As actor Kim Soo-hyun remains embroiled in controversy over past relationships, another issue from his film career has returned to the spotlight — this time involving the late singer and actress Sulli.
Sulli’s older brother publicly questioned why Sulli was pressured to film a nude scene in the 2017 film Real, despite the presence of a body double on set. He also challenged Kim Soo-hyun’s silence on the matter, as well as the role of the production team. Director Lee Jung-sub, who was initially attached to the project before being replaced during post-production by Kim Soo-hyun’s relative, finally broke his silence online, saying he had been “hurting for years.”
The comments sparked emotional reactions, with netizens reexamining not only the film’s production, but also Kim Soo-hyun’s broader involvement in past controversies — including the recent allegations regarding his relationship with late actress Kim Sae-ron.
Korean Reactions: “His clean image was a lie”
The top Korean comments reflect deep disappointment and anger. While some focused on the new allegations involving the film Real, others criticized Kim Soo-hyun’s overall pattern of silence.
Top Korean Comments (Source : Nate)
“So his ‘innocent image’ was just a concept after all.” (👍 3,119)
“Why is Kim Soo-hyun always involved in these things?” (👍 2,817)
“You’re done too. You’re not going far.” (👍 2,549)
“At this point, I don’t think he can continue working in Korea… and the Sulli part really makes me angry.” (👍 386)
“Didn’t even attend Sulli’s funeral? Or Kim Sae-ron’s? What happened between them?” (👍 374)
“Even with a body double on set, she ended up doing the scene herself… Can you imagine how confused and ashamed she must’ve felt?” (👍 303)
“If the Telegram rumor is true and employees filed charges, this goes beyond a scandal.” (👍 294)
“Not even his family tree is normal. There’s no redeeming factor left.” (👍 363)
Global Reactions: “Justice for Sulli” vs. “Where’s the proof?”
International reactions varied — some showed deep sympathy for Sulli, while others questioned the motives of those speaking up now.
Top Global Comments (Source : allkpop)
“Poor Sulli. Hope she and Saeron get the justice they deserve. This man is shameless.” (👍 51)
“So the director was switched after filming? That’s suspicious. Who really made the call during those scenes?” (👍 15)
“These explicit scenes always haunt them. Sulli’s family said she needed psychiatric help after filming and never wanted to act again.” (👍 11)
“He didn’t defend them at all. Now it’s all on him. That director switch was fishy.” (👍 7)
“I didn’t even understand the director’s statement. Can someone summarize it?” (👍 7)
“Sulli was bullied for that scene — now people want to blame KSH when they were part of the problem too. Hypocrites.” (👍 6)
“Was Lee Jung-sub comparing Kim Sae-ron’s scandal with what happened to Sulli during filming? He sounded emotional.” (👍 6)
“This director seems to be riding the scandal wave to promote himself. If he has something to say, just say it clearly.” (👍 5)
Analysis: A Pattern of Silence and Shifting Responsibility?
This issue isn’t just about a single film — it’s about a broader public perception that Kim Soo-hyun avoids accountability.
In Korea, the outrage is visceral. Many feel betrayed, claiming the actor’s long-held “innocent” image was manufactured. For many, the Sulli scene represents not only industry cruelty but also a personal failure by those involved to protect a vulnerable artist.
In the global community, reactions are more nuanced. There’s strong sympathy for Sulli and frustration toward the industry as a whole — but also skepticism about the timing and motives behind these revelations. Some question why people are only speaking out now, years later.
As more people rewatch Real with new context, the question is no longer just about a film scene — it’s about how power, silence, and responsibility operate in Korean entertainment.