On March 28, 2025, the family of the late actress Sulli (Choi Jin-ri) expressed serious concerns regarding her participation in the 2017 film Real. The focus of their apprehensions involved intimate scenes, particularly nude and bed scenes alongside star Kim Soo-hyun.
Sulli’s older brother publicly called for clarification from both Kim Soo-hyun and director Lee Sa-rang, questioning the inclusion of these explicit scenes, which he claims were not part of the original screenplay.
This issue resurfaced amid tragic events surrounding another actress, Kim Sae-ron, whose family has accused Kim Soo-hyun of inappropriate conduct during her minor years, including financial pressures. Sulli’s brother voiced his discomfort with remaining silent in light of the Kim Sae-ron situation.
Offering condolences, he articulated a desire for the unresolved questions regarding Sulli’s past to be recognized and addressed. As translated by Koreaboo, he stated:
“We have spent the past six years in great sorrow and in tears, but we have also felt a lot of gratitude for the support and consideration many people have given us. We could not just ignore Kim Sae Ron’s death as if it didn’t have any relation to us. We extend our deepest condolences to her bereaved family. We urge that [Kim Soo Hyun and Lee Sa-rang] address these issues.”
His concerns hinge on three primary issues:
- The possibility that Kim Soo-hyun influenced Sulli to perform a bed scene not initially scripted.
- Questions about the absence of a body double during her nude scene, despite reports of one being present on set.
- Discrepancies in statements regarding the use of a body double, as alleged witness testimonies suggest otherwise.
Moreover, Sulli’s mental health following her role in Real has become a subject of speculation. Family sources claim she confided in friends that she would never act again, seeking psychiatric help afterwards due to the distress caused by the filming experience.
Update on Sulli’s Case Following Statement from Kim Soo-hyun’s Agency
Sulli, a former member of the girl group f(x), transitioned into acting, making headlines with her choice of mature roles, including her performance in Real. Tragically, in October 2019, she was found deceased in her home, a death attributed to struggles with online harassment and personal troubles.
Sulli’s brother’s recent statements about Kim Soo-hyun and Lee Sa-rang have gained widespread media attention. His social media presence features cryptic messages, some directly related to Real, and others perceived as indirect warnings to Kim Soo-hyun.
In response to the emerging allegations, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, provided a statement through MBC News, denying any misconduct and affirming an investigation into the claims, stating:
“We are currently checking.”
Since Sulli’s unfortunate passing in 2019, her family has maintained a low profile, but her brother has recently become more vocal, hinting at unresolved matters associated with her experiences during the film’s production. The ongoing controversy has spurred calls for greater transparency concerning Sulli’s treatment on the set of Real.
As public interest remains piqued, the need for clearer answers and accountability in the entertainment industry is more critical than ever.