La Valigia (2024)

I thought there were some really positive things about this drama, but I also had some issues.

The cast was really strong and I thought the chemistry between all of them was great. The complexities of the relationships were written well, and I really enjoyed the compelling scenes between the two female leads. There were some twists I didn't see coming, which is always a nice surprise.

What I struggled with was the time jumping in the first couple of episodes causing me so much confusion. I understood that there was mystery surrounding the trunk, but I didn't know what was present day or flashback. I also felt at times that this drama had a bit of an identity crisis. I was invested in the struggles of the ML and was really interested in how the FL coming into his dynamic with his ex would play out. Then, rather abruptly, the focus shifted to the mystery almost as if the director suddenly remembered it was supposed to be part of the story. The romance was slightly disjointed because of that and I was left wondering what their relationship actually was.

In the end, I feel that it was an entertaining drama despite its flaws.

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A Slow Burn That Ignites

The Trunk is a series that demands patience. Its initial episodes might seem slow-paced, perhaps even mundane, to some viewers. However, those who persevere will be rewarded with a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of human nature and the dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface.

The show's strength lies in its character development. Each character is multifaceted, with hidden depths that are gradually revealed. The slow burn allows for a deeper understanding of their motivations and the intricate web of relationships they form.

While The Trunk offers a thought-provoking and suspenseful viewing experience, it's important to note that it's not for everyone. Its mature themes and darker tone may not appeal to all audiences.

If you're willing to invest your time and patience, The Trunk is a rewarding journey that will leave you questioning the true nature of reality.

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Beautiful Portrayal

Ever since I heard of a Gong Yoo-Seo Hyun Jin pair up, I have been looking forward to The Trunk. I was cautious since most dramas I have watched this year have been mediocre, to say the least. But the K-drama gods came through this time around and I was not in the slightest disappointed. After watching, the first episode, I considered not going to work to watch the whole show in one sitting which I didn't do, but wished I had done so I could have finished this faster.

Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun Jin's portrayals of two very broken people was heartbreakingly and miserably beautiful. I loved the acting, their chemistry, the main support character's roles and the OST. While watching , I did not cry, but I felt like I was holding my breath, anxiously awaiting where the journey would take, not only the main leads, but also me. However, in the last 30 minutes or so, I began to crack me and in the last 5 or so minutes, my tears would not stop.

My main complaint would be that the flashbacks were a bit confusing in the beginning. Although once you got used to these, it was easier to discern at what point they were by noting which characters and locations appeared on the screen, I also wonder if this almost seamless, confusing element was done in this way on purpose to drive the point home. As the past merges with the present to show how the events that took place in the past have an impact on the present and even the future if this issues are not addressed properly. My second complaint is that Yoon Ah and Hyeon Cheol's parts felt unnecessary.

Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope GY and SHJ meet again in another beautiful drama. 9.5/10

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Delight between how to love yourself and how to love another

One measure of love which might perhaps be the greatest measure of love, maybe the understanding of another’s need despite how strange, how orthogonal and unusual they might appear to be. Here in this drama is demonstration of the laws undergirding the reciprocal nature of love in sheer delight. Learned through life’s best teaching tool; suffering, the show etches deep into our hearts that in every relationship of trust and tenderness, each is the guardian of the others particularity. That if we are to grow into the full bigness of heart we desire as human beings, we must love a person not because of the compliance they can give, but for their particularity and how special they are. At the center of this recognition is the incredible work by the cast members and writers. The cinematography is nothing to praise in particular but the cold fall backdrop and dimly lit cage like brutalist house being complimented by the warmth intimacy of our leads allows for this story to be delivered in a way that is delicious to the eyes as well.

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The Arranged Marriage Trope takes a Dark and Twisted Turn

Love does blossom in these arranged marriages as it always does, but not before it’s revealed what these arrangements are truly all about.

Seo Yeong, SFL, has been married to Jeong-won for a mere three years when she decides it’s more fun to divorce him and punish him for making her miserable by immediately marrying someone else, via an arrangement, while arranging for him to take on a new wife, which she claims will ultimately save their relationship. Though divorced, she keeps a close eye on his new marriage via hidden cameras, uses his past trauma to gaslight him and supplies him with copious amounts of drugs to keep him malleable to her manipulations.

The ML, Jeong-won, is utterly pathetic until the FL, Noh, accepts the job as his new arranged wife. She immediately upsets his life, in a good way, which facilitates much needed growth for him and an interesting relationship between the two. In the mist of all the manipulations, cat fights and trauma,, there is a stalker, who is somewhat at the center of the story. His obsession with Noh is exactly what you’d expect out of someone who is delusional and deranged. However, as crazy as he was his actions brought an interesting yet terrifying element to the story.

Though the ML was a pitiful mess, the reasons for his brokenness made him endearing and thus a character to root for. The FL had her own traumas that had left her stuck and in a dark place, but she was not one to tolerate BS. The way she took on the manipulative SFL was perfect. And for once in a K-drama she , the FL, did not allow herself to be mercilessly slapped and bullied. Loved it!

The acting in this was very good as was the writing. All of the characters had great chemistry. It is a mature series so there is foul language, violence, sex and some nudity. It’s only 8 episodes. Thus easy to binge. Really good series.

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If I cant have it, I will destroy it

I'm a fan of Kim Kyu Tae director's dramas. I followed his dramas since A love to kill. I especially love his collaborations with Noh Hee Kyung writer, like on Its Okay Thats Love & Our Blues. Their collaboration drama show excellency on potraying human fragility & raw emotion within beautiful yet bitter atmosphere. Paradoxically, this "bitter & ugly truth" tendency become a healing drama.

When I watched The Trunk trailer, I wondered why Kim Kyu Tae become director for thriller/crime drama. I know that it is not impossible, because he had directed Iris, one of the memorable action-conspiration drama.
After finished watching The Trunk, I feel like this drama is remind me to A love to kill, also seems like dark version of Its okay thats love.

The trunk depicts dark and depresive side of human mundane life. Love has destructive side, that as powerful as, its ability to empower and heal human scar. From someone who give up in life & powerless in relationship, then our hero & heroine become someone who protect their partner bravely. Allso finally they have clarity about the problem, & their own flaws.

The acting, directing, cinematograhy, & editing are top notch. But the script would be better if it can give audience more layer for Um Tae Seong character. The chemistry between Gong Yoo & Seo Hyun Jin is beautiful. I want to praise Kim Dong Won (Um Tae Seong), & especially Jung Yung Ha (Lee seo yeon) for their great performance.

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SLOW-PACED SLOW-BURN, double slow

This drama was not made for binge-watching. It’s neither light nor fast-paced, and it requires patience. The story unfolds at a deliberate pace, with a slow-burn romance that takes its time to develop. Each episode runs for about an hour.

What worked for me:
— Choice of music: The drama does a great job of creating a mysterious vibe through the BGM. I also liked the opening theme.
— Character development: I appreciated the character development throughout the series, which added depth and made the relationships and conflicts more engaging.
— The ex-wife: I absolutely hated her. She was incredibly manipulative, selfish, and controlling, and it was infuriating to watch her. However, this strong frustration I felt toward her shows just how well her character was written and portrayed. Despite being highly unlikeable, her presence heightened the tension and made the dynamics between the leads more interesting.

Drawbacks:
— Pacing: The pacing was too slow at times, which made some parts of the story drag unnecessarily.
— Anticlimactic: For all the suspense and buildup, the reveal of the killer felt anticlimactic and didn’t deliver the punch I was expecting.
— Nudity: I have nothing against it, but I couldn’t help wondering if it was truly necessary and whether it added any depth to the characters.

Do I want to watch it again? No.

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Even those who commit the most despicable acts are worthy of love.

When I first started watching, I was really confused. I couldn't understand why a wife would force her husband to enter into a contract marriage with someone else just so they could get back together. It seemed convoluted and almost diabolical. As the story unfolded, I realized that it truly was twisted and diabolical. The wife wasn't the only one with issues; many of the characters were emotionally damaged or traumatized, suffering lasting negative effects. And I think this is what humanized them and drew me in to the story.

One key takeaway from this drama is that a broken person can easily break you. However, it also highlighted the importance of genuine human connection and empathy—like a kind word, a comforting hug, or simply being present for someone; these can help heal a broken spirit if not completely change a person's life. But I think the most important message was that even those who commit the most despicable acts are still worthy of love.

Behind every great drama is a talented writer and director, and that is so true in Seo Hyun Jin (my favorite actress of all time), Gong Yoo, Jung Yun H and all the other cast member's great performances. Well done!

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Gag. Couldn't finish it fast enough

Some series are so bad I just stop watching them. Because this one was only 8 episodes I convinced myself to blaze through it in the hope that something good would happen. Nope. Train wreck. The uncensored sex scene didn't add anything cuz if I wanted that I know where to find it. The timeline bouncing around was a distraction. I feel like the writer has had a difficult life and this series represented some kind of catharsis. No likeable characters. Few happy moments. I guess there is an audience for this kind of show but it ain't me. Someone commented that it should have been a movie. I guess the powers that be recognized it sucked so it was limited to 8 episodes. One episode would have been plenty.

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A short tale of Love, lost and found

In Ji gets hired as a contract wife for Jeong Won. The relationship is going to last for a year and there is a manual to help them in sync.

A big trunk is the center of the story. Decorated with tiny flowers, In Ji carries it with her when she moves to a new place. Her living with Jeong Won starts on a difficult note till the grieving man finds himself falling for her. But Soo Yeon is not allowing the change of heart.

The modern take on contract marriage is quite gruesome and concerning. The way marital graphs are changing, it is raising concern among the audience. The latest take on fake love is vicious. Girls are not fighting for love anymore. It is more about who is holding the bigger key. The baggage from past life and relationships is leaving a scar that is impossible to heal. Have we stopped believing in love as well?

There is no word to define how powerful Gong Woo makes his character. His eyes speak words louder than him. The dream scene of killing In Ji invoked a thousand pain without a single word. Hyun Jin gifted a stellar performance after such a long hiatus. Her smoking yet soothing chemistry with Gong Woo made the ride more thrilling. But the cream of the tale is Yun Ha. Her portrayal of Soo Yeon is the perfect seasoning. She is savage, brutal yet so painful. Her fight is with her own desire and soul.

We all carry a trunk with us. Sometimes we let the stuff inside it decide our destination. And sometimes we change the baggage according to our wishes.... the choice is ours you know.

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GongYoo and Seo Hyunjin!! My dream pairing?

So, The Trunk finally dropped, and I’ve been waiting for this one for months—mainly because it stars Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo (a pairing I didn’t know I needed). It’s an 8-episode drama with a mature, dark vibe, and honestly, it was worth the wait.

The plot mixes mystery with psychological themes and touches on loneliness, relationships, and marriage. Since I’m still in my early 20s, I couldn’t completely relate to everything, but the emotions and struggles felt real. I liked how the story kept me guessing until the end, which made it super engaging.

Seo Hyun-jin is the standout in this drama. Her portrayal of emotional vulnerability, especially during moments of heartbreak, is nothing short of breathtaking. Gong Yoo, as always, delivers a nuanced performance that complements her perfectly. Together, they form a dream pairing that fans have longed to see on screen. The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring a mix of fresh faces and seasoned actors who add depth to the narrative.

The cinematography was beautiful, and the aesthetics really suited the drama’s tone. It wasn’t overly flashy but had a quiet richness to it. The music worked well, too—it didn’t stand out too much but blended perfectly with the mood.

If there’s one thing I wish for, it’s more screentime for Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo together because their chemistry was so good. But overall, it’s a solid drama. If you like mature romance with a bit of mystery and psychological depth, The Trunk is worth checking out.

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