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| ▲ The lead cast for Netlfix original series "The Trunk" pose for photos at the show's media conference held in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2024, in this photo provided by the OTT giant. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- "I believe people with wounds and voids in their lives recognize one another. Han Jung-won (played by Gong Yoo) instinctively noticed this in Noh In-ji (played by Seo Hyun-jin). Sometimes emotions can surge uncontrollably, independent of reason," said Gong Yoo during the press conference for Netflix’s original drama "The Trunk."
The event, held on Tuesday in Gangnam, Seoul, introduced the story of a couple tied by a one-year contract marriage, exploring themes of solace and ultimate redemption.
While the premise of a contractual marriage might seem provocative, director Kim Kyu-tae clarified that it serves merely as a narrative device. "The term marriage contract is just a means for these two characters to meet. We aimed for a distinctive mystery melodrama," Kim explained.
The series delves more into psychological mysteries than external ones, including the backdrop of a murder case. "I wanted to emphasize the psychological depth of the characters over the murder mystery itself," Kim noted.
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| ▲ South Korean actress Seo Hyun-jin poses at the media conference for Netlfix original series "The Trunk" held in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2024, in this photo provided by the OTT giant. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
The Kdrama employs moody lighting, ambient music, and subdued character emotions, creating an atmosphere of intrigue. Seo Hyun-jin described her character Noh In-ji as "a hermit crab—soft on the inside but hiding behind a hard shell." She chose the project because of its rich subtext and emotional restraint.
Gong Yoo, discussing his role as Han Jung-won, shared, "I was instinctively drawn to Jung-won’s tragedy. He’s isolated himself from the world due to trauma from his childhood, and I felt deep compassion for him." He encouraged viewers to look beyond the dramatic premise, focusing instead on the story’s deeper intent.
The show has garnered attention for pairing two fan-favorite actors, Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun-jin. At the event, the pair exchanged lighthearted banter, referring to each other as "Oh Hae-young" (Seo’s iconic role in Another Miss Oh) and "Goblin" (Gong Yoo’s renowned character).
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| ▲ South Korean actor Gong Yoo poses at the media conference for Netlfix original series "The Trunk" held in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2024, in this photo provided by the OTT giant. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
The cast includes Jung Yoon-ha as Han Jung-won’s ex-spouse, Jo Yi-geon as Noh In-ji’s current husband, and Kim Dong-won as Eom Tae-sung, a mysterious figure orbiting In-ji.
Director Kim praised Gong Yoo’s performance, saying, "He brings a natural and finely nuanced portrayal to his role, blending perfectly with the character."
The Trunk premieres on November 29 at 5 p.m. on Netflix, offering audiences a tale of profound emotional discovery.
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