On December 5, MyDaily met Gong Yoo at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul to discuss Netflix’s series “The Trunk” and various topics.
“The Trunk” depicts two people under one-year marriage contract and a mysterious trunk.
Regarding his character Jeong-won and the relationship with In-ji (played by Seo Hyun-jin), Gong Yoo explained, “Sometimes, you meet someone and think ‘This person might be my match’, and that connection can develop into love or a deep friendship. Jeong-won must have felt that way about In-ji. There’s a key scene showing when their bond first begins, and I think it’s crucial. Despite dealing with his own struggles, Jeong-won must have thought ‘This person is just as pitiful as I am’, and they became each other’s only solace. That sense of connection and complex emotions likely drew them together.”
The show’s use of contractual marriage as a central theme sparked controversy, with some linking it to issues like prostitution. On this, Gong Yoo firmly stated, “I don’t even want to use such terminology. From my perspective, it was shocking to see this controversy arise. While I anticipated differing opinions, I think the negative perspective is only a fraction of the whole. When the series launched in over 190 countries simultaneously, various reactions poured in. Even within domestic media, opinions are divided. Many people engage with the intended themes of the work from diverse viewpoints. If everyone interpreted it negatively, that would be a problem, but that’s not the case. I don’t ignore the negative perspective but consider it as one of many interpretations.”
He continued, “After completing this project, I reflected on love and relationships. I revisited my past and pondered what to do moving forward. Love has no single correct answer; it takes many forms. ‘The Trunk’ doesn’t claim ‘This is what love looks like’, but instead asks, ‘What kind of love do you believe in?’ If viewers resonate with my feelings, I consider that a success.”
On a personal note, Gong Yoo said, “I don’t think marriage is a given. I’m in my mid-40s, but I don’t see a definitive answer. It’s a personal choice for everyone.” Regarding parenthood, he shared, “It’s the same. In my early 20s and 30s, I wanted to have a child quickly. I had this vague fantasy about being a young father with a child close in age to me. But things didn’t work out. I failed thoroughly. (Laugh) Like marriage, having children is a choice. On a deeper level, I often question what kind of world I could show my child. That uncertainty makes it harder.”
He added, “Children don’t have a choice—they’re born from the will of two people who love each other. But the world they’re born into might not be as beautiful as expected. I may be overthinking, but I spend a lot of time wrestling with such thoughts. It’s not an easy decision because of those concerns.”
Source: Daum
