The older brother of the late actress Sulli (Choi Jin-ri) has called on actor Kim Soo-hyun and director Lee Sarang (also known as Lee Rove), CEO of Kim Soo-hyun's agency Gold Medalist, to publicly respond to lingering questions surrounding the filming of a bed scene in the 2017 film Real.
According to a report by Yonhap News TV on March 28, Sulli's brother released a statement expressing gratitude for the support his family has received over the past six years, but also voicing his inability to stay silent in light of recent events. "We have lived these six years with deep sorrow and tears, but thanks to many people's support and care, we have endured," he said. "That's why we couldn't ignore the death of the late Kim Sae-ron as if it wasn't our business."
The brother then raised questions about what he called "suspicious details" he heard during Sulli's funeral in 2019, specifically regarding the filming of the bed scene in Real. He stated, "These are not widely known details, and we cannot confirm the facts. However, we were told that a body double existed and that, despite claims that the double was sick and unable to attend, the double was actually present on set."
He continued, "Since the person involved is no longer with us, it may be difficult to determine the full truth. Still, I would like to hear from Kim Soo-hyun's side and from director Lee Sarang, who oversaw the film."
Referring to discussions that took place during Sulli's funeral, he added, "According to testimonies from staff and fellow actors, the bed scene between the late Sulli and Kim Soo-hyun was not originally written in such explicit detail in the script. I would like to hear Kim Soo-hyun's position on this."
He further asked, "Why was a body double not used, even though we understand one was available on set? Why was Sulli persuaded-effectively pressured-into doing the bed scene and the nude scene herself?" He also questioned, "It was said the body double was unavailable due to illness, but witnesses at the funeral claimed the double was at the scene. Is that true?"
Following the release of the statement, Sulli's brother posted the related news article on his personal social media account with the caption, "Gold [Gold Medalist], I hope you respond soon. Not with what you want to say, but with the answers I want."
In response, Gold Medalist briefly stated, "We are checking the facts," and refrained from further comment.
Real, which premiered in 2017, starred Kim Soo-hyun and the late Sulli in leading roles. The film, an action noir centered on a sprawling conspiracy surrounding Asia's largest casino, drew attention at the time for its intense themes and controversial bed scenes between the two stars.
Sulli passed away in October 2019.
