Amid Kim Sae Ron controversy, Kim Soo Hyun's alleged links with late K-pop idol Sulli resurface: 'Threw her under the bus'
Amid the ongoing Kim Sae Ron controversy, Kim Soo Hyun¡¯s alleged connections to the late K-pop idol Sulli have resurfaced, with some netizens accusing him of "throwing her under the bus." The renewed attention focuses on the actor's involvement in the controversial film Real, in which Sulli's intimate scenes with him led to significant backlash.
Kim Soo Hyun's alleged links to Kim Sae Ron's death have netizens unearthing his past, and a section of social media users have now discovered his rumored connection with late K-pop idol and actress Sulli. For those unfamiliar, Kim Soo Hyun, who was last seen in Queen of Tears alongside Kim Ji Won, has faced criticism after a YouTube channel made unverified claims about his relationship with Kim Sae Ron, suggesting it began when she was just 15 and he was 27.
Why has Sulli's name resurfaced amid Kim Sae Ron's recent controversy?
Kim Soo Hyun and Sulli starred together in the 2017 film Real, which had a production budget of $11 million. The movie's teasers, particularly those featuring Sulli's intimate scenes, generated significant attention and curiosity among fans and critics alike.
As the film's release approached, the public's interest in the movie's plot and the on-screen chemistry between Kim Soo Hyun and Sulli grew. However, the film ultimately received mixed reviews, with most criticizing Sulli's intimate scenes.
The film was marred by a major scandal just 12 hours after its premiere. A topless scene featuring Sulli, as well as her intimate bed scenes with Kim Soo Hyun, was leaked online, spreading rapidly across websites and media platforms.
The film was also panned by Korean critics, who deemed it flashy but lacking in substance. Sulli's explicit 19+ scenes were widely criticized as unnecessary, with many arguing that her character failed to contribute meaningfully to the plot. The overwhelmingly negative response to the film had a devastating impact on Sulli's image and the film's reputation.
Why are netizens targeting Kim Soo Hyun over his links with Sulli?
Sulli, a former child star, faced intense backlash over her intimate scenes with Kim Soo Hyun in Real. Many have pointed out that while the late idol-actress had to endure the criticism, Kim Soo Hyun went on to have a successful career despite his involvement in the controversial film.
Netizens have been calling out the actor for not standing up for his co-star when she was allegedly slut-shamed by K-netizens. Some users have also noted that the action-noir film was produced by Kim Soo Hyun¡¯s cousin, yet it was Sulli who faced the brunt of the criticism.
Referring to his alleged involvement in Kim Sae Ron's death, one Xuser wrote, "Regardless of how much truth is in this, this is the same Kim Soohyun who, along with his cousin/half-brother, directed and produced a soft p*rno and let Sulli take the brunt of all the criticism when the movie flopped, so he's not getting the benefit of the doubt from me."
regardless of how much truth is in this, this is the same kim soohyun who along with his cousin/half brother directed and produced a soft p*rno and let sulli take the brunt of all the criticism when the movie flopped so he's not getting the benefit of the doubt from me https://t.co/hjHXlF3e0T
¡ª malleus apologist ? jmkl enjoyer (@jinriora) March 10, 2025
"The way everyone is shocked that Soohyun is not a good person at all when he threw Sulli under the bus during his own film release by acting disgusting and letting her receive all the backlash and bullying," a second X user added.
the way everyone is shocked that soohyun is not a good person at all when he threw sulli under the bus during his own film release by acting disgusting and letting her receive all the backlash and bullying https://t.co/6tSAlc7hIJ
¡ª ana ?? (@rbysrose) March 10, 2025
A third user added, "Kim Soohyun always gave me the ick, even before he got as popular as he is now. Ever since I read about his Cyworld and that comment about wanting to marry a woman 20 years younger than him, I couldn¡¯t stand him. It got even worse when he used Sulli and threw her under the bus."
kim soohyun always gave me the ick, even before he got as popular as he is now. ever since i read about his cyworld and that comment about wanting to marry a woman 20 years younger than him, i couldn¡¯t stand him. it got even worse when he used sulli and threw her under the bus. https://t.co/qEu9a3oLPh
¡ª ? (@kangjun_) March 11, 2025
About Sulli's death
South Korean singer and actress Sulli tragically passed away by suicide in 2019 at the age of 25, after a public struggle with mental health issues and relentless online bullying. Four years later, a documentary titled Dear Jinri, dedicated to Sulli's life and legacy, was screened at the 28th Busan International Film Festival.
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As an Entertainment Content Writer with 3+ Years of experience, I have been keeping a keen eye on who wore what. A self confessed Koreaboo, I am your fangirl next door. Ps: I take pride in saying that I grew up watching "It's Controversial" as a kid.
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