Netflix will release The Trunk, an intriguing new K-drama that dives into themes of love, mystery, and the dark side of human connection. The series, directed by Kim Kyoo-tae, is based on a novel by acclaimed author Kim Ryeo-ryeong, whose previous works include Punch and Thread of Lies. Known for his sensitive and detailed directing style, Kim Kyoo-tae has crafted a story that promises to be both thought-provoking and deeply immersive.
Synopsis: Uncovering a Secret Marriage Service
In The Trunk, viewers follow the lives of In-ji, played by Seo Hyun-jin, and Jeong-won, portrayed by Gong Yoo. In-ji works for NM, a company that matches couples for short-term marriages. On the surface, NM seems to be a unique matchmaking service, but a series of unsettling events reveals the secrets behind its operations. The story begins when someone finds a trunk washed up on the shore of a lake. Its discovery exposes a clandestine marriage service that has been quietly shaping the lives of its participants.
NM has matched the couple at the center of this story, In-ji, and Jeong-won, and they have only a year left on their contract. In-ji, known for her quiet determination, is a strong character who navigates the complexities of her job while hiding her own past. Jeong-won, on the other hand, is a music producer haunted by anxiety and loneliness. As they spend more time together, they begin to adapt to each other’s quirks, habits, and emotional scars.
Their fragile understanding is disrupted by the mysterious trunk, which brings to light painful truths and hidden emotions. This revelation sets off a chain of events that forces both characters to confront their own secrets and the realities of the lives they’ve been living.
The Cast
Seo Hyun-jin, known for her roles in Another Miss Oh and Beauty Inside, plays In-ji with depth and sensitivity. Her character is complex, grounded, and constantly wrestling with the internal conflicts that her job brings. Seo portrays In-ji, adding nuance by showing how she’s both committed to her work and deeply affected by the secrets it reveals.
Gong Yoo, a beloved actor recognized for Coffee Prince, Train to Busan, and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, plays Jeong-won, a man scarred by past relationships and searching for comfort in his work. His portrayal brings a layer of realism to Jeong-won’s character, capturing the emotional struggles of a man dealing with anxiety and the weight of his past.
Creative Team
Kim Kyoo-tae directs the series, bringing his experience from Our Blues and It’s Okay, That’s Love. He captures the subtleties of human emotion, revealing delicate layers in each scene through his directing style. In The Trunk, he is expected to balance tension and tenderness, creating a viewing experience that feels both real and suspenseful.
The screenplay is crafted by Park Eun-yeong-I, writer of Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, who brings a fresh perspective to the storyline. Her writing explores the emotional complexities of relationships and dives into the themes of loneliness, companionship, and the need for human connection. Together, Kim Kyoo-tae and Park Eun-yeong-I create a world where each scene builds anticipation and every character is multidimensional.
Also Read: Family Matters K-Drama Viewer Guide: Where to Watch, Themes, and Ending Breakdown
Behind the Story: Adapted from a Best-Selling Novel
The Trunk is adapted from a novel by Kim Ryeo-ryeong, an established name in Korean literature. Known for creating stories that explore hidden emotions and difficult realities, Kim’s works are often raw, poignant, and relatable. Her novels frequently center around characters dealing with internal struggles and social complexities, making her an ideal fit for a series that dives into hidden secrets within personal relationships.
Now that all 8 episodes have aired, it’s clear The Trunk wasn’t just about mystery — it was about healing, grief, and the stories we carry inside us. Here’s everything you need to know post-finale: from themes and reviews to whether it’s still worth watching in 2025.
What Viewers Are Saying
“This is the only K-drama I’ve watched without skipping a second.”
“It’s not the trunk, but the house that stole my heart.”
“It’s one of the most healing K-dramas I’ve seen.”
“Bittersweet, elegant, painfully real.”
What to Expect
The Trunk is more than a traditional romance. It is a drama with layers of mystery and emotion. The show explores love as a contract and the emotional toll it takes when complicated by hidden truths and expectations. This storyline will likely resonate with viewers who enjoy complex narratives, offering more than romance, blending suspense, emotional depth, and sentimentality.
The series also raises questions about human relationships and why people seek companionship, even through unconventional or emotionally complicated arrangements. In-ji and Jeong-won’s story isn’t about perfect love, but about learning to coexist while confronting their own hidden emotional truths.
You’ll Love This If You Like:
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Quiet romance with dark mystery (My Mister, Lost, Something in the Rain)
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Short, meaningful series with emotional depth
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Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun-jin’s grounded, layered acting
Is The Trunk Worth Watching in 2025?
Yes, especially for fans of slow-burn mysteries and character-driven dramas. The series maintains a quiet tension throughout its eight episodes, offering emotionally rich performances and layered storytelling. It’s not for everyone—those expecting fast-paced twists may feel underwhelmed—but for viewers looking for something introspective and elegant, it’s a gem.
If you’ve been craving a K-drama that doesn’t rely on tropes or fan service, The Trunk delivers something deeper. It won’t please everyone, but if you stick with it, it may just unravel something inside you, too.
The final episodes turn quiet grief into something tender and strangely comforting. Rather than explosive reveals, The Trunk opts for reflection and emotional payoff. Whether you find that satisfying or not might depend on your own emotional baggage, and that’s exactly what the series plays on.
Catch The Trunk on Netflix was released on November 29, 2024. The Trunk is streaming exclusively on Netflix. All 8 episodes are available with subtitles in multiple languages. Binge Tip: Watch episodes 1–3 in one sitting. That’s when the emotional core begins to bloom.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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