Amid renewed scrutiny surrounding Real as well as the late singer-actress Sulli's treatment during its production, a 2017 interview with actor Kim Soo-Hyun has resurfaced.
The interview, originally aired on SBS's Night of Real Entertainment on June 27, 2017, featured Kim Soo-hyun, Sulli (born Choi Jin-ri), and actor Jo Woo-jin promoting the film.
At the time, Real garnered attention for featuring Sulli's first on-screen nude scene — a decision that has since drawn criticism, particularly from her family.
In the interview, when Sulli was asked whether she had slept well, she responded calmly, "I slept well." Kim Soo-hyun, seated beside her, added, "You seem to be the most nervous."
Describing the film, Kim called it "like a gift set," noting its complexity.
"The script took me more than three hours to read the first time, and it kept me up at night. After shooting 101 scenes, I was humbled," he said.
Jo Woo-jin commented on Kim's deep involvement in the film, stating, "On set, it was clear that Kim Soo-hyun was completely immersed in this film.
Isn't it 'of the Kim Soo-hyun, by the Kim Soo-hyun, for the Kim Soo-hyun'?" Kim responded, "Sunbae-nim, your tone is scary when it's flat."
Jo also praised Sulli's performance in her role as Song Yoo-hwa. "The most memorable character for me in Real was Song Yoo-hwa, played by Choi Jin-ri [Sulli]," he said.
On March 28, Sulli's family publicly raised concerns about the filming of the nude scene, alleging that certain scenes were not originally planned and that she was pressured to perform without a body double.
They also disputed past claims about her physical condition at the time, citing testimonies from those close to her.
In response, Gold Medalist — Kim Soo-hyun's agency and the production company behind Real — issued a statement denying any wrongdoing.
"The nude scenes were agreed upon prior to her casting, and her agency at the time, SM Entertainment, was fully aware of this," the statement read.
Sulli, who died in 2019, was famous for her assertive remarks and for being an advocate for mental health.
The renewed focus on Real has reignited public debate about how young artists — particularly women — are treated in the South Korean entertainment industry.
