Gong Yoo makes his return to television after three years in the Netflix mystery melodrama The Trunk, which delves into a hidden marriage service exposed by a floating trunk.
Gong Yoo plays Han Jeong-won, a lonely music producer seeking closure with his ex-wife by entering into a fixed-term marriage with Noh In-ji, played by Seo Hyun-jin.
Their initial cold and distant relationship gradually evolves as Jeong-won begins to connect with In-ji on a deeper level, exploring themes of love, loneliness, and emotional healing. Gong Yoo was drawn to the unique concept of the show, feeling an immediate connection with his character and the complexity of his emotional journey.
The director, Kim Kyu-tae, initially found the script perplexing but grew to appreciate its psychological depth. He wanted the series to focus on the emotional and relational mysteries of the characters rather than relying on external plot devices like murder.
The director noted that the fixed-term marriage concept serves as a way to explore authenticity amid falsehood, offering a fresh approach to the romance genre.
Seo Hyun-jin, who portrays Noh In-ji, found her character’s ambiguity intriguing. In-ji hides her true self behind a tough exterior, burdened by her past. Seo described her as a “hermit crab,” symbolizing the emotional weight she carries.
The show also includes explicit content, which the director explained is used thoughtfully to reflect the characters’ emotional complexities and the dynamics of their relationship.
The Trunk will premiere on Netflix on Friday, offering a psychological and emotional exploration of a unique and unconventional marriage.