Kim Soo Hyun and the Ethical Firestorm Behind 'Real'
The 2017 Korean film Real, starring Kim Soo Hyun, is once again at the center of a growing controversy. This time, the allegations are not about the film’s quality or storyline—but about what went on behind the scenes, particularly concerning Sulli (Choi Jin-ri), who tragically passed away in 2019.
Sulli’s family has come forward claiming that she was pressured into filming explicit (sexual or nude) scenes despite the availability of a body double. This accusation has sparked an intense debate about ethics in film production and the rights actors—especially young women—have when they are asked to perform emotionally or physically sensitive scenes.
Ethics in Film Production: Two Sides of the Argument
Allegations: Sulli’s Family Speaks Out
According to the family, Sulli was subjected to undue pressure by the production team, including Kim Soo Hyun’s management, to film a sex scene herself—even though a stand-in was available. They argue that emotional pressure is no less damaging than physical coercion, and that what she experienced was a violation of her autonomy and professional rights.
A study by A.C.E Shortfilm, which focuses on artist safety in entertainment, supports such concerns: it states that actors asked to perform intimate scenes without full consent or psychological support can suffer long-term mental health issues.
The family claims that Sulli was deeply affected by the experience, prompting a broader conversation: Are we protecting actors from coercion in an industry that often celebrates raw, vulnerable performances at any cost?
Response: Kim Soo Hyun’s Team Pushes Back
In response, representatives for Kim Soo Hyun have stated that Sulli knew exactly what the role entailed and agreed to it beforehand. They emphasize that filming was conducted with full safety protocols and oversight from both the director and crew.
Legal representatives from the production team are reportedly preparing documents to verify that all scenes were filmed according to contractual agreements and standard regulations. They argue that any claims of misconduct are unfounded and unfairly damage the reputations of everyone involved.
Moreover, supporters of the film urge the public to separate the moral debate from the film’s artistic merit, warning against letting a retrospective controversy rewrite how the film is perceived.
Beyond ‘Real’: Broader Concerns About Ethics and Law
What started as a dispute over one film is now evolving into a much larger issue. The ethical concerns arising from Sulli’s case echo what we saw with the Hollywood #MeToo movement, where many actresses revealed how power imbalances led to abuse or pressure during filming. The common thread? Silence in the face of systemic mistreatment.
Sulli’s family may be heading toward legal action, arguing that the production team failed to uphold principles of consent and safe working environments. For South Korea—whose film industry is growing more influential globally—this could be a turning point in how contracts and gender equity are enforced on set.
Looking Ahead: What Needs to Change?
Regardless of where one stands on the specifics of Sulli’s case, it’s clear that the entertainment world must strengthen how it respects and protects its talent. Building trust between actors and production staff, clarifying legal and ethical boundaries, and offering mental health resources are crucial steps forward.
For audiences, this also means taking a more nuanced view of the movies they watch—not just admiring the finished product but also considering how ethically it was made. In the end, the scandal surrounding Real may serve as a wake-up call for an industry that too often romanticizes suffering in the name of art.
