By Woo Jae-yeon
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- As medical advances extend lifespans, the traditional marriage model faces growing scrutiny: Can a single partnership truly endure for over half a century?
At a press event Tuesday, director Kim Kyu-tae of Netflix's Korean original series "The Trunk" said working on the series prompted him to reconsider the social system long taken for granted. In the process, he found himself reflecting on other stereotypes he had held for others.
"While filming the series, I've grown more mature in how I view others, moving away from judging them based on my own fixed standards and preconceptions," Kim said.
"This applies to the institution of marriage and its values. As times change, the system itself may evolve, while the fundamental value of love will remain the same."
A press event for Netflix's upcoming Korean original series "The Trunk" takes place in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2024. (Yonhap)
Based on the novel of the same name by Kim Ryeo-ryeong, the eight-part mystery melodrama revolves around a secret marriage service company, called New Marriage (NM), and its clients -- Han Jung-won (Gong Yoo) and Noh In-ji (Seo Hyun-jin).
Jung-won, haunted by anxiety and loneliness stemming from past traumatic experiences, reluctantly agrees to a contract marriage proposed by his former wife in an attempt to mend their strained relationship. On the other hand, In-ji, employed by the contract marriage company, seeks to overcome the pain of her own failed marriage, which left her with a deep aversion to the institution of marriage.
Actor Gong Yoo poses for photos during a press event for "The Trunk" in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2024. (Yonhap)
Gong Yoo, who previously collaborated with Netflix on "The Silent Sea" and "Squid Game," said the original novel's "unique" storytelling about love and relationship drew him to the project.
"I like that the story can feel different depending on each viewer's own perspective," he said during the event. Another major appeal for him was "the chance to meet Oh Hae-young in person," referencing his co-star Seo, who played the titular character in the hit 2016 popular drama "Another Miss Oh."
"The first emotion I felt toward Jung-won when reading the synopsis was pity. That was the starting point that eventually brought me here," he added, describing his character as someone "living isolated in his own castle." The most poignant aspect, he said, is that Jung-won doesn't even realize his is isolated.
Eventually he is drawn to In-ji as "those who have a sense of lack and wounds are destined to recognize others who are like them," the actor said.
The actress said it took her some time to fully grasp the complex layer of emotions in the drama, which, she noted, was what drew her to the role the most.
"I like that it leaves plenty of room for interpretation," she said. "In-ji is like a hermit crab, hiding her soft body inside a hard shell."
"The Trunk" is set for release on the streaming service Friday.
Actress Seo Hyun-jin poses for photos during a press event for "The Trunk" in Seoul on Nov. 26, 2024. (Yonhap)
[email protected]
(END)
