The Trunk
In the heart of mystery and drama, "The Trunk" takes viewers on a captivating journey, blending romance, secrets, and unexpected twists. Set in a world where love and betrayal collide, this South Korean drama stars the talented Seo Hyun Jin as Noh In Ji, a woman with a mysterious past, and the charismatic Gong Yoo as Han Jeong Won, a music producer entangled in a web of lies and intrigue. The story unfolds when a mysterious trunk is discovered, unveiling secrets that connect In Ji and Jeong Won in unexpected ways. As their fates intertwine, a one-year marriage contract forces the two to navigate love, trust, and the hidden truths that threaten to destroy their fragile bond. The drama delves into the complexities of human emotions, leaving audiences questioning: how far can you go for love and redemption? With a stellar cast, including Uhm Ji Won as the cunning Lee Seon, the CEO of NM Agency, and Jung Yun Ha as Lee Seo Yeon, Jeong Won’s enigmatic ex-wife, "The Trunk" keeps you on the edge of your seat. The show masterfully explores themes of family, ambition, and loyalty, making every episode a thrilling experience. "The Trunk" isn't just a story—it's an emotional rollercoaster that highlights the extraordinary talents of its cast and crew. Perfect for fans of suspenseful melodramas, this series promises unforgettable moments that will linger long after the credits roll. Don’t miss this masterpiece that’s already generating buzz as one of the most exciting K-dramas of the year!
Details
🙂 Native Title: 트렁크
🌎 Also Known As: Trunk, Teureongkeu, Pour seul bagage
🎭 Genres: Mystery, Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Feminism, Contract Relationship, Married Female Lead, Married Male Lead, Age Gap [Real Life], Fake Marriage, Miniseries, Sexual Content, Nudity, Adapted From A Novel
✍ Screenwriter: Park Eun Young
🎬 Director: Kim Kyu Tae
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 8
🗓️ Aired: Nov 29, 2024
📅 Airing Days: Friday
📺 Original Network: Netflix
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 3 min. per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 18+ Restricted (violence & profanity)
Best Scenes
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Tango Dance Sequence: In a pivotal episode, Noh In Ji (Seo Hyun Jin) and Han Jeong Won (Gong Yoo) share an unexpected tango, symbolizing their evolving relationship and underlying tensions.
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Chandelier Illusion: During a hallucinatory sequence, Jeong Won perceives a chandelier expanding ominously, reflecting his internal turmoil and the drama’s surreal visual storytelling.
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Lakeside Trunk Discovery: The moment when the mysterious trunk is found by the lake serves as a catalyst, unraveling secrets and deepening the central mystery.
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Elevator Confrontation: A tense scene unfolds within a construction elevator, highlighting the drama’s suspenseful narrative and character dynamics.
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Intimate Bed Scene: An emotionally charged moment between the leads, filmed with artistic intent to convey character depth, rather than for mere provocation.
Filming Locations
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Mallijae-ro, Seoul: A picturesque street where In Ji and Jeong Won share a memorable walk, capturing the essence of urban romance.
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Yeouido District: Known for its modern architecture, this area provides the backdrop for several corporate scenes, emphasizing the professional lives of the characters.
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Han River Park: The serene riverside setting is utilized for reflective moments, enhancing the drama’s emotional depth.
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Traditional Korean House (Hanok): In Ji’s residence showcases traditional Korean architecture, contrasting with the contemporary settings and highlighting cultural elements.
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Artistic Studio Loft: Jeong Won’s music studio, with its eclectic design, reflects his creative persona and serves as a key location for character interactions.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Bold Visual Tones: Director Kim Kyu Tae aimed for a “bold yet restrained style,” creating a unique atmosphere with layered imagery that enhances the narrative’s emotional and psychological depth.
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Symbolic Chandelier: The prominently featured chandelier in Jeong Won’s residence symbolizes opulence and the complexities of his character’s inner world.
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Character-Specific Wardrobe: Costume designs reflect character development, with In Ji’s attire transitioning from structured to more relaxed styles, mirroring her personal journey.
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Use of Color Palettes: The series employs specific color schemes to represent themes of love, mystery, and betrayal, enhancing the storytelling through visual cues.
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Architectural Symbolism: The design of key spaces, such as the garden house, plays a significant role in the narrative, with the set itself contributing to the show’s thematic expression.
Themes and Messages
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Exploration of Contractual Relationships: The drama delves into the concept of contract marriages, questioning societal norms and the authenticity of such arrangements.
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Search for True Love: Amidst fabricated relationships, characters grapple with their desires for genuine connections, highlighting the human need for authentic affection.
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Impact of Past Traumas: Both leads confront personal histories that influence their present actions, emphasizing themes of healing and self-discovery.
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Mystery and Intrigue: The enigmatic trunk serves as a metaphor for hidden secrets, driving the narrative’s suspense and engaging viewers in unraveling the truth.
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Critique of Societal Expectations: Through its characters and plot, the series critiques societal pressures related to marriage, success, and personal fulfillment.
Interesting Facts
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Adaptation of a Novel: “The Trunk” is based on the novel by Kim Ryeo-ryeong, known for her work on “Punch” and “Wandeuk.”
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Director’s Vision: Kim Kyu Tae, acclaimed for “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” brings his signature cinematic style to the series, focusing on creating a “bold yet restrained” visual narrative.
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First Collaboration: This drama marks the first on-screen collaboration between leading actors Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun Jin, both renowned figures in Korean entertainment.
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Filming Duration: Principal photography spanned approximately six months, commencing in August 2023 and concluding in February 2024.
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Global Release: “The Trunk” was released exclusively on Netflix on November 29, 2024, making it accessible to an international audience.
Awards
As of now, “The Trunk” has not received any awards. The series, which premiered on November 29, 2024, is still under consideration for various accolades. Award announcements are anticipated in the coming months.
Real-Life Loves on Set
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of a real-life romantic relationship between the lead actors of “The Trunk,” Seo Hyun Jin and Gong Yoo. Both actors are known for maintaining professionalism on set and keeping their personal lives private. While their on-screen chemistry has garnered significant attention, it has not translated into an off-screen romance.
In interviews, both Seo Hyun Jin and Gong Yoo have discussed their characters and the dynamics of their relationship within the drama, focusing on the narrative rather than any personal connections. For instance, they have shared insights into portraying emotionally intense and intimate scenes, emphasizing their commitment to bringing authenticity to their roles.
It’s common for fans to speculate about potential real-life relationships when actors display compelling chemistry on screen. However, in this case, there is no evidence to suggest that Seo Hyun Jin and Gong Yoo are involved romantically outside of their professional collaboration on “The Trunk.”
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Music / OST
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