1. “Melodrama Masters” Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo: A Dream Team Match!
Tension Factors: Jung Yun-ha, Jo Yi-geon and Kim Dong-won
“The Trunk” depicts two people bound by a one-year marriage contract and a mysterious trunk, combining mystery and melodrama. The collaboration of Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo has already attracted attention, while the inclusion of “fresh” actors such as Jung Yun-ha, Jo Yi-geon and Kim Dong-won further raises expectations.
Director Kim Kyu-tae said at a press conference: “I signed up out of curiosity about the synergy between Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo.” Their distinct emotional depth promises to be a key highlight. Seo Hyun-jin transforms into Noh In-ji, a woman left alone due to marriage, while Gong Yoo plays Han Jeong-won, a man who feels extreme loneliness despite being married.
Adding tension to the plot are Jung Yun-ha as Lee Seo-yeon, a woman whose marriage reveals her distorted desires; Jo Yi-geon as Yoon Ji-oh, a man who discovers true love after marriage; and Kim Dong-won as Eom Tae-seong, a suspicious man who suddenly appears in their lives. The interplay between real and fake, desire and longing, and the actors’ passionate performances promise a compelling narrative.
2. Secret marriage and murder mystery case
“The Trunk”’s unique blend of mystery and melodrama.
Director Kim Kyu-tae described the series as primarily focusing on melodrama and mystery. The plot intricately links a secret wedding and a mysterious murder case, creating a gripping narrative from start to finish. The story explores the healing and love between Noh In-ji and Han Jeong-won as they fill each other’s voids, while the discovery of a trunk by the lake and the ensuing investigation uncover layers of truth. The suspenseful tension keeps the viewers engrossed.
Director Kim Kyu-tae noted that the series departs from the tone of the original novel, expanding on its melodramatic and mysterious aspects. He joked: “What secrets are hidden in the one-year contractual marriage governed by rules and manuals? What truths lie submerged with the log?“
3. High detail: art and music that enhance emotional depth
“The Trunk” is based on the novel of the same name by Kim Ryeo-ryeong, renowned for its bold themes and imaginative premise. Directed by Kim Kyu-tae (“Our Blues,” “It’s Okay, That’s Love”) and written by Park Eun-young (“Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth”), the series marks director Kim Kyu-tae’s first venture in the world of series. direction. Director Kim Kyu-tae described the project as the embodiment of a “subtle but bold style, with unique atmospheres and dualistic images”.
Particular attention was paid to details, including art and music, to increase the melodrama’s emotional depth and immersion in mystery. Director Kim revealed: “We focused on designing key props such as Jeong-won’s house, the chest, and the boldly colored chandelier.“
For music and sound, the team aimed to “a mix of restlessness, sensuality and audacity, with the use of white noise to amplify the mystery and tension”. The editing also plays with the boundaries of melodrama and mystery, maintaining a delicate balance. The cast praised the artistic and musical elements of the series, describing it as a “well-made mystery melodrama with rich, beautiful imagery”.
The Netflix series “The Trunk” had its world premiere on Nov. 29 at 5 p.m.
Source: Nate
