“Real” is often named as one of the worst Korean films. Though only 470,000 people watched it upon release, the negative reviews were overwhelming. When “Real” premiered, it was at the center of attention and controversy — and at the heart of it all was Sulli, who had only a minor role but was marketed heavily for her nudity and bed scene. Even before its release, all discussion surrounding the film boiled down to “Sulli’s nude scene” and “Sulli’s bed scene”.

“Real” tells the story of two men surrounding Asia’s largest casino. It was invested in by Alibaba Pictures in China, while CJ E&M only handled distribution in Korea. The film was planned for a simultaneous release in China and Korea, but due to the THAAD controversy, it was delayed and ultimately released only in Korea first. During post-production, director Lee Jung Sub, who had completed the filming, was replaced by director Lee Sa Rang (now known as Lee Robe), the CEO of the production company and Kim Soo Hyun’s family member.

To avoid media questions, the team skipped the usual press conference and opted for a showcase where questions were not allowed. Unlike typical Korean films that hold press previews 1~2 weeks prior, “Real” hastily held a press preview just two days before its release. Sulli was initially reported to be skipping the event, which sparked controversy, but she eventually attended. Reportedly, Sulli had a CF shoot already scheduled and had to adjust her schedule due to the unusual press schedule for “Real“. Still, even at that event, Sulli was reduced to just the label of “the actress who exposed herself”.

Unlike most films, where the director and lead actors do interviews before release, “Real” had no director interview. The original director stepped down, and replacement director Lee Sa Rang refrained from interviews due to the controversy. Sulli also did not participate in interviews, reportedly at the distributor’s suggestion because of her limited screen time. Only Kim Soo Hyun was interviewed.

At the press preview, Sulli responded indirectly to the interest and controversy directed at her. When asked about her challenging scenes, she said, “It wasn’t an easy challenge. I had a lot of concerns.”

The bed scene was primarily discussed through Kim Soo Hyun’s interviews. He said, “She (Sulli) looked beautiful in the film. I’m thankful she approached the project sincerely and professionally.”

Yet Sulli never got to express her own thoughts about how she was consumed purely as a “nude image” in a poorly received film. As a top idol with immense popularity and a pretty face, this was a difficult challenge — while some supported her, others simply consumed her as a sensationalized figure.

R 

On March 28, Sulli’s older brother Choi, speaking through Kwon Young Chan, director of the Korean Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association, said, “At Sulli’s funeral in 2019, I heard suspicious things. It was about the bed scene during the 2017 filming of ‘Real’. Since this detail is not well known externally, the exact facts are unclear, but it was said that a body double did exist, and the one who was claimed to be unable to come due to illness was actually present on set.”

Advertisement

He added, “Since the person in question is no longer here, it’s hard to determine the truth, but I would like to hear the positions of Kim Soo Hyun and then-director Lee Sa Rang (Lee Robe).”

Choi made three key points in his request to Kim Soo Hyun and CEO Lee Robe of Gold Medalist.

Now, after 8~9 years, demanding answers about a bed scene in a film long after Sulli’s passing — and while Kim Soo Hyun is facing his own controversies — raises many questions. Ultimately, the worry is whether all this becomes just more gossip. A beautiful young girl was lost due to someone’s cruel joke, magnified by media and public outrage. And now, years later, another girl is hurt and gone from the world because of similar reasons.