Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo in a promo photo for “The Trunk.” Image: Courtesy of Netflix Korea
While “The Trunk” touches on the concept of “contract marriage,” Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun-jin believe that its storyline is more than what meets the eye, as it explores the complexities of love and relationships.
The eight-episode K-drama — helmed by filmmaker Kim Kyu-tae of “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” and “It’s Okay, That’s Love” fame — tells the story of a secret marriage service that provides spouses for the rich. It is based on the novel of the same name written by Kim Ryeo-ryeong.
Article continues after this advertisementIt then shifts to Noh In-ji (Seo), a “field wife” struggling to cope with isolation despite having a contract husband every year. She meets Han Jeong-won (Gong) who wants to enter a contract marriage in an attempt to save his failed marriage.
FEATURED STORIES ENTERTAINMENT Rufa Mae Quinto’s lawyer goes cryptic amid actress’ rumored marital woes ENTERTAINMENT Love Knots, December 10, 2024 ENTERTAINMENT LOOK: Jose Manalo, Mergene Maranan all smiles in snowy prenup shootBut for Seo, “The Trunk” doesn’t just center on the topic of marriage itself. “It is more of exaggerated emotions and how people having these exaggerated emotions can help people communicate under the system of temporary marriage,” she said in a media junket.
“With that, they can communicate how people are changing and how it unfolds, I think that’s the main message of the series,” she continued.
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Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo. Image: Courtesy of Netflix Korea
Despite this, the actress understands that the drama’s secret marriage service is “quite provocative” for viewers, which is why it is what catches the attention of viewers more. “But I think this is one of the devices to tell the story and that is how I understood it,” she added.
Article continues after this advertisementMeanwhile, Gong pointed out that the series allows viewers to reflect on “what love is or what a relationship is,” which goes beyond its contract marriage-centered premise.
Article continues after this advertisement“We are talking about the concept of temporary marriage in the series. We also have unconventional establishments. However, I think this is all paradoxical. What we’re trying to say is that this is not the right answer,” he said.
“I hope our viewers won’t just be tied to the concept of marriage, but we want viewers to look at the heart of the message,” he added.
Article continues after this advertisementMeaning of love
Gong, who admitted that he wanted to work with Seo for quite some time, said doing the drama allowed him to rethink his initial beliefs about love and relationships.
“My perspective on love and relationships, I got to think about it and contemplate it more. Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer to what is love. There are different kinds of love in existence and I get to think about what is the right and healthy love to this date,” he said.
Gong noted that many series and films touch on love, but what intrigued him into starring in “The Trunk” is the challenge of bringing a “fresh take” to relationships. At the same time, his sympathy toward Jeong-won allowed him to have a deeper connection with him.
“How I understood Jeong-won is that he really doesn’t put a lot of effort into overcoming his trauma. I think he was just living like that and was neglected like that for a long time,” he said. “I have a lot of burdens as well in my life but maybe not as much as Jeong-won. I don’t necessarily think of it as pain, but maybe it wasn’t as unnatural for me to portray him.”
Agreeing with her leading man’s response, Seo admitted that she still finds herself thinking about “The Trunk’s” storyline despite wrapping up filming seven months ago.
“Working with [Gong Yoo and director Kim Kyu-tae], and the whole staff, I learned a lot professionally and personally. Even if we finished this drama — it has been seven months — and still to this date, I keep thinking about the script itself. It was great meeting and working with them,” she said.
Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo. Image: Courtesy of Netflix Korea
With Gong and Seo known for disappearing into their characters, it was no surprise for Kim to have an enjoyable time working with the actors. “Their performance and the chemistry were perfect. I really had high hopes as well.”
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“These two stars, these talents, had such respect and affection for each other. That is why the chemistry was more than perfect,” he continued. “I really enjoyed [the experience]. Working with Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun-jin in particular was very happy, and I was very delighted to work with them.”
Gong and Seo are known for their filmography through the years, with their most popular series including “Goblin” and “Another Oh Hae-young99bet,” respectively.
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