The 2017 film 'Real', starring Kim Soo Hyun and the late f(x) member Sulli, is once again under public scrutiny—this time over allegations made by Sulli’s older brother, Choi, concerning forced nudity, changes in the film’s direction, and a behind-the-scenes power struggle.
On April 4th KST, multiple sources confirmed that the film’s original director and screenwriter, Lee Jung Sub, stepped down near the end of filming amid internal conflicts and suspicions of financial misconduct. According to insiders familiar with the situation, Lee had been under scrutiny for alleged embezzlement and overcharging the production for labor and operating costs while heading production company A Corp., which had been subcontracted by 'Real'’s official production company.
Although both sides refrained from addressing the allegations publicly at the time, it’s widely believed a mutual non-disclosure agreement was signed to ensure the film’s release, which reportedly cost 11.5 billion won (approx. $7.8 million USD) to produce.
There were also concerns that Lee independently secured sponsorships from brands competing with the film’s primary investor, raising additional conflict-of-interest red flags.
Following Lee’s departure, the film’s editing and public promotions were handled by Lee Love (credited as director Lee Sa Rang), Kim Soo Hyun’s cousin and the de facto head of his agency Gold Medalist. This shift led to speculation that Lee Love had strategically taken control of the production.
Now, nearly eight years after the film’s release, Choi has reignited controversy by alleging that Sulli’s nude and bed scenes—central to much of the recent public debate—were not initially specified in the script and were ultimately filmed despite the presence of a body double. Choi further claimed that Sulli experienced significant physical and mental distress during that period and questioned why she had to perform the scenes herself.
In response, Gold Medalist stated that the bed scenes were clearly outlined from the casting stage and that Sulli was made fully aware. They clarified that the so-called “body double” was merely a standing actor used during camera setup—not someone meant to act in place of Sulli. They also emphasized that Kim Soo Hyun, who starred in the film, had no involvement in directing or editing decisions.
Director Lee Jung Sub, who had remained largely silent for years, finally commented via his X (formerly Twitter) account. He said, “I have no official standing since my name isn’t in the credits, but the production team didn’t allow me on set during the early stages of filming.” He also wrote, “It’s been painful all these years, but I can finally say with confidence that I had nothing to do with how that film turned out.”
However, sources close to the production insist that it was indeed Lee who directed the now-controversial nude scenes and was involved in discussions with Sulli about them. Choi has since called for full transparency regarding the director switch, questioning how a director could be removed after allegedly completing 80% of the filming.
When pressed about the embezzlement allegations, Lee told Korean media, “It’s impossible for a rookie director with no time to sleep to pull off any kind of embezzlement. It’s just like any other workplace conflict—they called it embezzlement as a way to pressure me.”
Gold Medalist declined to comment further, saying, “We are unable to respond.”
This new wave of revelations has sparked further debate over accountability, artistic consent, and power dynamics in the Korean film industry—issues that continue to resonate deeply in light of Sulli’s tragic passing and the unresolved trauma surrounding her final years.
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