Kim Soo Hyun’s film Real has climbed the OTT charts in South Korea, drawing renewed attention as controversy resurfaces over its explicit scenes. The film, which originally released in June 2017, is now back in the spotlight on multiple streaming platforms. This renewed interest comes amid fresh allegations from the late Sulli’s family and ongoing dating controversies involving Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron.
Film Performance Update
Real has made a surprising return on various OTT services. It ranked 4th on Netflix Korea’s Top 10 Movies Today, secured the 3rd spot on Coupang Play’s Top 20 Popular Movies This Week, and placed 6th on TVING’s Real-Time Trending Movies list. The film’s resurgence on streaming platforms comes at a time when audiences are revisiting controversial content and discussions about its production practices.
Kim Soo Hyun’s last appearance in the film was highly noted, especially because it marked his final on-screen role before his military enlistment. At that time, the film received mixed reviews due to its incoherent plot and unsatisfactory direction. However, the controversy surrounding the production details has now given the film a new wave of interest that transcends its original reception.
Controversy Details
The controversy centers on explicit scenes involving the late actress Sulli. Sulli’s family has raised serious questions about the filming of certain nude scenes in Real. According to reports, Sulli was allegedly pressured to perform scenes without the use of a body double. The family claims that the script did not originally detail these scenes, and the production team forced her to appear on camera in a state that raised concerns about her welfare.
The production process became a matter of heated debate when Sulli’s older brother publicly demanded answers from Kim Soo Hyun and the film’s director, Lee Sa-rang. He questioned the absence of a body double and the inconsistencies in witness testimonies regarding Sulli’s condition on set. The family’s statements have fueled a firestorm of public discussion and media scrutiny.
Family’s Demands
Sulli’s brother released an official statement that laid out three key issues:
“We would like to hear Kim Soo Hyun’s position on why the explicit scene was not clearly outlined in the script, why a body double was not used, and how inconsistent testimonies about the body double’s presence are to be explained.”
The statement from the bereaved family has sparked a demand for clarification not only from Kim Soo Hyun but also from director Lee Sa-rang. The family hopes that both will come forward with a clear explanation regarding the production practices used during the filming of Real. Their call for answers has reignited a debate over the ethical treatment of actors on set and has put pressure on the film’s production team to address the issues raised.
Industry Reaction
The controversy has not only affected public perception of Real but also has stirred discussions within the industry. Former director Lee Jung Sub, who left the project midway, has spoken out about the troubled production process. Although he clarified that he is not officially credited as the director, his comments shed light on internal conflicts and sudden changes during the film’s making.
Lee Jung Sub mentioned on his personal account that he was excluded from the initial audition process to maintain fairness. He recalled that he personally cast rookie actress Han Ji Eun from the final eight candidates. His comments hint at a production environment that may have been chaotic, which has added to the current scrutiny over the film’s explicit scenes.
Critics have questioned Kim Soo Hyun’s role in the controversy. Some fans believe he was aware of the situation on set and did not take adequate steps to protect Sulli. Meanwhile, the production company Gold Medalist stated that they are currently verifying the claims made by Sulli’s family.
Brand Fallout and Public Backlash
In addition to the creative and ethical debates, Kim Soo Hyun has faced severe backlash off-screen. Several brands have terminated their endorsement contracts with him following allegations linked to his relationship with actress Kim Sae Ron. Luxury brands such as Prada and local companies like Dinto have pulled their advertisements featuring the actor. His fan meetings have been canceled, and the release schedule of his upcoming drama on Disney+ has been postponed.
Future Implications
The resurfacing controversy over Real has raised questions about the treatment of actors and the standards of film production in South Korea. The incident comes at a time when the entertainment industry is increasingly held accountable for ethical practices. The discussion may lead to stricter regulations and more transparent production protocols to protect vulnerable actors.
Kim Soo Hyun now faces a challenging road ahead in repairing his image and addressing the allegations. Whether he will offer a public explanation or whether the production team will come forward remains uncertain. The situation also serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that early career decisions and production practices can have on an actor’s legacy.
The renewed interest in Real on OTT platforms indicates that controversy can sometimes drive viewership, even when it is tied to deeply troubling claims. For now, the film continues to gain traction among audiences, despite—or perhaps because of—the ongoing debate over its production history.
