Uncovering the Truth Behind “Real”: Why the Director Was Really Replaced, Not About Sulli?

The recent controversy surrounding the film “Real” has reignited public scrutiny, following allegations raised by the late Sulli’s brother about forced exposure and director replacement. However, new revelations suggest the real reason for the mid-production shakeup was a serious financial conflict, not the filming of Sulli’s bed scenes.

Director’s Exit Tied to Financial Disputes, Not Scene Controversy

According to a Hankyung.com investigation published on April 4, director Lee Jung-sub, originally in charge of both screenplay and direction, left the project near the end of filming due to allegations of embezzlement and breach of trust involving hundreds of millions of KRW. His company, referred to as “Company A”, reportedly overcharged operational costs and sought sponsorships without production approval, including one from a rival investor.

The production company, Real Culture Industry Special Company, and Lee agreed to a non-disclosure pact to protect the film’s 11.5 billion KRW (approx. 8 million USD) budget and ensure its release. After Lee’s departure, Lee Ro-bae (credited as Lee Sa-rang), Kim Soo-hyun’s cousin and an executive, took over directing responsibilities.

“Real” depicts a conflict that unfolds when a mysterious investor appears before a casino boss on the verge of opening his establishment, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. Starring Kim Soo-hyun, the film also marked the directorial debut of Lee Ro-bae.

Sulli’s Brother Challenges the Official Explanation

Mr. Choi, Sulli’s brother, questioned not only the nude scenes but also the circumstances surrounding Lee Jung-sub’s departure. He claimed that while the scenes were storyboarded, the final version differed from what was initially shown, and despite the presence of a body double, Sulli ended up filming them herself due to mental and physical exhaustion.

Choi argued, “There was a body double for the nude scenes, and filming followed the storyboard. Yet, the final edited version was different. At that time, Sulli was physically and mentally exhausted.”

He further claimed, “The script did not detail the nude or bed scenes, and while a body double was present, Sulli ended up filming them herself,” demanding explanations from Kim Soo-hyun and Lee Ro-bae.

Director Lee Jung-sub, who had remained silent for years, responded publicly on X (formerly Twitter):

• “I don’t have a ‘director’ credit, so I’m not in a position to make an official statement.”
• “But regarding the reports, I was deliberately kept away from the audition process.”
• “Now that the film is out, I can say this confidently: Not even 1% of how the film turned out is my fault.”
• “It’s been painful to stay silent all this time.”

In a reply to a Kim Soo-hyun fan, he added,_ “I’ve never made exposes or provocations. If you’re truly his fan, consider how his actions have impacted the world. I, too, was once his ardent supporter.”_

Conflicting Accounts from Production and Legal Pushback

Despite Mr. Choi’s claims, insiders confirmed that the controversial nude scenes were directed by Lee Jung-sub and were part of the original script. Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, refuted allegations of coercion, stating:

• “The bed scenes were in the script from the start, and casting explicitly sought ‘actors comfortable with nudity.’”
• “Sulli was fully aware before filming. There was no acting double, only a ‘stand-in’ for blocking scenes.”
• “Script, storyboard, and filming decisions fall under the production team’s domain, Kim Soo-hyun, as an actor, had no involvement.”

Mr. Choi later countered, “If there were no issues during filming, I demand transparency regarding Lee Jung-sub’s mid-production exit. I heard 80% was already shot before his departure, how does that make sense?”

Regarding the embezzlement allegations tied to the director change, Lee Jung-sub told Hankyung.com, “I left because the vision was completely misaligned. Embezzlement claims are absurd, as a rookie director with no sleep, what could I have stolen? The investors controlled everything.”

He continued, “They could frame even a misplaced pencil as embezzlement to pressure me. Workplace politics are all the same.”

Eight years after Real’s release, questions surrounding its chaotic production continue to stir debate, but new evidence makes one thing clear: the director change stemmed from business conflicts, not scandalous scenes.