The Trunk – What if marriage wasn’t forever? What if it was simply a contract—a temporary arrangement tailored to your needs? Netflix’s upcoming series The Trunk dares to reimagine the institution of marriage, blending romance, mystery, and human drama into a compelling narrative. Based on the acclaimed novel by Kim Ryeo-ryeong, this gripping story explores the complexities of relationships in a modern world where tradition collides with practicality.
The Trunk Information
| Title | The Trunk |
|---|---|
| original title | 트렁크 |
| Genre | romance, mystery, drama |
| Date of release | November 29, 2024 |
| Director | Kim Gyu-tae |
| a screenwriter | Park Eun-young |
| Cast | Seo Hyunjin and Gong Yoo |
| original | Kim Ryeo-ryeong’s novel “Trunk” |
| Streaming | Netflix |
The Trunk Cast
Han Jeongwon l Gong Yoo
Music producer encroached on anxiety and loneliness due to pain in the past. He is the first person to meet his second wife, Inji, through fixed-term spouse service applied by his still-missing ex-wife, Seoyeon.
Gong Yoo
◾Real name : Gong Ji-cheo
◾Born on July 10, 1979
◾From Busan city, South Korea
◾184cm｜74kg｜A Type
◾Debuted on Television series “School 4” (2001)
◾”Coffee Prince” (2007)”Train to Busan” (2016)”Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” (2016–2017)”Squid Game” (2021)
◾https://www.instagram.com/gongyoo_official/
Noh Inji l Seo Hyun-jin
An employee of NM, a company that matches fixed-term marriages. After four marriages, he meets Jung Won as the spouse of his fifth marriage.
Seo Hyun-jin
◾Born on February 27, 1985
◾From Seoul city, South Korea
◾167cm, 235mm, B type
◾Debuted on Vocalist of the girl group M.I.L.K (2001)
◾”Another Miss Oh” (2016)”Dr. Romantic” (2016–2017)”The Beauty Inside” (2018)”Why Her” (2022)
◾https://instagram.com/cider.saida
The Trunk Plot
The upcoming Netflix series “The Trunk” is a mystery melodrama based on the acclaimed novel by Kim Ryeo-ryeong. It explores the concept of contract marriages and the intricate emotions that arise when love and relationships are treated as transactions. The story centers around Noh In-ji, an employee at NM (New Marriage), a secret subsidiary of a renowned matchmaking company. NM specializes in offering temporary marriages, allowing clients to hire spouses for specific periods to maintain appearances or test the waters of matrimony.
In-ji’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Han Jeong-won, a music producer who becomes entangled in one of NM’s unusual contracts. While both characters grapple with their own emotional scars, the mysterious appearance of a trunk floating in a lake sets off a chain of events that reveals hidden truths about NM’s operations and its clients. As secrets unravel, In-ji and Jeong-won are forced to confront their pasts and redefine their views on love, trust, and human connection.
With its gripping narrative and emotional depth, “The Trunk” promises a compelling blend of romance, mystery, and introspection. Starring Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo, the series delves into the complexity of modern relationships and the societal pressures surrounding marriage. Premiering November 29, 2024, on Netflix, it’s a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking dramas that challenge conventional norms.
The Trunk An original novel
Kim Ryeo-ryeong’s novel “The Trunk” delves into the essence of marriage and love, questioning societal norms and personal desires. The story unfolds in a world where marriage is reimagined as a business arrangement, providing an intriguing critique of traditional relationships. The protagonist, Noh In-ji, works for the secret subsidiary of a matchmaking company, NM (New Marriage), which offers a unique service: contract-based marriages. These “trial marriages” allow clients to hire temporary spouses for a set period to meet societal expectations or explore the idea of marriage without commitment.
In-ji, experienced in separating business from emotions, finds herself at a crossroads during her fifth contract assignment. When a client, Eom Tae-seong, develops an unhealthy obsession with her, she is pulled into a dangerous spiral of stalking and unexpected conflicts. As she navigates these challenges, In-ji confronts deeper questions about the authenticity of relationships and the emotional emptiness behind transactional bonds. The mysterious presence of a trunk adds a layer of suspense, unraveling hidden truths about the characters’ lives.
Through its bold critique of marriage as a societal construct, “The Trunk” sheds light on human connections and challenges readers to rethink love in the modern world. With unexpected twists and a thought-provoking narrative, it offers a fresh perspective on relationships, perfect for anyone questioning the boundaries of tradition and freedom.
Kim Ryeo-ryeong
Kim Ryeo-ryeong is a renowned South Korean novelist, celebrated for her profound exploration of human relationships and societal issues. Born in 1971 in Seoul, she graduated from the Seoul Institute of the Arts with a degree in Creative Writing. Kim’s literary journey began in 2007 with her debut novel, “Wandeuk”, which garnered the Changbi Prize for Young Adult Fiction. This work was later adapted into the successful film “Punch” in 2011.
Following this, she authored “Elegant Lies” in 2009, a novel that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and teenage struggles. This book was also adapted into the film “Thread of Lies” in 2014.
In 2015, Kim published “The Trunk”, a novel that critically examines the institution of marriage through the lens of contractual relationships. This work is set to be adapted into a Netflix series, further showcasing her storytelling prowess.
Throughout her career, Kim Ryeo-ryeong has received multiple accolades, including the Ma Hae-song Literary Award and the Munhak Dongne Children’s Literature Prize, highlighting her significant contributions to contemporary Korean literature.
a video work by Kim Ryeo-ryeong
Punch (2011)
Original Title: 완득이 (Wandeuk)
Genre: Drama, Coming-of-age
Release Year: 2011
Wandeuk, a rebellious high school student, lives in a small, dilapidated apartment with his disabled father and eccentric uncle. He struggles academically and socially, often clashing with his outspoken homeroom teacher, Dong-ju, who enjoys meddling in his life. Despite their friction, Dong-ju pushes Wandeuk to realize his potential and take responsibility for his future. The story takes an emotional turn when Wandeuk learns that his estranged mother, a migrant worker from the Philippines, wants to reconnect with him. Through this journey, Wandeuk discovers the strength of family bonds and overcomes personal insecurities, transforming into a more compassionate and driven young man.
Thread of Lies (2014)
Original Title: 우아한 거짓말 (Elegant Lies)
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Release Year: 2014
The story begins with the sudden suicide of 14-year-old Cheon Ji, leaving her mother, Hyun-sook, and older sister, Man Ji, grappling with grief and confusion. As they try to make sense of her death, they uncover hidden truths about Cheon Ji’s life at school, including the bullying and exclusion she faced. Through interactions with her classmates and friends, they piece together the reasons behind her tragic decision. The narrative sheds light on the emotional scars inflicted by seemingly minor actions and the societal pressures that teenagers face. By the end, the family learns to cope with their loss, while the story offers a poignant message about empathy and the unseen struggles of others.
Exploring Modern Korean Society’s Low Marriage and Birth Rates through “Contract Marriage” in The Trunk
Modern Korean society is grappling with a significant demographic challenge: declining marriage rates and an alarming drop in birth rates. These trends are deeply intertwined with shifting societal values, economic pressures, and the younger generation’s growing reluctance to conform to traditional expectations. Against this backdrop, Kim Ryeo-ryeong’s The Trunk offers a fascinating lens to explore these issues, particularly through its concept of “contract marriage.” By reimagining marriage as a transactional arrangement, the novel raises compelling questions about love, relationships, and the evolving role of marriage in a rapidly changing world.
1. The Rise of Individualism and the Decline of Marriage
Korean society has seen a remarkable rise in individualism, with many young people prioritizing personal happiness, career aspirations, and financial stability over marriage and parenthood. The economic burden associated with traditional marriage, such as the cost of weddings, housing, and child-rearing, has further contributed to the decline. The Trunk reflects this societal shift by presenting marriage not as a romantic ideal but as a practical contract, devoid of emotional obligations. This stark reimagining challenges the notion of marriage as a lifelong commitment, offering instead a temporary, customizable alternative.
2. Economic Pressures and the Appeal of Contractual Arrangements
The financial strain of marriage is one of the key reasons for Korea’s declining birth and marriage rates. The novel’s “contract marriage” system mirrors the pragmatic approach many young people take toward relationships today. By offering a way to experience marriage without the long-term financial and emotional commitments, The Trunk resonates with those who view traditional marriage as an outdated institution. This concept also highlights the transactional nature of many modern relationships, where societal expectations often outweigh genuine emotional connections.
3. Questioning the Societal Norms of Marriage
In Korea, marriage has traditionally been seen as a social obligation rather than a personal choice. Despite growing acceptance of alternative lifestyles, unmarried individuals often face stigma and questions about their life choices. The Trunk directly critiques this societal pressure by presenting a world where marriage is no longer about love or duty but about convenience and appearances. Through its “contract marriage” system, the novel underscores the superficiality of societal norms while prompting readers to rethink the purpose of marriage in their own lives.
4. The Emotional Toll of Transactional Relationships
While the idea of contract marriage might seem liberating, The Trunk does not shy away from exploring its emotional consequences. The characters grapple with feelings of emptiness, longing, and the desire for authentic connections. This mirrors the struggles of many modern individuals who find themselves torn between societal expectations and their personal need for meaningful relationships. The novel raises the question: Can a relationship based solely on practicality ever fulfill the human need for intimacy and belonging?
5. Redefining Love and Commitment in the 21st Century
Ultimately, The Trunk challenges readers to reconsider the definition of love and commitment in an era where traditional institutions are increasingly questioned. It invites a conversation about what it means to connect with others and how societal constructs like marriage can evolve to meet the needs of a changing world. By placing contract marriage at the center of its narrative, the novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of how love, relationships, and societal expectations intersect in modern life.
Conclusion
Kim Ryeo-ryeong’s The Trunk serves as both a mirror and a critique of contemporary Korean society. By juxtaposing the concept of contract marriage with the challenges of declining marriage and birth rates, it invites readers to examine the evolving role of relationships in their own lives. As Korea—and the world—grapples with shifting societal norms, The Trunk reminds us of the importance of balancing practicality with the emotional depth that defines truly meaningful connections.
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