New allegations have surfaced regarding the 2017 film Real, starring Kim Soo Hyun and the late singer-actress Sulli, as her older brother, Choi, publicly questioned the film's troubled production and the mental toll it took on his sister.

On April 4, multiple sources confirmed that the film's original director and screenwriter, Lee Jung Sub, left the production near the end of filming amid internal conflicts and financial controversy.

Insiders, as per AllKpop, said Lee had been scrutinized for alleged embezzlement and overcharging the production while working under A Corp., a subcontractor to the film's official production company.

Although neither party addressed the claims publicly at the time, it is widely believed that a mutual non-disclosure agreement was signed to secure the film's release.

The production reportedly cost 11.5 billion won (approximately $7.8 million).

Sources also raised concerns that Lee secured brand sponsorships independently, some of which conflicted with the film's primary investors, creating potential conflicts of interest.

Following Lee's departure, Lee Love (credited as Lee Sa Rang), Kim Soo Hyun's cousin and head of his agency Gold Medalist, oversaw the film's editing and promotions.

The transition prompted speculation that Lee Love had taken strategic control over the production.

Years later, Choi reignited public debate, alleging that the nude and bed scenes featuring Sulli were not initially specified in the script and were filmed despite a body double being present.

Choi claimed that Sulli suffered emotional and physical distress during the filming and questioned the necessity of her involvement in the explicit scenes.

Gold Medalist issued a response stating, "The bed scenes were clearly outlined from the casting stage and Sulli was made fully aware."

The agency added that the 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 "had no involvement in directing or editing decisions."

Director Lee Jung Sub, who had remained silent for years, commented publicly via X, formerly Twitter.

"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," Lee 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, production sources contend that Lee did direct the controversial nude scenes and engaged in discussions with Sulli about them.

Choi has since demanded complete transparency regarding the directorial transition, questioning, "How could a director be removed after allegedly completing 80% of the filming?"

When asked about the embezzlement allegations, Lee denied wrongdoing.

"It's impossible for a rookie director with no time to sleep to pull off any kind of embezzlement," he told Korean media.

"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."