Korean soloist, IU, who has been in the headlines for her remarkable performance in Netflix K-drama ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines,’ has found herself caught in the crossfire in the Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron underage dating controversy, largely because of her decade-long friendship with the ‘Queen of Tears’ star. The duo worked together in 2011’s Dream High and have since maintained a close bond over the years.
As Kim Soo-hyun’s scandal has gained traction, many have questioned IU’s silence over the controversy. Amid this, the late actress Sulli’s brother has made cryptic claims against the ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ actress. Her name was dragged into the controversy after Sulli’s brother claimed it was IU who passed the script of ‘Real’ movie to his sister.
He alleged that the script provided to Sulli didn’t mention the nudity aspect in detail, which caused her mental stress. He also suggests a body double was present while shooting the bed scenes; despite this, Sulli was persuaded to film it herself.
After GOLDMEDALIST denied that the production company pressured Sulli to perform the explicit scene in the 2017 film, her brother once again shared a cryptic post on social media mentioning several industry names. Real’s director Lee Sa-ran, actor Kim Soo-hyun, Youtuber Lee Jin-ho, and Kim Sae-ron’s manager were on the list. Shockingly, IU also made it to his list, where Sulli’s brother described that the psychiatrist treating Sulli was suggested by IU.
KimSoohyun, Lee Sa-rang, Lee Jin-ho, and Kwak Tae-young – Central Figures
Lee Jung-seop – Victim (Key Point)
IU – Close to Kim Soo-hyun, initially offered the female lead role in Real but declined and passed the script to Sulli.
Kim Sun-ah – Possibly close to Lee Sa-rang (?)… https://t.co/D6Z3lmmQWD pic.twitter.com/iSOKj8kzzE
— Feminist Sanctuary🇰🇷🌺☀️ (@sanctuary_for_f) April 2, 2025
Additionally, the psychiatrist in question also treated Goo Hara, who also died of an apparent suicide, only a month after Sulli’s death. Kim Sae-ron, who passed away earlier in February of an apparent suicide, was also receiving treatment by the same psychiatrist. Sulli’s brother didn’t specify the meaning behind disclosing these hidden connections publicly in the post.
The actress, singer, and former K-pop band member Sulli, 25, was found dead in her house in Seongnam, Seoul, on October 14, 2019. Multiple media outlets have linked her death to depression caused by cyberbullying.
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