Gong Yoo Reacts To People Saying “The Trunk” Is About Prostitution + Addresses The Mixed Reactions To The Series
Gong Yoo has addressed the mixed opinions his recent drama “The Trunk” has received and how he feels about it being linked to prostitution!
On December 5, an interview was held with Gong Yoo, star of the Netflix series “The Trunk.” The drama is a mysterious melodrama centered around a suspicious trunk found floating on a lakeside and the peculiar contractual marriage of Jung Won (Gong Yoo) and In Ji (Seo Hyun Jin). The series intricately explores the emotions and relationships tied to “fixed-term marriages.”
In the plot, In Ji works for a company offering fixed-term marriage services, where clients pay for specific arrangements. In Jung Won’s case, his ex-wife Seo Yeon (Jeong Yoon Ha) secretly arranges the service for him. While the drama includes bed scenes involving Jung Won and In Ji, as well as Seo Yeon and Ji Oh (Jo Yi Gun), some have accused the show of glamorizing prostitution due to its thematic elements.
When asked about this criticism, Gong Yoo responded sharply: “I dislike even uttering the word ‘prostitution.’ It’s shocking that such a controversy exists.” He acknowledged that the drama could evoke polarized reactions but believed the negative views are from a minority. “The series was simultaneously released in around 190 countries, generating diverse opinions. Even among domestic media, perspectives vary. There are many who appreciate the work for its intended narrative. The fact that not everyone sees it negatively is important. Rather than dismissing criticism, I consider it one of many viewpoints,” Gong Yoo explained.
Related: Seo Hyun Jin Addresses The Divided Opinions “The Trunk” Received
Gong Yoo acknowledged the darker aspects of “The Trunk” while emphasizing that the drama conveys an underlying message: “Love can fundamentally change a person.” He drew a connection between himself and Jung Won, the character he portrays, citing empathy for the character’s depths and struggles. Gong Yoo explained that just as Jung Won remarks, “Start by considering subtraction,” he too tends to anticipate the worst scenarios rather than being optimistic.
Reflecting on the portrayal of love in media, Gong Yoo remarked: “I believe most depictions of love in dramas are fantasies—positive, bright, and fairy-tale-like, offering satisfaction and happiness. If that’s the usual role of dramas and films, I wanted to explore the opposite spectrum. ‘The Trunk’ presents a fresh perspective on love. I felt it was a story worth telling.”
Related: Netflix’s “The Trunk” Ending Explained- Did Jeong-Won and In-Ji get back together?
Regarding the contrasting tones of the bed scenes—Jung Won and In Ji’s more conservative approach versus Seo Yeon and Ji Oh’s more intense portrayal—he commented: “The characters of In Ji and Seo Yeon are fundamentally different. Seo Yeon’s scene effectively conveyed her madness. On the other hand, Jung Won and In Ji’s scene had to be grounded in emotional connection. I thought it was appropriate. Maybe I should have revealed a bit more,” lightening the tone.
Source: (A)
