On March 28, the brother of the late Sulli publicly called out director Lee Sa-rang and actor Kim Soo-hyun, demanding they clarify their stance on Sulli’s explicit scenes in the 2017 film Real. What was once remembered for its poor reviews has now reentered the spotlight under a new, much heavier label—controversy.

Through his personal account, Sulli’s brother, referred to as Mr. A, issued a statement saying:

“Say what I want to hear. Not what you want to say. Gold Medalist, please respond quickly.”

He accused the Real production team of pressuring Sulli into shooting nude and bed scenes that were not clearly outlined in the script. He further claimed that a body double was available on set but was allegedly dismissed due to illness, pushing Sulli to perform the scenes herself.

Amid this growing controversy, Lee Jung-sub, the original director who was replaced early in the film’s production, also broke his silence on the same day. Sharing a user’s post on his social media, he wrote:

“Thank you. I’ve been silently heartbroken for a long time.”

The reposted tweet stated:

“In 2017, when the whole ‘director switch’ for Real happened, many blamed Lee Jung-sub. But the truth is, he wasn’t at fault. Now that the film is being talked about again—probably because of _that actor_—it’s time to set the record straight.”

Originally, Lee Jung-sub was set to direct Real but stepped down due to creative differences. Production company CEO Lee Sa-rang, who had been involved with the project from the beginning, made his directorial debut by taking over the film. At the time, Real drew criticism for skipping standard press events and holding a last-minute press screening just two days before release.

In the midst of the backlash, Kim Soo-hyun was seen in tears. At the VIP premiere held the day after the press screening, he choked up on stage, unable to speak for a moment before resuming his remarks with the help of encouragement from those around him.

His agency later explained: “He got emotional remembering the entire journey—from filming to release—with close friends in the audience.”

Kim Soo-hyun’s 2017 Tears https://t.co/FgXzUWJRHa pic.twitter.com/62Y4mrD3CI

— KBIZoom (@kbizoom) March 30, 2025

“Representatives from agencies as well as production staff members were among the attendees of the event. Upon seeing the youngest staff member from “Real” sitting in the front row, Kim Soo Hyun suddenly remembered how tough filming was at the time and was momentarily overcome with emotion.”

At the time, Kim Soo-hyun addressed the media’s reviews, which labeled the film as “incomprehensible”, and shared his thoughts on the film’s deeper messages. His tearful appearance became a viral topic across news portals and social media.

Now, eight years later, Real has resurfaced not as a cinematic flop, but as a controversial work entangled in questions of accountability and consent. With new allegations emerging, many are now wondering: what did Kim Soo-hyun’s tears really mean? Was it exhaustion, regret—or something more?

As the public awaits clarity, eyes are once again turning to a film that refuses to fade quietly into the past.