 2004 GRADUATION ALBUM

Here we are.

Yes. Exhibit A.

The boy you had a crush on for all three years of middle school.

And!

Exhibit B.

In freshman year, you confessed to this guy and got rejected four times.

And the most decisive evidence.

Exhibit C.

Your all-time favorite romance novel protagonist.

The Hot Director's Secret!

Okay? So what about it?

You still don't see what they have in common?

Kim Ji-ho. Park Young-ho. Ryu Jung-ho.

You're attracted to good-looking men whose name ends with "ho."

Ji-ho, Young-ho, Jung-ho. And Baek-ho!

What do you think? Doesn't it give you chills?

Doesn't it feel like a huge awakening?

So…

being attracted to good-looking men with "ho" in their name…

is my destiny?

Yes.

By any chance…

did you get shot in the head as a kid?

What?

You have to be kidding me.

Hey, Lee Ong-ju, thank you so much.

You made me laugh for the first time today. You're the best!

You're so rude, making fun of a professional's advice.

Wait, hey. Hold on.

Tell me when I'm destined to die.

You just watch. You're going to fall for him. I know it.

It will happen soon,

around the end of Episode 2.

Jeez.

He'll be lucky if I'm not fighting with him by then.

YOU HAVE NEW MAIL

Oh, it's here.

LIST OF EXTERNAL VISITORS AS REQUESTED

VISITOR LIST

Let's see. Kim Mi-kyung.

Kim Mi-kyung.

Mi-kyung Kim.

God damn it.

Where in the world did you pop out from?

For God's sake.

Kim Mi-kyung?

Gosh.

Whoa, what?

What is this?

Ms. Kim! Come look! Oh, that's hot.

Ms. Kim, who drives a car this nice at our lab?

I don't know. Maybe someone in the admin building won the lottery?

-Hey, this is heavy. -Here.

Did you hear anything?

Beats me.

We're back.

-Hey, MK. -Welcome back.

-Hello. -Any contracts?

A ton of them took my business card.

I'll just have to latch on when they call.

Good luck.

-Has Mr. Bu not moved? -Put yourself in his shoes.

Wouldn't you be pissed about having someone much younger as your boss?

I can hear you.

That's what I'm saying.

They look like father and son when they're together.

I said, I can hear you.

By the way, should we be so chill about this?

I'm telling you, he's something else.

Shouldn't we be doing something?

We don't stand a chance against him.

His nickname at Wonhan is ATH.

What?

"All Talk…

from Hell."

He never gets worked up,

and he's super polite and respectful.

And in the calmest voice,

he skins you alive with his words.

Hence, ATH.

Oh my goodness, he's crazy.

Tell us more. They say he's a jerk, right?

Has he caused any trouble?

Any crimes he committed that only his friends know about?

Come on, why would you ask about stuff like that?

What cologne does he use?

He smelled so nice.

Sorry, I only heard about the nickname.

He's acting all mysterious, isn't he?

What is this, a hearing?

Get up.

Let's go eat.

-Let's go eat. -Let's go eat.

Is it lunchtime already?

-What's for lunch today? -Just like a newbie to ask.

You should've checked for yourself instead of asking me, Hee-dong.

It's on the notice board.

Hold on.

Anyone else just see a really bright light?

CHIEF'S OFFICE

He's so good-looking.

Let me introduce myself properly.

I'm the interim chief, So Baek-ho.

-Hello. -Hello.

Thank you.

I had heard that you were starting work next week.

Yes, I came by today to set up the office.

Wow, he's eager to erase all traces of Mr. Hong.

I gathered all the meat I could find.

Sausages, stir-fried pork,

and I told the kitchen to fry up some pork cutlets.

If you can just wait for ten minutes--

I…

don't eat meat.

You're vegetarian.

Then all you can eat are kimchi and stir-fried potatoes.

Is that okay?

It's fine. Let's eat.

-Yes. -Yes.

Where are you from, Mr. So?

-Seoul. -I see.

Oh, wait.

Ms. Kim is also from Seoul.

You two are from the same area.

Really?

I'm…

just curious.

-Are you married? -No.

Do you have plans to get married?

Not yet, no.

-I see. -I see.

Ms. Jjeon! Here, come on in!

Hey!

The young man who took a tumble last time?

Hello, I'm the interim chief, So Baek--

Oh my God, you're alive!

I didn't see you after that, so I thought you died.

Anyway, aren't you some higher-up in Seoul?

How did you end up here?

Don't be naive.

He probably got on someone's bad side.

No, it's nothing like that.

We're overhauling the lab.

-So he's here to be chief. -Yes!

It's long overdue.

-Hire more people, buy more trucks. -Yes.

Raise our pay.

-That's right. -Yes.

Isn't Wonhan a super huge company?

Take good care of us.

Sunnyeo Food

was so stingy,

it was like they had no balls.

Goodness.

Are you a baby? Why are you spilling everywhere?

-Here you go. -Thank you.

Ms. Park, didn't you wipe your feet with that?

Wow, look at his eyes!

I'm kidding! Just joking with you.

-Thank you. -No problem.

I…

Please excuse me.

-What? -Don't be silly.

Just eat. We won't bother you anymore.

Everyone, please be quiet.

The chief is eating, everyone!

Eat up, eat up.

Go on.

You must have gotten crazy good grades in school.

I wonder what he ate to grow so tall.

Your mother must be happy just looking at you.

Do you have a girlfriend? Oh my goodness.

Your eyes are as big as a calf's!

Gosh, you must've drunk really good milk to be so tall and have such good skin.

Look, you missed a spot here. There we go.

All done.

You're leaving so soon?

Smoking is not allowed on laboratory grounds.

This is a vape to help me quit.

Gosh.

I thought you might turn the lab upside down as the new chief.

But you seem calmer than I expected.

That's good, I approve.

Try to do and touch as little as possible.

Then I'll know my warning worked.

When did you warn me exactly, Ms. Kim?

I told you yesterday.

I won't let you mess with my lab.

You said you understood. Or did you already forget that?

I see.

Why are you laughing like that?

I think you've misunderstood something.

Warnings can only be given by someone who is either at equal standing or higher

and has the ability to hand out penalties when said warning is unheeded.

Therefore, what you told me yesterday

is simply a complaint.

-A complaint? -Shall I speak more plainly?

You could also call what you said

"throwing a fit" or "whining."

What a funny one you are, Mr. So.

Dividing people by class in the 21st century?

I'm talking about the hierarchy in a working environment.

But it feels like you're being dismissive.

-It's very hurtful. -Then tell me.

If you won't stand for it,

what actions could you take against me?

In protest,

will you slack off?

Not show up?

Resign?

Furthermore, you were the one who suggested keeping work

and private life separate.

At work, I would appreciate it if you would refer to me

by my proper title, Chief So.

What?

You see, this is a 21st century car.

I'll see you at the guesthouse.

What a freaking jerk!

Should I just beat him up and go to jail? Jeez!

STRATEGIC PLANNING DEPT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PARK KI-SE

We need to talk.

I know you're family,

but please knock before coming in, Ms. Yoon.

We're at work.

You're not with Hee-jin anymore, so we aren't family.

Oh, right. Your divorce is still a secret.

Fine.

We'll keep up the pretense,

Ki-se.

What happened with Baek-ho?

-Pardon? -Don't play dumb with me.

I know you sent him to that lab, Mr. Park.

The new chief has some visa issues and is currently in the US.

So he's been temporarily assigned.

Doesn't it sound ridiculous to you just to say it?

You couldn't procure a doctor of agriculture fast enough,

so you send down a board member to fill a general manager position?

I was aware of your inferiority complex towards Baek-ho,

but you've crossed a line this time.

You're so sly.

No wonder Hee-jin couldn't stay--

That's enough.

-I think you've said enough. -I don't think I have.

It's disgusting to act like a good person and a good friend,

while pulling this kind of move behind his back.

I don't want any excuses.

Bring back Director So right now.

As you know, Chairman Wang cares more about Director So than you.

That's why I sent him away.

There's been a lot of talk

-about Chairman Wang and Mr. So. -So what?

Everyone knows that Baek-ho received a scholarship at the Wonhan Foundation,

and that Ms. Wang was his sponsor.

And everyone wonders if there's something else.

Whether Mr. So is in an improper relationship

with the chairman, for example.

Are you kidding me?

My mom and a kid like him?

It's not just Chairman Wang they're talking about.

It's you too, Ms. Yoon.

You're always dropping by his office,

saying, "Let's go eat, let's grab a drink."

Wow.

The rest of the rumors are so distasteful,

I can't bear to say them out loud.

At any rate, right now,

it will be best for Mr. So to lay low.

So,

you should stop asking about him too.

I'm sure rumors of your unrequited affections

are a blow to your pride.

Yes, Ms. Wang.

My goodness, Chief So.

Is this random or what?

Did you get banished or something?

I was planning on going back and forth for a while due to restructuring issues.

As an R&D department, it also requires a more meticulous review.

Don't overthink it.

That tiny lab won't make a dent anywhere.

If you say fire them, they'll be fired.

If you say shut it down, it'll be shut down.

Just say the word.

I'll inform you once I make a decision.

Okay.

Goodbye.

PERSONNEL RECORD CARD ASSISTANT MANAGER KIM MI-KYUNG

All done?

Come on, put down a card.

I just did.

-That's a point for me too. -You lost it?

Hello!

-Hey! -You're here.

-Hey, Hippo! -I'm coming.

-Leave it there. -Yes, sir!

Good.

How much?

-Eighteen thousand won. -Eighteen thousand won.

And here you go. This is on the house.

-Gosh. -Sweetie, you didn't have to.

You can't make money if you keep doing this.

And you make up for it by ordering all the time.

If it wasn't for your coffees, we would be starving!

Gosh.

By the way, did someone come to stay?

I saw a truck over there last time.

And there were cars I hadn't seen before.

You mean the guest?

What kind of guest brings over a truck?

Well, the thing is, my lab…

Yeah?

If you won't stand for it,

what actions could you take against me?

What? Here's a handkerchief.

-What's wrong? -Here, take this.

-I'm sorry. -Why are you sorry?

It's just…

I get so upset every time I think about Mr. Hong.

Chief Hong?

You mean Hong Soon-ik, Youngeul-ri's own potato doctor?

Why? Did something happen to him?

-No, I can't. -My word!

Go on, just spit it out already.

-What? -Well, the thing is…

I really didn't want to be the bearer of such news, but…

You see…

Our Chief Hong…

-Come on. -Hey, are you bringing everyone?

-Are you busy? -What? Yes, the guesthouse.

-Where did you go? -Yeah, okay.

Come to the guesthouse!

And here we go.

You need me to come? Okay.

-I'll be right there. -Wait, where are you going?

-Yes, we're on our way. -Come on!

Right now? The guesthouse?

Come on, hurry up!

All right, let's go!

YOUNGEUL-RI

-What's going on? -I don't know.

Nice to meet you.

I'm the Youngeul-ri Youth Association President.

He's the Village Development Committee Chair. And this man here,

he's Mr. Byun, the village head.

Hello.

I hear you're the new chief of the potato lab.

Yes, I am.

My name's So Baek-ho.

Where are your manners, young man?

If you've moved here, then you should come say hello to the village elders!

How dare you make us come to you?

There must be a misunderstanding.

I did not move here. I'm staying here as a guest.

Aren't you staying for over a month?

Then according to our village rules,

you're not a guest, you're a resident! A temporary resident.

-Mr. Park. -Yes!

"Regarding Residents, Article 2, Clause 3."

"A person who resides in Youngeul-ri for more than 31 days

will be considered a temporary resident,

regardless of their permanent address.

Furthermore, they are obligated to partake in paying

into the Village Development Fund."

The Village Development Fund?

So this is the agreement form.

Sign here and here.

And wire the money immediately to the account listed at the bottom.

"Village Development Fund, Town Track Meet Fund."

"Parents' Day Feast Donation Fund, Senior Citizens Day Group Tour Fund"?

Mr. Byun! What's all this, all of a sudden?

The total sum is 83,200 won.

Bring the signed form and the wire receipt to the village hall by Monday, okay?

And if I won't?

Then you will have refused to become a resident

and have no right to live here.

This is my lawyer's contact info.

Call him and see whether these crude forms that you call village rules

are legally binding. Before that,

ask whether a village head can force

the freedom of residential mobility, which is written in the Constitution.

And the session fee is on me.

Where are you going?

Stop right there!

Why, that little…

that little rude, insolent jerk!

-Hey! Do you even know who… -Goddamn.

-…brought the electricity and water here? -That's so hot.

That bastard!

Wow, I'm dizzy.

-What is this? -That little…

Isn't it kind of strange, though?

That old man can be overbearing at times,

but he's never been so rude to any of our guests.

The plot doesn't seem to be coming together very well.

Something's missing.

That's why I'm so frustrated right now.

What's gotten into him?

No, wait a minute.

If my guest fights with the villagers,

whose side am I supposed to take?

How am I supposed to deal with this?

Well…

my fellow housemates.

If we look at this situation

carefully and closely,

you could say I had a little bit of responsibility for this…

Oh, forget it.

Are you going somewhere?

No.

I thought it'd be rude to ignore someone who's been standing outside the door

for eight minutes.

Then you could have opened it earlier.

Here, this is for you.

Is this an apology?

Pardon?

Aren't you here to apologize

for instigating the villagers and attempting to extort money

from a guest on your establishment?

Now, that's going too far.

I guess it was extortion.

Anyway, I am sorry.

They didn't do it for the money.

Mr. Hong is from here,

so they're all friends, relatives, stuff like that.

So they were trying to be loyal…

You do know this is childish.

I do, which is why I'm apologizing.

Tell me the routing number. I'll send the money over.

Once they get the money, they'll feel bad and return it to you.

There's no need. I don't plan on sending the money.

-Why not? -I'm not going to participate

in such unreasonable things.

Yeah, I'm saying that I will resolve it

by paying for you.

-Routing number. -Whoever the money belongs to,

wouldn't it look like I caved in?

-This isn't a matter of pride. -It's one of principle.

I bet you would've been exiled 100 times over back in the day.

-Thank you. -It wasn't a compliment.

Don't you have grandparents?

You know how they are, when they get fixated on something

and get all stubborn. You just have to go along with it.

-Don't you know that? -I don't.

I don't have grandparents.

Oh, did they pass away early…

Wait.

Then what about your parents?

When we fight with our parents--

I'm an orphan.

I've never known my parents or grandparents,

so I've never fought with them.

Okay, so what?

I don't judge people based on stuff like that.

I still dislike you just as much now

as I did 30 seconds ago, before you told me that.

I didn't tell you so you would feel sorry for me.

I told you because you were making ineffective analogies,

so we could stop wasting time.

Okay, fine, whatever.

Then do you know what it means to make enemies with the elders

in a small village like this?

You've started a war

with the whole village, Mr. So Baek-ho.

Oh, that face again!

You didn't get a word I said, did you?

You're thinking, "What does it matter if I get into trouble with them?"

I don't think it's a pressing concern.

Congratulations on being better than everyone else.

I did what I could, so I'm washing my hands of this.

Don't come crying to me later.

I won't need to.

Oh, that jerk.

He just has to have the last word.

What is this?

Excuse me.

What are you doing in the middle of the road?

Whoa, whoa!

You there! Stop. Stop.

It's Mr. Byun's land past that line.

If you cross it without permission, it's trespassing.

Are you asserting a claim over the village road right now?

It's not a claim. It's a legal fact.

Mr. Park.

Yes, sir.

This is proof that Mr. Byun is the owner of this land.

And here.

The blue area is Mr. Byun's land.

The red area is where you're standing.

Regardless of this being Mr. Byun's land,

any and all roads are national property.

No individual can arbitrarily block the road.

Yes, exactly.

Take a closer look.

That's right. There's no road on the map.

Why do you think that is?

A private road…

That's right.

A private road.

Which means, this road isn't nationally owned.

Mr. Byun withdrew his savings

and built this road for the villagers' convenience.

Therefore, it's up to Mr. Byun to decide who gets to travel on it.

Well, I mean…

even if it was built by an individual--

It's all good.

Don't worry.

I also got permission from your lawyer.

Pardon?

It seems like you love the law a lot,

so I called the lawyer on that business card.

A small road like this…

what did he say?

Customary road.

Customary road.

He said it wasn't that, so it's up to the landowner.

We had a lot of questions, so we had a long call with him.

The session fee came out to be around 390,000 won.

You promised to pay for it, so please do.

By the way, you know the road you see when you go out to the right?

That's my wife's land.

Drink up. It's cold.

Now I think he gets it.

-Mr. Byun. -Oh, it's nothing.

Yes, it's great. Yes.

Ridiculous.

THERE ARE NO TAXIS AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA

Damn it.

Let's eat.

-Oh, that looks good. -That smells delicious.

-Come sit. -Have a bite.

-I can't, I have to go. -What?

-Bye. -Bye!

-What? -What is it?

Did you need something?

Could you call me a taxi?

I can't call any through the app.

We actually don't get a lot of taxis here because it's far from town.

Why do you need a taxi? Something wrong with your car?

So, my car…

It was denied passage, right? By the landowner?

You should've listened to me yesterday.

It was all valuable advice gained from experience.

Good luck.

If you walk to the lab, over the mountains and across the streams,

you'll be there before the end of the workday.

Good luck, Chief So!

-Good luck! -Thanks.

Ms. Kim.

Ms. Kim!

I'll pay you.

Please.

It's been exactly 12 hours

since you said you wouldn't need my help.

Get in. I was going to give you a ride anyway, since it's kinda my fault.

Then, why…

I wanted to see you humbled a little.

Thank you.

I didn't say you could ride there.

Nice!

Whoa!

Oh my! Hey, wait!

Nice work, guys! Stay strong!

IT'S TOUGH FOR US BUT IT'S WORSE FOR YOU

POTATO LAB

We're here.

Hello!

Hey, time to get off.

Hey, wait…

This is…

I mean, I can't go in with you.

How are we going to explain that?

You're right.

Wasn't the cool breeze so refreshing?

Tell me the routing number already. Better late than never.

No. My thoughts have not changed.

Seriously? Even after all this?

I don't change my principles when it's convenient.

Thank you for today.

I'll get to work by myself tomorrow.

Sure, it's up to you.

Okay.

It's all over now.

DANGER WATCH FOR FALLING ROCKS

The back road?

Then did you call a tow truck?

How did you manage to become a director at Wonhan?

May I…

ride in the passenger seat today?

Sure. If you can manage it.

We call that the Thinking Chair.

Everyone who sits there becomes humbled.

It's your choice.

Will you throw out your back or sacrifice your butt?

I owe you another one.

Just tell me the routing number and be done with it.

I can take care of it.

No! No.

Tomorrow, I will manage it.

I will.

What? Wait.

The bus.

No need to stop, go ahead.

-Hey. -Take your time.

Bye-bye.

You crossed a line!

BUS STOP YOUNGEUL-1RI

-What are you doing? -Give me a ride. Please.

Under 44 kilometers per hour, if you can.

Oh my goodness, you're glowing.

You look wonderful.

You look amazing, gorgeous, fantastic!

Seoul will turn inside out the moment you step foot in it!

So what do you need this time?

Kim Nemo Bakery in Seochon.

Every flavor of tea cakes and scones and all the salt butter rolls they have.

I knew it.

You just wait for me to go out, don't you?

So you can do your bread pilgrimage.

Yes, that's true.

Gosh.

You're going to buy them, right? Don't forget!

CONGRATS ON YOUR MARRIAGE

Hey, Hwan-kyung. Hi.

-Hello. -Hey.

Fancy seeing you here.

You must be headed to a wedding.

Yes. Are you going, too?

No, I'm meeting someone in the lounge.

How have you been?

-You know, can't complain. -Right.

The kids must be all grown now, right?

Yes, Ji-oh is going to school next year.

Wow, time really does fly.

And Mi-kyung?

-She's fine? -She's the same.

Studying potatoes by day, drinking herself sick by night.

Studying potatoes?

Oh, sorry.

Yeah, I'm inside.

KIM MI-KYUNG

KIM MI-KYUNG R&D DEPT ASSISTANT MANAGER

KIM MI-KYUNG F&B, R&D POTATO LAB

It is you. Kim Mi-kyung.

Potato Lab.

Potato Lab?

So Baek-ho!

POTATO LAB

Ms. Kim. These here,

the T1, T2, T3s. What are these?

Those don't look like MS PDAs.

I'm just working on them on the side.

I heard that the lab over at RDA makes all of their own PDAs.

-I see! -So I made some too.

I lowered the amount of potassium nitrate and calcium chloride.

Really? Is there a difference?

I don't know. I can't detect any so far.

I wonder if sucrose is the issue.

Sucrose…

Baegok-ri?

Hello, this is Kim Mi-Kyung at Potato Lab.

Yes, right! Okay!

Thank goodness you're here.

Call the Crop Team at Baegok-ri right now.

The pepper field right next to the seed production

has been infested with aphids!

Tell them to get out there and do pest control right now.

No, I just got a call from them.

Everyone on the Crop Team

-has been hospitalized. -What?

-Food poisoning from a team dinner. -What?

What did they eat to get food poisoning at a time like this?

-What about the agricultural temp agency? -Yes!

-Well-- -All hands on deck due to blight.

They won't have anyone free until next week.

That's too late!

All the seed potatoes will be ruined by then!

What do we do?

All of you.

Get your boots.

Pardon?

-Come on, Mr. Bu! -Now.

-Mr. Bu, please! -Right now?

-Mr. Bu. -Why are you doing this?

-Let's go. Here, hurry. -Yes.

Ms. Jjeon. Do Gyewang-ri tomorrow

and come help us first. It's an emergency.

Yes, that much hose reel should be enough.

Could a few of you come help out?

We're running short on people. Okay.

What seems to be the problem?

You're in good shape, aren't you?

Pardon?

-Come with me. -Oh my.

-I only have one arm in. -Then drive.

Thank goodness, we got one more person.

Come on, this isn't right.

-Go! -Go, go!

Oh my God.

-Hey, Hee-dong. -I'm so sick and tired of this.

Hey, MK, MK.

-Hey, thank you. -Careful.

Okay.

-All right, hurry up! -Yes, sir!

Put these on.

We have to get this done before sundown.

I told you, I don't know how to do stuff like this.

Do you think I had a pickax in my hand from day one?

You learn out of necessity.

Come on, we don't have time.

Shouldn't you first explain why I'm being forced

to do this job?

Is this so urgent that I had to be

dragged away from my duties?

I cannot believe the day has come

for me to explain to the chief of the potato lab

the importance of seed potato pest control.

Yes.

It is so very urgent and so very important.

This isn't just any potato field. This is where we grow seed potatoes.

The seeds grown here go all over the country

and form the base of a year's harvest.

Imagine a disease spreading through them.

What do you think will happen?

It will significantly impact the supply of seed potatoes and potato output.

You're a quick learner.

Here. Come on.

But do we really have to dress like that?

Is your outfit really the biggest concern right now?

I really don't like loud colors.

Oh, that jerk.

Wait, Ms. Kim!

Should Mr. So be doing that without wearing any PPE?

Believe me, I tried talking to him. But that's what he prefers, apparently.

What in the world is he doing?

Chief!

You have to walk backwards! Backward!

What? Backward?

-You need to go backwards. -Backward.

INPUT BACKWARD! TURN AROUND

OUTPUT BACKWARD!

Oh! Backward!

No, wait, not that way.

Oh, you're going to crash! Oh no!

What are you two doing?

Jeez, I knew it, I knew it.

-Are you all right? -Come on, Mr. So!

-Oh, Mr. Ko. -I can't believe this.

Mr. So.

-Mr. Bu, look at them. -Mr. Ko, stop playing!

My apologies.

-Okay, wait. -Help us!

What a mess.

All right, focus. Focus.

Nothing's coming out!

Hey!

Excuse me!

Hey!

It's not coming out!

-What? -It's not coming out!

-Stop? Stop? -Yes, it's not coming out.

Okay.

REEL IN

Oh man. Hey!

-No, stop! Help him! -What's going on?

Mr. Ko!

-Stop! -Stop!

-Stop! -Come on!

Hey, man!

-Stop! -Stop!

-Come on, what is this? -Hey, man!

Those few rounds around the field

made my joints ache.

I used to be able

to carry a boulder on my back

and run up that mountain back there.

Don't lie.

Every year feels so different.

What's taking the chief so long? Didn't he go with you?

He waited until the end because he wanted to shower by himself.

But you know,

it's a missed opportunity.

I wanted to see how much he's worked out.

Why would you want to see that?

Does your wife know?

That you're interested in other men's bodies?

Can't you just see it as a healthy interest

toward a coworker?

Take interest in your own body.

Go and get him already.

He kept falling over everywhere.

If he's passed out somewhere, we have to file a report.

MK, you know you're the youngest, right?

You know what, I'll--

Jeez, okay. I'll go.

You don't have to pressure me like that.

Really, I could go.

Come out already!

There are wild boars nearby. Don't hang out here.

Did he really pass out?

Excuse me!

I'm coming in. Okay?

I'm really coming in!

Yes.

THE HOT DIRECTOR

The hot…

director?

I WANT BAEK-HO

You are bound to fall for So Baek-ho.

What is it?

They…

They're all waiting for you.

Hurry up.

I couldn't hear a thing, that's why.

When flies land to eat food…

Why's Ms. Kim over there?

She is more contemplative than she looks.

-They spread the poison-- -That's quite enough.

Chung-hyeon, Chung-hyeon!

Then they suck the juice out.

For heavens' sake. Just swat the flies away.

They suck it out.

They melt the food and suck out the juice.

-So what is this? Is it a fly? -Mr. So.

Welcome.

Oh goodness me.

Thank you for all your work today.

I'm sure it was rough work for your first week.

It was all right. Thank you for your hard work.

Have a seat.

You need to have some makgeolli after you spray pesticide

to flush out all the toxins in your body.

Where did you even hear such nonsense?

-From my grandpa. -Wise words from decades of experience.

What do you want to do? We plan to rest here for a bit, then go.

You can join us if you'd like.

How could someone as classy as Mr. So

hang out with us? He would never.

You'll be leaving, right?

As your boss,

I have a duty to encourage and boost morale and teamwork.

I'll join.

-Sure. -All right.

Have a seat.

-Have a seat there. -Have a seat.

-Mr. Bu. -Yes.

-Let me pour you a cup. -Oh gosh.

Thank you.

Let me pour you one too.

Are you okay

with alcohol, though?

I'm not that--

Hey, if you can't drink, you don't have to stay.

Our team drank with the farmers all the time, so they drink a lot.

If you drink with us, you might pass out.

I was going to say, I'm not sure.

I've never been drunk before.

-Then I'll pour you some more. -That's great news!

Then we won't hold back.

Sure.

-Good work today! -Good work today!

One, two, three!

-Mr. Ko. -One, two, three.

I knew it!

Mr. Ko.

You're in trouble now.

-Hey. -Hi!

-Hello. -Hello!

I can't believe him! Passing out in front of his teammates.

Honey.

Darling?

Pull yourself together.

Ko Jung-hae!

Yes, good work today, everyone.

Don't be late tomorrow.

Yes. Honey, let's go.

Mr. Ko.

Yo, MK.

Right.

-Goodness. Come on. -Yes, honey.

You're so embarrassing.

-Give me the car keys. -The car keys…

-Here they are. -Goodness.

-Goodbye. -Drive safely!

Yes, bye-bye.

You should head home too, Ms. Kim.

We're on night duty today.

-Okay. -But what about Mr. So?

You're something else, Ms. Kim.

You got him wasted when he'd never been drunk before.

Not my fault he didn't realize he was drunk.

I'm fine, so I'll send him home.

You head back.

-Really? Okay! -Okay, have a good day.

Damn it.

Designated driver…

Oh dear.

Damn it.

Damn, how in the hell does he look so dangerous?

Damn it.

Where did this come from?

Gosh.

Jeez.

Damn it.

You've arrived.

Oh my goodness.

Goodbye, thank you!

Hey.

Damn it.

Mr. So Baek-ho.

THE HOT DIRECTOR

The hot…

director?

I'M BAEK-HO

POTATO LAB

TAMING THE COUNT - TAMING THE HOT DIRECTOR

I have to go with the director.

MI-KYUNG'S FAVORITE ROMANCE NOVEL BOOK COVER

You're all about looks, aren't you?

But isn't the male lead a little weird?

Why does that matter?

Hey, if I were the female lead,

the moment I saw a man with his looks,

I'd kiss the hell out of him!

And then, "Oh, hot director?"

"Oh, right now?"

"Oh no, I can't."

"No, you can! Rip!"

And I'll rip!

Rip off everything!

What do you think?

But why? Why?

In a way, this counts as punching him.

Hey, be quiet!

Don't we have something to discuss?

Where's Ms. Kim?

It seems like he's torturing her,

but he's actually helping her.

Parking!

Can you cook?

I'll just get right to it.

I'm officially asking. Will you go out with me?

Subtitle translation by Grace Kim