A Controversy Resurfaces
The South Korean entertainment industry has been rocked by a series of allegations involving actor Kim Soo-Hyun and the late actress Sulli. Sulli’s brother, Choi Da Hee, has accused Kim Soo-Hyun of pressuring his sister into performing explicit scenes in the 2017 film Real. This revelation has emerged amid a separate scandal involving Kim Soo-Hyun and late actress Kim Sae-Ron, further intensifying public scrutiny.
The controversy has prompted Kim Soo-Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, to issue a response. As reported by All K-pop, the agency has stated that they are “currently verifying the situation” regarding the allegations involving Sulli.
The Allegations: Choi Da Hee Speaks Out
Choi Da Hee has raised three primary concerns regarding Real, the film that starred both Kim Soo-Hyun and Sulli. According to him, the explicit scene featuring Sulli was not initially included in the script. He further alleged that although a body double was meant to perform in place of Sulli for the nude scenes, this arrangement was not honored, and she was allegedly coerced into filming the shot herself.
In a statement, Choi Da Hee expressed his frustration, demanding sincere responses from both Kim Soo-Hyun and Real’s director, Lee Sa-Ra. “We could no longer ignore the death of the late Kim Sae-Ron or treat it as if it were not our concern. Although we learned a lot at Sulli’s funeral, we are limiting our questions to these three key facts and earnestly ask for sincere responses,” he said.
Kim Soo-Hyun and Sulli: Career Highlights
Kim Soo-Hyun, one of South Korea’s most celebrated actors, gained international recognition through his roles in Dream High, My Love from the Star, and It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. Known for his versatile performances, he has received several awards and remains one of the highest-paid actors in the country.
Sulli, originally a member of the K-pop group f(x), transitioned into acting and took on bold roles in films such as Real. However, she struggled with severe online harassment and mental health challenges. In 2019, she tragically passed away at the age of 25, with authorities citing severe depression as a contributing factor.
Kim Soo-Hyun’s Latest Controversy
The timing of these allegations is particularly significant as they emerge alongside another controversy involving Kim Soo-Hyun. The actor has been accused of having a relationship with Kim Sae-Ron when she was only 15 years old, while he was 27. This claim, coupled with his alleged role in Sulli’s distressing experience on set, has placed him under intense public scrutiny. The backlash has intensified following Kim Sae-Ron’s recent death by suicide, with speculations surrounding her struggles and connections to industry pressures.
Impact on the Korean Film Industry
The ongoing controversy highlights deep-rooted issues within the South Korean entertainment industry, particularly regarding power dynamics, mental health, and the treatment of young artists. The film industry has long been criticized for its lack of protection for actors, especially women, from exploitative practices.
As public discourse around these issues grows, industry leaders may be compelled to implement stricter regulations to safeguard artists from coercion and ensure ethical filmmaking practices. The scandal involving Kim Soo-Hyun, Sulli, and Kim Sae-Ron could serve as a catalyst for much-needed change in the entertainment industry, sparking conversations about accountability, transparency, and mental health support for actors in South Korea.
(With inputs from agencies)
