In the vibrant yet enigmatic alleys of Seoul, the narrative of Season 1, Episode 4 of "The Trunk" unfolds like a tapestry of concealed truths and emotional upheavals. The episode kicks off with a poignant flashback, set five years earlier, revealing a younger In-ji (Kim Hye-soo) picking up Do-ha from a gay bar, where she served as his beard—a cloak to shield his sexuality. This revelation introduces a new dimension to their bond, rooted in mutual care and a pledge to marry solely to placate her mother, reflecting the depth of their connection despite their unconventional arrangement.
In the present day, In-ji's serene kayaking routine contrasts sharply with Jeong-won's (Lee Jung-jae) fishing expedition accompanied by Hyeon-cheol (Yoo Hae-jin). The tranquility of their pastimes is overshadowed by the lingering ripples from their unforeseen kiss. Jeong-won's confession to Hyeon-cheol about his nascent attraction towards In-ji sparks a probing dialogue about the essence of his feelings—lust or love—further entangling his emotional landscape.
In-ji's discovery that Jeong-won's pills, though over-the-counter, signal signs of dependency, stirs a troubling ripple in her heart. As she silently contemplates the new chandelier while sipping a beet smoothie, her reverie is abruptly interrupted by Seo-yeon's (Kim Hee-ae) watchful gaze piercing through the spycam, casting an eerie ambiance over the scene.
Ji-o's (Park Hee-soon) tender gesture of presenting In-ji with a necklace, aiming to replace the one she wears belonging to Jeong-won, silently confesses his feelings and his earnest desire to transform their contractual marriage with Seo-yeon into an authentic union. In-ji's evasive response, coupled with the haunting memory of a past incident where someone plummeted down the stairs with her standing nearby, casts a dark cloud over her character, hinting at layers yet to be unveiled.
The intricate dance of In-ji and Ji-o's professional rapport, coupled with Ji-o's startling confession of his affection for Seo-yeon amidst their contractual marriage, introduces an unexpected turn in the tale. His proposition to collaborate with In-ji in winning Seo-yeon's heart, in exchange for assisting her with Jeong-won, is a calculated maneuver that illuminates the intricate tapestry of deception and desire weaving through these characters' lives.
The meal between In-ji and Jeong-won, featuring seaweed soup—a cherished dish of Mr. Han—serves as a moment of grim humor intertwined with mutual vengeance. Jeong-won's fury, ignited by the memory of his abusive father, starkly evokes the depths of his traumatic upbringing. In-ji's soothing presence and their subsequent mirth over a macabre jest forge a bond that transcends their mere contractual obligations.
The intimate act of folding laundry at home and Jeong-won's inquiry about In-ji's mother unexpectedly unveils a chilling truth about Mrs. Noh and Do-ha. The omnipresent surveillance by Seo-yeon casts a voyeuristic shadow over their burgeoning camaraderie. Tae-song's (Park Hee-soon) delivery to Hyeon-cheol and their uneasy exchange offer a fleeting moment of calm before the narrative plunges deeper into the personal realm of In-ji. The demise of a fish and its replacement by Do-dam, witnessed by Si-jeong, subtly hints at In-ji's tender heart beneath her tough exterior.
The backstory of In-yeong, a North Korean defector and private investigator, enriches the narrative with another layer. Her pregnancy, coupled with her husband's reluctance, and In-ji's vow of support underscore the theme of loyalty and the unyielding lengths these characters are prepared to traverse for each other. Jeong-won's invitation to In-ji for a movie date marks a significant milestone in their evolving relationship. The horror film they end up watching serves as a metaphor for the suspense and fear that permeate their existence.
Seo-yeon's frustration and alcohol-fueled outburst towards Ji-o expose her vulnerability and her desperate need for control. The walk home after the movie constitutes a pivotal moment for In-ji and Jeong-won. In-ji's confession about Do-ha's survival and her dread of encountering him again is met with profound empathy from Jeong-won. His admission of his internal struggle between love and lust, followed by In-ji's stunned silence before agreeing to contemplate his request to share a night together, introduces a fresh dimension to their relationship.
The harrowing flashforward to Tae-song's lifeless body and his grim criminal record for stalking In-ji serves as a chilling harbinger of the lurking dangers that shadow their world. The poignant present moment, where he sneaks in stealthily to feed In-ji's fish, subtly hints at his relentless obsession that continues to fuel his actions. Seo-yeon's earnest attempt to reconcile with Ji-o and her fateful encounter with the scheming Lady Baek at the Heritage Lounge propel the plot further into intriguing territories. Lady Baek's clever invitation to both In-ji and Seo-yeon, disingenuously passed off as an accidental coincidence, underscores her duplicitous nature and strategic prowess.
The episode reaches its thrilling climax as Seo-yeon, in a deliberately calculated maneuver, collides with In-ji's car and offers her a ride, unveiling the shocking twist that she was the orchestrator behind In-ji becoming Jeong-won's faux spouse. In-ji's haunting nightmare, followed by her vigilant, waking gaze at the new chandelier—perhaps catching a glimpse of a hidden camera—adds an extra layer of suspense to the narrative.
The episode concludes with a potent scene where In-ji, having resolved her internal turmoil, joins Jeong-won in the bedroom. As they share a passionate kiss while she undresses, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship, filled with promise and intimacy. "The Trunk" Season 1 Episode 4 is a masterful tapestry of emotional richness, suspense, and character evolution. Each meticulously crafted scene peels away the layers of the characters' lives, crafting a narrative that is both gripping and provocative. The intricate ballet of secrets, deceits, and desires woven by these characters creates a riveting spectacle, leaving viewers breathlessly anticipating the next episode.
