In the penultimate chapter of "The Trunk," titled "Seoul's Mournful Requiem," the somber ambiance of Seoul's streets resonates with the profound weight of grief and the relentless pursuit of justice. The episode opens on the desolate scene of Hye-yeong's funeral, a lonely tableau accentuated by In-ji's solitary figure. The absence of mourners, aside from Si-jeong attending to her aunt's illness, amplifies In-ji's isolation and the magnitude of her loss. As In-ji attends a graduation ceremony, a parallel is drawn with Jeong-won visiting his mother's grave, both individuals navigating life's pivotal moments overshadowed by sorrow.
In a heartfelt gesture of compassion, In-ji notices Jeong-won's torn sandals and offers him slippers. This small but profound act of kindness serves as the harbinger of her character's depth. Jeong-won's reassuring words, insisting that In-ji is not culpable for Hye-yeong's demise, offer a ray of comfort amidst her ocean of pain. The narrative progresses with a startling discovery as In-ji enters her apartment to find Do-ha's bloody knife lying there. Jeong-won's subsequent arrival, prompted by the address in their contract, provokes a storm of anger in In-ji, a manifestation of her frustration with his intrusion into her life. Their heated altercation peaks with In-ji kicking Jeong-won out, highlighting the simmering tension between them.
Tae-song's fortunes take a grim turn as he, injured and desperate, seeks refuge in a pharmacy. A flashback reveals Do-ha's brutal confrontation with Tae-song, uncovering his role in exposing Do-ha's affairs to Mrs. Noh. Do-ha's cold dismissal and ominous warning set the stage for Tae-song's desperate actions, culminating in the tragic murder of the pharmacist. Do-ha's return to the apartment is fraught with palpable tension. Do-dam's revelation about In-ji's years of waiting and Do-ha's subsequent discovery of a cleaned knife left by In-ji mark a turning point in their relationship. In-ji's return to Jeong-won's place is met with his stone-cold silence, a stark departure from the warmth they once shared.
In-ji's conversation with In-yeong, who has left her husband, delves into her fears of confronting Do-ha. In-yeong's probing questions force In-ji to confront her feelings, a moment of introspection that adds layers to her character. Jeong-won's confession to Hyeon-cheol about his concerns for In-ji attests to his growing affection. His mood shifts with In-ji's apology, illustrating the profound impact she has on his life. In-ji's meeting with Si-jeong further explores her joy in Jeong-won's company, despite her insistence that their contract will eventually conclude.
Seo-yeon's revelation to Jeong-won, unveiling her true intentions behind choosing In-ji as his pseudo-wife, unfolds as a dramatic plot twist, entangling the already intricate web of their relationships further with her jealousy and longing to be with Jeong-won. In-ji's confrontation with Seo-yeon, and the subsequent penetration of Seo-yeon's vulnerabilities, underscores In-ji's resilience and astute perception. The poignant conclusion of In-ji's chapter with Do-ha marks a heart-wrenching end to a painful saga, with Do-ha's confession of hurt and In-ji's acknowledgment of her own liminal state bringing a bittersweet sense of closure.
Jeong-won's silent yet steadfast support at the bus stop, coupled with In-ji's emotional catharsis, illuminates the deepening connection between them. In-ji's tears, however, flow not for Do-ha but for Jeong-won's unwavering presence—a revelation that underscores her shifting affections. The stark contrast between the serene bond of Jeong-won and In-ji, and the tumultuous marriage of Hyeon-cheol and Yun-a, paints a vivid picture. Yun-a's ambition to work and Hyeon-cheol's awakening to his sons' growth enrich their characterizations, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted challenges they face.
The discovery of the pharmacist's corpse by the police and the keeper's disclosure to In-ji about Tae-song's obsessive stalking of Jeong-won escalates the narrative tension. In-ji's decision to confront Tae-song is nothing short of audacious, her direct questioning of his motives paving the way for an inevitable confrontation. Tae-song's claims of protection and his designs to expose In-ji's charade to Jeong-won elicit shock and a hasty departure from In-ji. The subsequent encounter between Tae-song and Jeong-won manifests the conflict physically, with Jeong-won emerging as In-ji's shield and protector.
In-ji's contemplation by the icy river and Jeong-won's precision at the gun range serve as potent imagery, mirroring their inner turmoil. Hyeon-cheol's discovery of Jeong-won's unregistered firearm adds another layer of mystery to the tale. In-ji's decision to depart after her contract with Jeong-won expires marks a pivotal turning point. Her conversation with Lee Seon and the revelation of Do-dam as a clandestine informer heighten the suspense. The suggestion that In-ji is leaving to safeguard Jeong-won speaks volumes of her unwavering devotion.
Jeong-won's uncovering of Seo-yeon's spycam and his subsequent confrontation with her serve as pivotal turning points. The footage, preserved and revealed, captures In-ji's profound distress upon discovering she was under surveillance, a moment that wrenches the heartstrings with its poignant revelation. The episode draws to a close with a haunting flashforward to an interrogation scene, where Officer Kim casts a suspicious gaze upon In-ji, accusing her of Tae-song's murder. In-ji's alibi, coupled with the chilling flashback of her discharging a firearm, creates a mesmerizing cliffhanger, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the unfolding of the next episode. "The Trunk," Season 1 Episode 7, is a masterful tapestry of sorrow, retribution, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions. Each meticulously crafted scene peels away the layers of the characters' lives, weaving a narrative that is both gripping and provocative. As the storyline progresses, the characters are compelled to confront their deepest truths, paving the way for the dramatic twists and turns that lie ahead.
