[Interview] Director Kim Gyutae's Interpretation of 'Trunk'... "Embedding the Value of Love in a Contract Marriage"

Netflix's 'Trunk' Directed by Uble and Geusase Directors
"Intended Emotional Imbalance... Challenged Out of Curiosity"

Director Kim Gyu-tae. Provided by Netflix

Director Kim Kyu-tae, who has directed several dramas that many viewers consider masterpieces such as 'The World They Live In' (2005), 'That Winter, The Wind Blows' (2013), 'It's Okay, That's Love' (2014), 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo' (2016), 'Live' (2018), and 'Our Blues' (2022), has taken on a new challenge by partnering with the online video streaming service (OTT) Netflix to direct the melodrama series 'Trunk' following changes in the market after the pandemic.

Various reactions have followed the recent release of 'Trunk.' Responses are divided between finding the unique atmosphere of the mystery melodrama unfamiliar and appreciating its freshness. Meeting at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Director Kim said, “I pondered deeply to capture the unique atmosphere.” He added, “There is a subtle emotional imbalance, opposing emotions clashing. I wanted to express a contradictory, unbalanced emotion that is somewhat uncomfortable and unfamiliar, felt within a dark and heavy atmosphere. It’s unpleasant but strangely attractive.”

Director Kim, who is closely monitoring online reactions, described the drama as “somewhat uncomfortable but strangely addictive.” He continued, “When I first received the directing offer and read the script, I couldn’t fully understand the psychology of the characters. Their forms were visible, but grasping their essence was difficult. It naturally felt like a curtain being drawn back, evoking curiosity and the power to look inside.”

He said, “As a director, I always want to work on new projects in different ways,” but admitted, “It wasn’t an easy task.” He noted, “Synergy through collaboration is essential, and with ‘Trunk,’ the chemistry among the actors and production team was excellent.”

'Trunk' still. Provided by Netflix

Divisive Opinions but... “Impressive Response from France”

'Trunk' tells the story of a man and a woman bound by a one-year contractual marriage who quietly comfort each other and ultimately find salvation. Regarding the theme of contractual marriage, Director Kim said, “I wanted to speak about universal values through the way people treat each other.” He added, “I hope people recognize the value of love and how people can change one another.”

The series is available on Netflix, reaching viewers worldwide. As this is Director Kim’s first work with a global OTT platform, he said, “It was interesting to see immediate overseas reactions.” He shared, “The responses from French viewers were fascinating. It felt like they watched the work without prejudice. I liked that they found the tone and manner of the work impressive. Especially, I’m grateful for the many compliments on the lead actors’ performances.”

Ultimately, he wants to pose questions about loneliness through 'Trunk.' Director Kim said, “Most of the characters are abnormal and unhealthy. They are lonely and pitiful. Humans form relationships to heal and overcome loneliness, but perhaps distorted relationships also exist. To accept loneliness healthily, one must have high self-esteem and self-love. If one tries to overcome it in the wrong way, they may become self-destructive.” He also noted, “The points where viewers find enjoyment will vary depending on their perspective and psychology.”

Director Kim worked with actors Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun-jin for the first time on 'Trunk.' He was attracted by the fact that both actors viewed the project positively when deciding to direct. He said, “Both actors have the ability to make their counterparts shine. Gong Yoo showed a precise, sharp side. He is a natural actor who convinces viewers with his innate sensibility. Seo Hyun-jin is intuitive. On set, I praised her saying, ‘It feels like you’re going to the Cannes Film Festival.’”

Director Kim Gyu-tae. Provided by Netflix

Unforgettable 'Our Blues'

Actors Cha Seung-won and Lee Jung-eun, who worked with Director Kim on the highly popular tvN drama 'Our Blues' aired two years ago, made special appearances in 'Trunk.' Director Kim said, “I happened to call Cha Seung-won during a company dinner, and he said, ‘Why am I not in it? Can’t I appear in something?’ I was grateful for that. Since casting was already complete, I hesitated but cautiously suggested a small role that a minor actor could play, and he gladly accepted. I thought he would refuse, and although it was just one scene and a bit regrettable, he came and did well. Because we had a good experience during the drama, I wanted to share memories even if it meant borrowing the shoot.”

When asked which work he would like to expand into an extended version using intellectual property (IP) for OTT content or theatrical films from his filmography, he chose 'Our Blues.' Director Kim said, “Writer Noh Hee-kyung structured the work in an omnibus format, and I wanted to make each episode into a standalone film. I expect it to become the most popular work that delivers both fun and emotion simultaneously.”