Late singer-actress Sulli’s family is once again in the spotlight as her older brother accuses actor Kim Soo Hyun of attempting to silence him by contacting his mother. The allegations, centered on the controversial 2017 film Real, have reignited debates about consent and on-set practices in the Korean entertainment industry. This latest controversy comes amid ongoing dating scandals involving Kim Soo Hyun and the late actress Kim Sae Ron.
Family Allegations
Sulli’s brother, Choi Geon Hee, has taken to social media to demand clear answers regarding his sister’s involvement in explicit scenes during the filming of Real. In a recent post that quickly spread across various platforms, he accused Kim Soo Hyun of trying to keep him from speaking out. His cryptic message read:
“Did you like nagging my mom instead of talking to me? You low-life Korean bstard. The idea you came up with in 48 hours was to try and silence me by calling my mom. You just proved what a fcking idiot you are.”
— Sulli’s brother Choi Geon Hee
Choi’s post is one of several statements he has issued over the past few days. He claims that the explicit bedroom scene in Real was not clearly outlined in the script and alleges that a body double was available on set but was ultimately not used. Instead, he asserts that Sulli was pressured into performing the scene herself. According to Choi, this has added to the longstanding pain and unresolved grief that his family continues to endure.
Troubled Production History
The film Real, which starred Kim Soo Hyun alongside Sulli, has been mired in controversy since its release. Sulli, a beloved singer-actress, faced heavy criticism and intense scrutiny over the explicit content of the movie. Her untimely death in 2019, later ruled as a suicide, only deepened the public’s sorrow and amplified the debates surrounding her on-set treatment.
Choi Geon Hee claims that during Sulli’s funeral, he heard multiple accounts from staff and fellow actors about the handling of the controversial scene. He questioned why the production did not fully disclose the details of the script and why a body double—despite being present—was not used to minimize Sulli’s exposure. These unresolved questions are central to his current demands for accountability.
Industry Response and Agency Statement
In response to the mounting allegations, Gold Medalist—the agency representing Kim Soo Hyun—has issued a brief statement saying they are “currently verifying the situation.” The agency’s silence on the matter has done little to quell the growing outrage among netizens and industry watchers alike. While many fans call for a full press conference, others are demanding that Kim Soo Hyun and director Lee Sa Rang provide a comprehensive explanation of the events that unfolded during the making of Real.
The controversy has not only revived memories of past disputes regarding the film but has also drawn attention to broader issues of consent and the treatment of actors—especially female performers—on set. Critics have long argued that the film industry must ensure that all parties are fully informed about their roles and that no one is coerced into performing scenes they are uncomfortable with.
Wider Implications
The resurfacing of these allegations comes at a time when Kim Soo Hyun is already facing backlash over a dating scandal involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron. Allegations have surfaced that Kim Soo Hyun was involved in a relationship with Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor—a claim that has further complicated his public image. With multiple controversies converging, public sentiment is turning increasingly critical.
Sulli’s family has now positioned these allegations as a matter of both personal and professional integrity. By demanding transparency, Choi Geon Hee is not only seeking justice for his late sister but also urging the industry to address its practices regarding actor consent and safety. His public statements have resonated with many who believe that such issues have long been ignored or downplayed in Korean entertainment.
Reactions and Next Steps
Online communities have been abuzz with reactions to Choi’s latest posts. While some users express solidarity with Sulli’s family, others debate the authenticity and implications of the accusations. Nevertheless, the incident has once again highlighted the need for strict guidelines and ethical practices in film production.
As the controversy continues, there is widespread anticipation for an official response from Kim Soo Hyun and director Lee Sa Rang. Sulli’s family remains firm in their demand for a clear statement on the following points:
Why was the explicit scene not fully detailed in the original script?
What were the circumstances that led to the decision against using the body double?
How does Kim Soo Hyun explain the conflicting testimonies regarding the body double’s availability?
These are questions that many industry observers believe must be answered to prevent similar controversies in the future.
