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This review may contain spoilers
Old School Cool with a Few Bumps in the Road
The Good: Finally, Grown-Ups!
Honestly, it feels like forever since we've had K-dramas featuring actors who can actually, you know, act! For a while there, it was all perfectly sculpted noses and pretty faces, but not much in the way of actual talent or personality. (I could name names, but my therapist says I should work on my anger issues.) "Trunk" was a breath of fresh air, a shining example of "old is gold." The seasoned actors here brought such maturity and screen presence, it was like a masterclass.
The whole vibe of this drama was just chef's kiss. The color tones, the mood, the melancholic sounds and sights, the camera angles, and the OST — all perfectly executed. Even though it was marketed as a mystery, it never gave off that creepy, eerie feeling. The director clearly has an eye for design, going for that edgy mid-century style in Han Jeong-won's houses and the entire production set. And don't even get me started on the cars – they practically screamed "wealthy ML," and they were on point.
The Bad: Where'd the Episodes Go?
K-dramas are known for being quick and easy binges, but I honestly think "Trunk" could've used a few more episodes, say 10 or even 12. The story had so much potential to be developed and expanded. But then again, if you look at Gong Yoo's drama history, he does seem to pick projects with shorter episode counts. And like practically everyone else, I wasn't thrilled with the ending. But let's be real, with only 8 episodes, what were we even expecting?
One thing that felt a bit underdeveloped was the ML's career as a producer. Unless you were paying super close attention, you might have missed what he actually does. Him just showing up at the studio and lounging on the sofa while his assistants do all the work didn't really sell his "boss" status. His actual "boss," O Hyeon-cheol, seemed to represent him more on the career front. I would've loved to see at least a scene or two where he was actually immersed in his production role.
The Ugly: Mystery? What Mystery?
Okay, full disclosure: I'm not usually a fan of the mystery genre. So the fact that I actually enjoyed this drama means one thing: there was no real mystery. The whole time, you feel like the director is building up to some big, twisted reveal, but then... crickets. If you're a hardcore mystery fan who loves shocking twists, turns, and maybe a dash of psychotic elements, you'll probably snooze through this one.
Overall: A Mature Romance with Good Looks
My personal take? I went into "Trunk" looking for a mature romance and some solid acting, and that's exactly what I got. Plus, they threw in some great visuals and top-notch production. So yeah, I'm pretty satisfied.
What are your thoughts? Did "Trunk" hit the mark for you, or were you left wanting more?
Honestly, it feels like forever since we've had K-dramas featuring actors who can actually, you know, act! For a while there, it was all perfectly sculpted noses and pretty faces, but not much in the way of actual talent or personality. (I could name names, but my therapist says I should work on my anger issues.) "Trunk" was a breath of fresh air, a shining example of "old is gold." The seasoned actors here brought such maturity and screen presence, it was like a masterclass.
The whole vibe of this drama was just chef's kiss. The color tones, the mood, the melancholic sounds and sights, the camera angles, and the OST — all perfectly executed. Even though it was marketed as a mystery, it never gave off that creepy, eerie feeling. The director clearly has an eye for design, going for that edgy mid-century style in Han Jeong-won's houses and the entire production set. And don't even get me started on the cars – they practically screamed "wealthy ML," and they were on point.
The Bad: Where'd the Episodes Go?
K-dramas are known for being quick and easy binges, but I honestly think "Trunk" could've used a few more episodes, say 10 or even 12. The story had so much potential to be developed and expanded. But then again, if you look at Gong Yoo's drama history, he does seem to pick projects with shorter episode counts. And like practically everyone else, I wasn't thrilled with the ending. But let's be real, with only 8 episodes, what were we even expecting?
One thing that felt a bit underdeveloped was the ML's career as a producer. Unless you were paying super close attention, you might have missed what he actually does. Him just showing up at the studio and lounging on the sofa while his assistants do all the work didn't really sell his "boss" status. His actual "boss," O Hyeon-cheol, seemed to represent him more on the career front. I would've loved to see at least a scene or two where he was actually immersed in his production role.
The Ugly: Mystery? What Mystery?
Okay, full disclosure: I'm not usually a fan of the mystery genre. So the fact that I actually enjoyed this drama means one thing: there was no real mystery. The whole time, you feel like the director is building up to some big, twisted reveal, but then... crickets. If you're a hardcore mystery fan who loves shocking twists, turns, and maybe a dash of psychotic elements, you'll probably snooze through this one.
Overall: A Mature Romance with Good Looks
My personal take? I went into "Trunk" looking for a mature romance and some solid acting, and that's exactly what I got. Plus, they threw in some great visuals and top-notch production. So yeah, I'm pretty satisfied.
What are your thoughts? Did "Trunk" hit the mark for you, or were you left wanting more?
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