Alright, let’s talk about The Trunk. Should I have spent my precious binge-watching hours on it, or would I have been better off rewatching Crash Landing on You for the tenth time?
If you love slow-burn psychological dramas with deep emotional layers, then yes—this one’s for you. But if you want fast romance and non-stop twists, you might want to look elsewhere. Let’s break it down.
First off, we’ve got Gong Yoo. I mean, do I even need to go on? This man could literally read a phone book for sixteen episodes and I’d still be there, popcorn in hand.
And then there’s Seo Hyun-jin, who delivers emotions like she has a PhD in Breaking My Heart. These two alone made me hit play.
But here’s the real deal—did this drama actually hook me, or did I find myself scrolling my phone, waiting for something to happen?
The Vibes: Moody, Mysterious, and … Mesmerizing?
If you’re all about atmosphere, The Trunk delivers. It’s dripping in moodiness. The cinematography is stunning. Every frame looks like it was handpicked to make me feel something.
The tension, the unsaid words, the lingering glances. Yeah, this show nails the aesthetics.
That said, if you’re looking for swoony, heart-fluttering moments where the leads accidentally brush hands and suddenly the world stops spinning … nope, not happening here.
That said, if you’re looking for swoony, heart-fluttering moments where the leads accidentally brush hands and suddenly the world stops spinning … nope, not happening here.
This drama is slow-burn in the thinking deeply about life kind of way.
The Plot: A Slow Unraveling (Like My Sanity)
One of the most fascinating aspects of The Trunk is its deep dive into the concept of contract marriages.
This isn’t just a dramatic plot device—it has historical and cultural roots in Korea. Arranged marriages are no longer common in modern Korea. However, the societal pressure to marry remains, especially for those approaching their late 30s and beyond.
This drama taps into that very real concern, weaving it into a compelling mystery that makes you question the nature of love, relationships, and duty.
So, the concept? Fascinating. There’s a company that arranges contract marriages. Yes, as in, “Can’t find a spouse? No problem, we’ve got one for you!”
Naturally, Gong Yoo’s character gets thrown into this mess.
What follows is a psychological drama filled with secrets, tension, and emotional damage.
But let’s be real—this is slow.
Like, “Is anything actually happening?” slow.
I had moments where I questioned my life choices, but at the same time, I couldn’t not keep watching.
If you love putting together a puzzle piece by piece, this one’s for you.
If you love putting together a puzzle piece by piece, this one’s for you. If you need fast-paced twists, you might get a little frustrated.
The Acting: Top-Tier In My Opinion
A key cultural nuance in The Trunk is the way emotions are expressed—or rather, not expressed. K-dramas often master the art of ‘han,’ a deep, lingering sense of sorrow or unresolved emotion.
You can see it in the way Gong Yoo’s character holds back his feelings, the way Seo Hyun-jin’s character internalizes her pain, and even in the smallest of gestures, like a hesitant glance or a sigh held a second too long.
It’s a masterclass in restraint and emotional buildup, something that makes K-dramas so distinct from their Western counterparts.
It’s a masterclass in restraint and emotional buildup, something that makes K-dramas so distinct from their Western counterparts.
Now, let’s talk about the acting because—wow.
Seo Hyun-jin? She’s the queen of nuance.
She doesn’t just act mysterious.
She is mysterious. And Gong Yoo? The man breathes and I’m captivated.
Their chemistry isn’t fireworks. It’s a slow-burning candle that could either light up the room or set it on fire.
Their scenes together? Tense. Unpredictable. You don’t know if they’re going to yell, confess their feelings, or just walk away.
It keeps you hooked. Not in a cheesy, rom-com way. More like a “Why am I emotionally invested in this?!” way.
If You Liked These, You Might Like The Trunk
Still not sure if this is your cup of tea? Let’s do a quick vibe check. If you enjoyed:
- Stranger (Forest of Secrets) for its slow-burning mystery and layered characters
- My Mister for its emotionally complex storytelling
- Flower of Evil for its psychological depth and tension
… then The Trunk might just be your next obsession.
So, Should You Watch It?
Another element that makes The Trunk uniquely Korean is its theme of fate. This idea is deeply rooted in Korean culture and folklore. The idea that some relationships are predestined, no matter how hard you try to avoid them, adds an extra layer of meaning to the story.
Whether you believe in fate or not, the drama plays with this theme in a way that makes you reflect on the unseen forces that shape our lives.
Here’s the thing—if you love dramas that require patience, deep thought, and layered storytelling, then absolutely, The Trunk is for you.
The mystery unfolds piece by piece and it’s a rewarding ride if you’re willing to wait for it.
But if you’re craving instant romance, dramatic love confessions, and a plot that moves, then maybe sit this one out.
This is more about unraveling people than uniting them. The journey is as important as the destination.
That said, even if you don’t end up loving the story, at least you’ll get hours of Gong Yoo screen time.
And honestly, that alone makes it worth it.
P.S. In Case You Missed These ...
