The controversy surrounding the late Sulli's involvement in the film 'Real' has reignited discussions about the pressures faced by actors in the industry. Director Lee Jung-seob, who was initially at the helm of the project, spoke out recently, addressing allegations that Sulli was forced to film explicit scenes.
On March 28, 2025, Lee Jung-seob took to social media to clarify his role in the film, stating, "Now that the movie has been released, I can say that my contribution to the film being perceived negatively is less than 1%." He expressed gratitude for the support he received and lamented the misunderstandings that have arisen, adding, "Thank you. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding." This statement comes amidst renewed scrutiny of the film, which was released in 2017.
Lee's comments follow a statement from Sulli's brother, who asserted that the intimate scenes involving Sulli were not part of the original script. He raised questions about why a stand-in was not used for these scenes, pointing out that Sulli had expressed a desire to avoid such exposure. "Sulli reportedly told those around her that she would not film another movie after 'Real' and received psychiatric treatment due to stress," he revealed.
Reflecting on his memories with Sulli, Lee described her as a "lovely friend" and shared personal anecdotes about her during a recent interview. He recalled how Sulli would often send him photos, asking for his opinion on which ones were the most flattering. "This child was always concerned about how pretty she was, sending me countless photos and asking which ones I liked best. I still hear her voice asking for my feedback, and it makes me sad to choose which ones are my favorites," he reminisced.
Lee Jung-seob's involvement with 'Real' was cut short when he stepped down from directing due to differences in opinion regarding the film's direction. This led to Lee Sa-rang, the brother of lead actor Kim Soo-hyun, taking over the project. The production company had initially stated that the change was due to creative disagreements.
In the wake of the controversy, Lee Jung-seob has been vocal about his discontent with the entertainment industry. On March 11, 2025, he criticized media coverage surrounding Kim Soo-hyun's personal life, stating, "I don't know anything if I'm not involved." He also expressed his sorrow regarding the recent revelations about Kim Sae-ron, who was embroiled in a scandal involving underage dating. Lee commented on leaked KakaoTalk messages from Kim Sae-ron, saying, "My heart hurts so much," indicating his emotional turmoil over the situation.
In the midst of these developments, Sulli's close friend, Kwon Young-chan, head of the Korea Entertainment Management Association, released a statement addressing the allegations surrounding the filming of 'Real.' Kwon recalled hearing about the pressures placed on Sulli during the film's production, stating, "There was a strong emphasis on nude and bed scenes during the filming of 'Real.'" This raises serious questions about the ethical standards in the industry and the treatment of actors, particularly women.
As the conversation continues, it is essential to consider the broader implications of these allegations. The entertainment industry has faced increasing scrutiny over the treatment of its stars, with many calling for more protections and support for actors, especially in high-pressure situations like filming intimate scenes.
Kim Soo-hyun, who starred alongside Sulli in 'Real,' has remained silent amid the allegations and criticisms. His lack of response has sparked further speculation about his involvement and the dynamics on set during the film's production.
The tragic passing of Sulli in 2019 has left a profound impact on the entertainment community, and her story continues to resonate with many. As fans and colleagues reflect on her legacy, the discussions surrounding her experiences in the industry highlight the urgent need for change.
In light of these events, many are calling for a reevaluation of industry practices to ensure that actors are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. The ongoing dialogue serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the pressures that come with fame.
As the investigation into the allegations continues, the hope is that Sulli's story will lead to meaningful changes within the entertainment industry, fostering an environment where actors can feel safe and supported in their work.
