It’s a struggle watch.
At least it was for me. The Korean drama The Trunk was hard to get into at first. Even though one of my favorite actors, Gong Yoo, plays the main role.
The slow pace and uncertainty about the story left me feeling lost. Then suddenly it clicked. And so I began binge watching.
Side note: What is it with Netflix releasing these desperately down-vibe K-dramas during the holidays? I’m looking at you too Squid Game 1 and 2. 👀
Complex, spicy, trauma-filled
Oh, you came here to see Gong Yoo sweetly romancing somebody? HA! Netflix listed this show as a romantic TV drama. That’s a lie.
This is definitely not your typical K-drama romance with deer in the headlight kisses, back hugs and shy hand holding. It feels aimed at a western audience like many newer dramas on Netflix, not long-time K-drama fans.
By episode 2 you get a spicy sex scene. Sweet and innocent it ain’t. There’s a murder mystery and stalking. This feels more like a K-movie. Even the cinematography and ethereal music give it that vibe.
It’s beautifully shot. A person who loves the technique of movies will appreciate the angles captured and small details in scenes that express more than the dialogue.
Main character vibes?
Han Jeong-won, an undateable mess. Addicted to prescription and synthetic drugs, he’s an insomniac who has a father on life support and mommy issues. He also has an ex-wife who is an evil narcissist. Oh, and he still loves her. Or maybe it’s just another addiction.
He enters into a contract marriage with Noh In Ji set-up by his newly remarried ex-wife. Whew, this is peak level TOXIC because who does this?! His Stepford-style wife arrives from a secret company with only her trunk.
The characters
We meet so many oddballs throughout the story. Their stories are meaningful but maybe a little too conveniently intertwined.
The contrast and parallels between the exes and their coworkers who are married is a nice touch. You do grow to like, or at least appreciate, both Han Jeong-won and Noh In Ji as the story progresses. They are tough, yet fragile. You root for them each to start thriving instead of merely existing in the world.
The plot
Not gonna lie, I got lost several times and had to rewind. I had trouble keeping up with which time period we were in. Flashbacks were used not just at the start of episodes but sometimes in other spots. It’s a slow build like peeling away layers of an onion. There are so many side stories that it’s disorienting at times.
Typical K-drama tropes
The show includes typical drama elements like a catfight, incompetent cops and a clueless newbie investigator. Our male lead is the son of a wealthy hospital owner. Not a chaebol but still wealthy. There’s also the standard parental abuse.
Oh did I mention there’s a couple of underlying mysteries to solve? Yep, leave it to Korea to make a show that doesn’t fit nicely in a box. Mystery, thriller, romance—it just isn’t easy to describe.
The ending
Thankfully the show is only 10 episodes instead of the typical 16. It’s not a world you really want to dwell in. Passing through briefly is better.
A lot of people in my drama groups disliked the ending. It was probably one of the most Asian drama aspects of the show. I was good with it. A Hollywood ending would have felt out of place.
Both main characters needed to get to know what they really wanted for themselves. They needed therapy and healing before jumping into a romantic relationship or marriage. I left confident that they will get their happily ever after. We didn’t need to see it onscreen.
Pinkpodster Ponders 