In light of resurfaced discussions surrounding Kim Soo-hyun and his past projects, attention has turned to the 2017 film “Real”, which he starred in and which was produced by his stepfather, Lee Bu-hyung. The movie’s controversial and explicit promotional campaign is once again under scrutiny, particularly due to the involvement of the late actress Sulli, who reportedly suffered mentally as a result of her role.
A Promotional Campaign Built on Exploitation?
According to online communities and fans referencing the family of the late Sulli, the promotional materials for “Real” heavily emphasized her nude scenes, kiss scenes, and bed scenes, even going as far as pushing low-grade viral marketing focused almost entirely on sexual content.
A simple search for “Real Sulli” yields a flood of provocative thumbnails and articles, with little mention of her acting performance or the plot. This kind of promotion — using a young actress’s body and trauma as clickbait — is now being re-evaluated in light of the tragic consequences. Sulli’s family argues that the constant sexualization and media exploitation played a significant role in her declining mental health.
The Emergency Room Incident: Not Just a “Minor Injury”?
The film officially premiered in June 2017, but these suggestive promotional tactics reportedly started as early as November 2016 and continued up to the release.
Adding to concerns, on November 24, 2016, reports surfaced that Sulli was rushed to the emergency room with a wrist injury. Initially, the Chosun Ilbo reported that her wrist had been cut 5 centimeters, but the following day, the incident was reframed as a simple injury by other outlets, fueling speculation over its true nature.
Additionally, Sulli’s family is said to have shared that after filming “Real,” she told those around her that she never wanted to act in a movie again, suggesting that the experience had a deep emotional toll.
Netizens’ Reaction
The reemergence of these disturbing details has sparked intense backlash online, with netizens flooding platforms like theqoo to express their anger and heartbreak. Many voiced disappointment not just at the film’s production team but also at how Sulli’s vulnerability was seemingly exploited for publicity.
Comments on theqoo:
- I just knew it was a bad movie, but it’s so dirty that it had such content.
- It was revealed too late ㅠㅠ At that time, the real story was left out and only Sulli’s private life was brought up….
- Sulli’s bed scene was even turned into clips and circulated online. She once said directly during a livestream that she hated being visually harassed.
- And didn’t Kim Soo-hyun not even attend Sulli’s memorial? LOL. It’s like female colleagues aren’t even people to him.
- I think Kim Soo-hyun and that guy (refers Director Lee Sa-rang) are really out of their minds.
In response to the resurfacing allegations and renewed criticism surrounding the promotion of “Real” and Kim Soo-hyun’s connection to the controversy, his agency has issued a brief statement. On March 28, Gold Medalist, the actor’s agency, told media outlet iMBC Entertainment, “We are in the process of confirming the situation.”
The vague nature of the statement has done little to quell the growing outrage. Many netizens are calling for a clearer response from both Kim Soo-hyun and the production team behind “Real”, particularly as discussions around Sulli’s mental health, the film’s exploitative marketing, and the industry’s treatment of young actresses continue to escalate. As the controversy deepens, the public awaits further clarification, though for many, the damage has already been done.
The post The Dark Side of “Real”: Kim Soo-hyun’s Film Faces Renewed Outrage Over Sulli’s Exploitation and Hidden Trauma appeared first on KBIZoom. KBIZoom – Breaking news about K-pop, K-drama, Anime/Manga and worldwide entertainment KBIZoom – Breaking news about K-pop, K-drama, Anime/Manga and worldwide entertainment
