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The upcoming Netflix series, The Trunk, directed by Kim Kyu-tae and starring Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo, promises a unique blend of romance and mystery. In a recent interview with the South Korean media outlet Newsen, director Kim Kyu-tae offered a glimpse into his creative process for Netflix’s anticipated series The Trunk.
He shared insights on The Trunk, highlighting its unique script and his excitement to work with Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo. He describes his approach to balancing romance and mystery, creating a "bold yet restrained" style. Kim also emphasized the role of detailed settings, music, and editing to deepen the show's atmosphere and keep audiences engaged.
The Trunk will premiere on November 29, 2024, exclusively on Netflix.
Director Kim Kyu-tae discusses the unique storytelling and visuals behind Netflix’s The Trunk, starring Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo
Kim Kyu-tae shared that his interest in the project grew from the script’s unique narrative approach. He noted that the script brought a refreshing change from traditional drama storytelling. For him, the narrative style was not only distinctive but also offered opportunities to expand on its romance and mystery elements.
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Kim shared that he had frequent discussions with his team to establish "a bold and restrained tone." His goal was to create a layered, atmospheric drama that would stand out for its imagery and storytelling.
Kim expressed excitement about working with Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo. He also highlighted how they would bring life to characters navigating complex emotions within a "contract marriage."
“When I first read the script, it was refreshingly different from the traditional writing method of dramas. Moreover, I was curious and excited about working with Seo Hyun Jin and Gong Yoo."
He added:
"The storytelling and direction were adapted in a completely different tone from the original, with the romance and mystery being expanded and intensified."
The two main themes, romance and mystery, drive the story. Kim emphasized his goal to draw viewers into a psychological experience, using suspense and emotional tension to keep them questioning and engaged. He credited screenwriter Park Eun-young’s meticulous work in structuring the plot, noting how she heightened dramatic tension with a unique style.
Kim also described the importance of visual details in The Trunk. Key spaces and objects, like the garden house, chandelier, and trunk, were designed to build the show's atmosphere. The art director's bold choices in these elements created an immersive setting where each object contributes to the unfolding mystery. Kim explained that the trunk itself plays a pivotal role, visually capturing the essence of the story.
“The most important spaces—the garden house, the chandelier, and the trunk—were designed with bold tones by the art director. The visual image of 'The Trunk' was so powerful that the set itself could be said to carry the show,” he noted.
The director also underscored the impact of sound, music, and editing in enhancing the series' mysterious tone. He shared that the music aimed to evoke a feeling that was eerie, sensual, and unconventional. The sound design incorporated subtle white noise to deepen viewers' senses and immersion.
Editing was approached with precision, balancing between the mystery and romance in a way that enhanced timing and pacing. Kim explained that this blend of direction, music, and visual design has set the stage for an emotionally engaging and suspenseful drama.
The Trunk explores love and secrets through Noh In-ji and Jung-won’s unconventional marriage
Netflix provided a brief synopsis of the storyline announcing the drama:
"Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo’s involvement in a secret marriage service is uncovered when a trunk washes up on shore"
Adapted from a novel by Kim Ryeo-ryeong, The Trunk follows Noh In-ji (Seo Hyun-jin). She works for NM (New Marriage), an agency offering one-year marriage contracts. Although she lives with a different "husband" each year, In-ji still feels lonely. After her fourth contract ends, she meets Jung-won (Gong Yoo), her fifth husband.
Jung-won is a music producer haunted by his past. He struggles with anxiety and can’t let go of his ex-wife, Seo-yeon, who first registered him with NM. Slowly, he starts adjusting to life with In-ji. But secrets about NM emerge when a trunk is recovered from a lakeside. This discovery pulls them into a series of stunning revelations.
Kim Kyu-tae, known for directing hits like Our Blues and It’s Okay, That’s Love, collaborates with Netflix for the first time. It also brings together a stellar team, including screenwriter Park Eun-young, who crafted the drama Hwarang.
The Trunk, as said by the director, with its intricate story and innovative production, promises to deliver a memorable experience. It brings together a well-crafted mystery with an emotionally charged romance. The series has already generated high expectations among audiences eagerly awaiting its release on Netflix.
