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Gong Yoo discusses deep connection to 'The Trunk' character, love's dark side
Actor Gong Yoo could not pinpoint exactly why he was "instinctively drawn" to Jeong-won, his character in Netflix's Korean original series "The Trunk." But he felt a deep connection to the character's fragility and vulnerability.
"It is hard to explain, but I see similarities between us," the actor said during a media interview in Seoul on Thursday. "I think there are weaknesses in me, just as there are in Jeong-won."
In the limited series, unveiled last Friday on the streaming platform, the actor portrays music producer Jeong-won, who is plagued by anxiety and loneliness from past trauma and relies on sleeping pills to rest.
Jeong-won reluctantly agrees to a one-year contract marriage proposed by his former wife, in an attempt to mend their strained relationship. He soon finds himself navigating an uneasy life with In-ji, who seeks to overcome the pain of her own failed marriage, which left her with a deep aversion to the idea of marriage itself.
"Jeong-won has carried the weight of a difficult past throughout his life. It is as if he stopped growing emotionally at a young age and is now unable to fully grasp the reality of his circumstances," the actor explained.
The 45-year-old sought to convey his character's emotional dryness through "empty eyes" and a "defensive" and "hesitant" attitude toward life.
Actor Gong Yoo is seen in this photo provided by Netflix on Dec. 5, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
It did not take long for the actor to accept the role, as he was attracted to the work, especially for its effort to "offer a new perspective on love," on top of the character's intriguing depth and complexity.
"Most love stories are, to some extent, fantasies. They portray love as something positive, bright and almost fairytale-like. It might satisfy viewers and help them escape their daily stress," he said. "But I am drawn to the opposite, or dark, side of love -- the one people know exists but often choose not to talk about openly."
"The show is not about defining what love is, but rather about asking viewers what they believe love is," he continued, with the underlying premise that "love has the power to change people."
"There is no definite answer to the question, as love takes many different forms."