Kim Soo Hyun’s “Real” Former Director Speaks Out About Controversial “Forced Nude Audition”
On March 29, Director Lee responded to a user’s request on SNS asking for clarification about the circulating claims regarding the casting process. The user wrote, “The content of this public audition was extremely inappropriate and beyond common sense. Calling it a ‘film industry practice’ is just a tired excuse. No one makes movies like this anymore—not even B-list films.”
Director Lee replied, “I am not credited as the ‘director’ of ‘Real’, so I technically have no right to offer an official explanation. However, in response to the article, let me clarify: during the initial stages of the audition, the production team did not allow me to be on-site. I was excluded to ensure fairness.” He added, “I was able to meet the final eight candidates selected by the production team and personally chose one of them—actress Han Ji Eun, then a rookie—who joined the project and filmed with me happily.”
Director Lee continued, “Actor Jo Woo Jin, then a rookie, also went through an audition process and was carefully cast. I first met him at the VIP screening of ‘Inside Men’, and we later worked together in the film. I chose both actors through an open audition, but again, since I’m not credited as the director, I don’t have the authority to issue a formal statement.”
Casting notices from “Real” show that applicants for the two lead female roles were required to agree to high-level nude scenes. Those unwilling to perform such scenes were barred from applying. Applicants were restricted to women aged 19–33, including rookies and established actresses.
Online, self-claimed applicants of the audition have shared their disturbing experiences. One said, “The audition was held at the Octagon Club. We were told to dress in clubwear. In the middle of the day, young actresses lined up in revealing outfits in front of Nonhyeon Intersection. Inside the club, they were dancing on tables and hanging off the bar to catch attention.”
Another added, “Usually auditions include a free performance and a set script, but there was none of that. The lights went off, and several cameras started filming. It was terrifying. I tried to leave, and a security staff member by the door said ‘Why are you leaving already?’ like I was a party guest. It was an extremely weird and uncomfortable experience.”
Previously, Director Lee had commented under a post defending the original director of “Real” (prior to Lee Sa Rang’s takeover), saying, “Thank you. I’ve been heartbroken for a long time.”
He also wrote on March 14, following Kim Soo Hyun’s statement about the rumors of dating Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor, “You should apologize to the deceased first. You’re still human. You haven’t changed—just evolved to be more vicious.”
He reposted and supported a message from Kim Sae Ron’s alleged ex-boyfriend, who refuted claims that the actress’s family caused her death, calling the accusations “the same old tactics” and “insult”, adding in rage, “F*cking trauma.”
Director Lee also reposted the statement that the late Kim Sae Ron was unable to release, saying, “It breaks my heart. This is painful.”
He further expressed his anguish, “So many of my beloved friends have passed away. Thinking of them makes me feel like I’ve barely survived—pathetically and cowardly. This world is too low to stay sane in.”
On March 28, Sulli’s older brother formally delivered a statement to Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, requesting answers. He asked why the bed scene with Sulli was reportedly not in the original script, why it was shot even though a body double was supposedly present, and why they claimed the double was sick and unavailable when she was apparently on set.
Meanwhile, Kim Soo Hyun has remained silent in the face of mounting evidence suggesting he dated the late Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor. Though he changed his statement a few days ago to say they dated “for 1~2 years after she became an adult”, he has yet to respond to new claims or to Sulli’s family’s formal request.