Former Director of Late Sulli’s Film “Real” Speaks Out: “I’ve Been Heartbroken for a Long Time”

As the family of the late singer and actress Sulli demands an official statement from Kim Soo-hyun regarding Sulli’s nude scenes in the film “Real,” the movie’s original director Lee Jung-sub has shared his thoughts.

Former “Real” Director Speaks Out

On March 28, Lee Jung-sub posted on his personal social media account, “Someone mentioned an old tweet I wrote in 2017 about being replaced as the director of ‘Real.’ I suppose the film is being brought up again because of a certain actor these days… No way — could it really be them? Now that the film is out, I can say this confidently: I had absolutely 0% responsibility for how that movie turned out.”

He added, “Thank you. It has pained me deeply for a long time,” expressing his long-held frustrations.

“Real” is a noir action film that tells the story of two men involved in the largest casino operation in Asia. Initially, Lee Jung-sub directed most of the film, but during post-production, the directorial role was transferred to Lee Sa-rang (now Lee Robe), Kim Soo-hyun’s cousin and current CEO of Gold Medalist.

At the time, the production company explained, “The director stepped down due to creative differences regarding the film’s direction,” adding that “post-production is currently underway.”

Since the recent emergence of underage relationship allegations involving Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron, Lee Jung Sub has used his social media to repeatedly criticize the entertainment industry and media.

On March 11, he wrote, “Breaking through the stronghold of South Korea’s media, its corporate interests, and the political and financial circles these stars cling to is almost impossible. No one understands the desperation of exposing this impenetrable cartel until they become a victim themselves.” He also reposted content related to “Real,” Kim Soo-hyun, Sulli, and Kim Sae-ron.

Then, on March 13, he added, “Too many of my beloved friends have passed away. Thinking about them, I feel like I have survived miserably and cowardly. This world is too vile to remain sane.”

Family of Late Sulli Speaks Out

On March 28, Sulli’s older brother, Mr. Choi, issued a statement through Kwon Young-chan, head of the Korea Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association. In the statement, he said, “At the time of Sulli’s funeral in 2019, there were signs that Sulli had been pressured into performing nude and bed scenes during the filming of Real.”

He continued, “There were also claims that explicit scenes not originally in the script were added. Although a body double was reportedly present on set, contrary to explanations that the double was unavailable due to health issues, testimonies suggest the double was actually there.” He then called on Kim Soo-hyun and director Lee Sa-rang to clarify their stance on the issue.

In response, Gold Medalist stated that they are “currently verifying the facts” and refrained from further comments.