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."

Actor Gong Yoo is seen in this photo provided by Netflix on Dec. 5, 2024. The actor plays the role of Jeong-won in Netflix's original series "The Trunk." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Making his debut as a model in 1999, the actor has steadily expanded his acting career, starring in numerous hit and critically acclaimed films, including "Train to Busan," "Kim Ji-young: Born 1982" and series such as Netflix's "The Silent Sea" and "Squid Game." He has since become one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.

Despite being a veteran actor with around 23 years of experience, he admitted emotionally intense scenes from past projects still have a lasting impact on him.

He cited two scenes as the most challenging in "The Trunk": one in which he learns the truth about his ex-wife, and another where he opens up to In-ji, only to be pushed away by her.

"I actually experienced an emotional rollercoaster, and it was physically very challenging. The scenes required a lot of energy."

Noting that he inherently prefers acting in a subtle manner, toning down emotion and avoiding overacting, he said his restrained acting can sometimes mask the intensity of what he experiences internally.

"I can't say for sure how long the lingering feelings from those scenes will last."

A still from Netflix's original series "The Trunk" is seen in this image provided by the streaming platform. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Written by Woo Jae-yeon