The family of the late actress Sulli (real name Choi Jin-ri) has spoken out publicly for the first time in years, calling for statements from actor Kim Soo-hyun and director Lee Sarang (also known as Lee Rove), who directed the 2017 film Real, in which Sulli starred.

On March 28, Sulli's older brother delivered an official statement to the press, saying, "Over the past six years, we've lived in deep sorrow and tears, but we've also felt sincere gratitude thanks to the support and kindness of many."

He continued, "Even more so, we couldn't ignore or pass by the recent death of the late Kim Sae-ron as if it weren't related to us." He extended his condolences to the bereaved family of Kim Sae-ron.

Sulli's brother then issued a formal request for both Kim Soo-hyun and Lee Sarang to provide public responses to three specific matters related to the filming of Real:

  • "We heard from staff and cast members at the funeral that the bed scene between the late Sulli and Kim Soo-hyun was not originally detailed in the script. We would like to know Kim Soo-hyun's stance on this matter."
  • "We understand there was a body double present on set for the nude scene. Why then was the double not used, and why was Sulli persuaded-if not pressured-into filming the bed and nude scenes herself?"
  • "It has been claimed that the body double was unable to work that day due to illness. However, according to testimonies from attendees at the funeral, the body double was in fact present on set. We are asking for a factual clarification from both Kim Soo-hyun and Lee Sarang."

He emphasized, "Although we heard much more during Sulli's funeral, we will restrict ourselves to these three fact-based questions and request active responses from the parties involved."

The brother recently submitted a letter to the Korea Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association, expressing his hope that the late Kim Sae-ron's family will be given space to grieve and receive a sincere apology and the truth from those involved. He also criticized YouTuber Lee Jin-ho for denying claims and attacking the bereaved family.

Furthermore, he conveyed his willingness to meet the family of Kim Sae-ron at any time to share in their pain, should they desire it.

Kwon Young-chan, director of the Korea Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association, said, "Though it comes late, we sincerely mourn the family of the late Sulli once again. We hope that no more malicious comments or harm are inflicted upon the family of the late Kim Sae-ron."

Sulli's brother has continued to post critical messages toward Kim Soo-hyun on social media. On March 28, he wrote on Instagram, "It's been six years since my sister passed. It's also been six years since you turned her into your plaything. The pain you'll face over the next six years-don't break down too quickly."

On March 21, he had also referenced the allegations of Kim Soo-hyun's underage relationship with Kim Sae-ron, writing, "Your life, my life, all our lives are 'Real'-pure darkness."

Real, released in 2017, featured Sulli and Kim Soo-hyun in leading roles. The director, Lee Sarang, is a co-founder of Kim Soo-hyun's current agency, Gold Medalist. The film included several high-intensity scenes, including explicit exposure, that were heavily scrutinized after release.

According to Sulli's family, the actress vowed after filming Real that she would "never shoot another movie again," citing trauma and distress. She later sought psychiatric treatment due to the psychological toll the experience took on her.

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