Gong Yoo & Seo Hyun-jin about “The Trunk” Prostitution Romanticization Controversy: “Shocked” vs “No Discomfort “
“The Trunk” is a mystery-drama centered around a suspicious trunk found floating on a lake, unraveling the secrets and emotional waves surrounding it. A key plot device is NM, a company offering temporary marriage services, which includes optional sexual relations as part of the contract. This led many viewers to respond with sharp criticism, asking, “If this isn’t prostitution, what is?”
While contract marriage has been a recurring theme in many dramas, “The Trunk” stands out for including explicit references to sexual relationships and direct dialogue like “I want to sleep with you.”
This sparked widespread backlash from viewers. Furthermore, characters other than the protagonists Han Jeong-won (played by Gong Yoo) and No In-ji (played by Seo Hyun-jin) also engage in similar contractual arrangements, coupled with explicit scenes. Some even raised concerns about discriminatory depictions of nudity.
Despite the controversy, “The Trunk” is based on a well-known novel with the same themes. The actors had access to the script before deciding to join the production. Rather than acknowledging potential issues, they defended the setup, claiming it did not evoke discomfort.
In a previous interview, Gong Yoo expressed his surprise at the criticism, saying, “I personally dislike formalities, but seeing the term related to prostitution in headlines shocked me. It was unsettling that things escalated to this point. While I expected polarized opinions, I view it as one perspective among many. With simultaneous release in 190 countries, diverse views were anticipated. Within Korea alone, opinions are divided. While the negative perspectives are valid, they don’t represent everyone. If everyone had perceived it negatively, that would indeed be a problem. But many see it differently, and I interpret this as a variety of perspectives.”
In addition, Seo Hyun-jin shared a similar sentiment. Rather than focusing on the controversial aspects of her character’s job, she emphasized her connection with the character’s personality.
“I chose this script because I was drawn to the character of In-ji. Her profession didn’t give me much discomfort because her situation is so far from ordinary. To maintain her home while waiting five years, her profession seemed necessary in this parallel-like reality. It wasn’t about romanticizing her job but portraying her unique circumstances”, she said.
The actress also further explained her interpretation of her character’s duality, stating, “We all have a social face and a private self. In-ji’s job represents her public identity, while closing the door to home symbolizes her private world. These contrasts helped shape my approach to the role. Preparing for this interview also clarified my thoughts. The drama sparked continuous reflection, making it an engaging and rewarding project.”
Despite the discomfort the series has elicited among some viewers, the lead actors appear unbothered, interpreting the work through a lens detached from the controversies. This disconnection may shed light on the lukewarm reception and polarizing views surrounding “The Trunk”, which seems to be quietly losing momentum amidst the uproar.
Source: Nate
