Table of ContentsAgency Releases Signed Staff AffidavitsAddressing the Accusations from Sulli’s BrotherFull Statement from Gold MedalistFull Confirmation Letter from the Assistant DirectorFull Confirmation Letter from the Script Supervisor

On April 2, Gold Medalist, the agency representing actor Kim Soo-hyun issued a detailed statement, emphasizing that Sulli and her former agency, SM Entertainment, were fully informed of the content and expectations surrounding the role in “Real” from the start. The clarification comes days after Sulli’s older brother made claims online that reignited public outrage.

“The female lead role Song Yoo-hwa, played by Choi Jin-ri, required bed scenes as specified in the script from the beginning,” the agency wrote. “Casting notices explicitly sought ‘an actor comfortable with nudity,’ as this was a prerequisite for the character.”

Agency Releases Signed Staff Affidavits

Gold Medalist stated that SM Entertainment and Sulli were given the full script, including all bed scenes and reference material detailing the level of nudity, before she accepted the role. A nudity clause was also formally included in her contract.

To reinforce their claims, the agency submitted affidavits from assistant director Kim Joong-ok and script supervisor Lee Joon-hyun, who confirmed that all scenes were shot in accordance with protocol and the pre-agreed script. “Choi Jin-ri was fully aware and consented to filming them,” the agency stated. “Forcing an actor to film nude scenes against their will is unthinkable in any production.”

Addressing the Accusations from Sulli’s Brother

The response follows accusations made by Sulli’s brother, Mr. A, on March 28, alleging that Kim Soo-hyun and director Lee Sa-rang (Lee Ro-be, Kim’s cousin) had pressured the actress to film scenes that were either unscripted or not originally detailed.

He also claimed that a body double was present on set but was not used, implying that Sulli may have been coerced. According to Mr. A, this information was discussed by mourners at her funeral.

In response, Gold Medalist firmly denied any direct contact with Sulli’s family, “We never contacted Choi Jin-ri’s mother, we didn’t even have her contact details.”

Full Statement from Gold Medalist

Hello, this is Gold Medalist.

We would like to provide an official statement regarding the recent controversy surrounding the film “Real.”

First, we express our condolences for the late actress Choi Jin-ri.

The character Song Yoo-hwa, played by the late Choi Jin-ri, had bed scenes written in the script from the beginning, and therefore, the casting notice clearly stated that the role required “an actor comfortable with nudity.” Just like how job postings include required qualifications, nudity was a necessary part of the role of Song Yoo-hwa and was therefore clearly disclosed beforehand. In fact, discussing nudity only after casting would have placed undue pressure on the actor, which we believe would be inappropriate.

The script provided to Choi Jin-ri and her then-agency (SM Entertainment) included the bed scenes, and reference materials describing the character Song Yoo-hwa contained visual samples indicating the degree of nudity. Furthermore, the contract explicitly included a clause about the level of nudity. Both Choi Jin-ri and her agency thoroughly reviewed all the materials before agreeing to participate in the project.

Still, knowing how much courage bed scenes require, the production team ensured thorough preparation in advance, and Choi Jin-ri was fully aware of and agreed to the bed scenes before filming. Regarding the points raised by her brother:

▲ Regarding the bed scenes: The late Choi Jin-ri was fully aware of these scenes and participated in the filming with prior understanding.

▲ Regarding the body double: There was no “body double” to act in her place; rather, a “standing actor” was used during the preparation phase to substitute the actress’s position for lighting and camera angles. This actor did not perform or appear in the actual scenes.

To support this, we attach confirmation letters from “Real”’s assistant director Kim Joong-ok and script supervisor Lee Joon-hyun, who were involved in filming all scenes including the bed scenes. We also want to clarify that actor Kim Soo-hyun, who participated in the project as an actor, had no involvement in the production process, such as the script, storyboarding, or filming decisions.

As confirmed by key staff, the late Choi Jin-ri and her agency were fully informed about the role of Song Yoo-hwa. It is unthinkable in any production to force an actor to perform nude or bed scenes without their consent.

Lastly, we have never contacted the late Choi Jin-ri’s mother and do not have her contact information.

We understand that hearing comments from the funeral may have raised questions. However, bringing up a matter from six years ago and posting unverified claims on social media as if they were personally experienced is difficult for us to accept.

We ask that people refrain from spreading baseless speculations that hurt those who poured their love and effort into the film “Real.”

Furthermore, in light of Kim Soo-hyun’s current situation, we ask everyone to stop spreading unconfirmed statements. 

Thank you.

Full Confirmation Letter from the Assistant Director

Hello, I am Kim Joong-ok, who participated in the film “Real” as the assistant director.

While I am cautious about speaking on this matter, I believe it is my duty as the assistant director and someone who oversaw the filming of the bed scenes to clarify misunderstandings and ensure that no one is unjustly harmed.

First, regarding the bed scenes: The scenes involving the female lead, Song Yoo-hwa, were clearly written into the script. A storyboard visualizing the scenes was also prepared in advance. Both the script and the storyboard were compiled into booklets and provided to the actors and their agencies, who reviewed them and agreed to proceed. These materials were also distributed to all staff members before filming began.

Furthermore, one to three days before actual filming, the daily shooting schedule, daily script, and daily storyboard were shared with the actors and crew involved in that day’s scenes. Therefore, the claim that the script lacked specific details is incorrect. While changes to cuts or character movements can happen on any film or drama set through mutual agreement between the director and actors, I can confirm that the scenes in question were filmed without any issues. If there had been any problems as claimed, not only myself but also the other staff present would have objected to filming — of that I am certain.

Regarding the casting of the female lead, the casting notice clearly stated that nudity and bed scenes were required for the role. Thus, it is unlikely that anyone was unaware of this requirement.

Now, regarding the “body double” issue: It’s important to distinguish between a “body double” and a “standing actor.”

A “body double” refers to someone who performs in place of the actor — for example, for high-difficulty action scenes or specific close-up shots like hands or body parts, which are later used in the final production.

A “standing actor” is someone who substitutes for the actor during lengthy camera and lighting setup times, simply standing in the actor’s position to help staff adjust their equipment. Standing actors do not act or appear in the actual scenes.

In “Real,” there was no female body double. To protect the actors during nude scenes, we recruited standing actors through extras agencies to assist during pre-shoot preparations. Therefore, the claim that the bed or nude scenes were forced on the actress without using a double is incorrect.

Regarding the rumor that the standing actor could not come due to illness, I don’t clearly remember the specifics as this happened a long time ago, but I recall that the usual standing actor was sick and someone else came in their place that day. This might be the source of the confusion.

At the time of filming (2015), the concept of “standing actors” was not yet common in the Korean film industry, so misunderstandings could have arisen.

Finally, if there had been any attempts to pressure or force an actor into bed or nude scenes without their consent, the managers from SM Entertainment, who were always on set, would have intervened to protect the actor. There were no objections raised by the company or complaints from the actor that halted filming. The movie was completed and released without incident.

I understand that hearing something at the funeral may have led to misunderstandings. I sincerely hope that no one continues to suffer because of this.

Again, I am sharing the facts so that no one endures unnecessary pain and that no one is unjustly accused.

Thank you.

Full Confirmation Letter from the Script Supervisor

I am Lee Joon-hyun, who worked as the script supervisor on the film “Real” from May 2015 to April 2017.

I recently saw articles reporting that the late Choi Jin-ri’s brother requested an explanation from the production staff. I’m sorry to say this, but I believe there has been a misunderstanding. If this misunderstanding leads her family to believe that the scenes were filmed under such conditions, it may be causing them continued pain — which is why, as someone who was present on set, I feel the need to share what I remember.

The bed scene involving the late Choi Jin-ri’s character was already present in the script when I joined the production in May 2015. The first storyboard meeting for this scene, led by director Lee Jung-sub, took place on August 20, 2015. At that time, the scene was planned with 21 cuts. From July to November, I worked with the director and storyboard artist to develop this content. After revisions, the scene was reduced to 13 cuts in December 2015 and included in the full storyboard book distributed to all staff and actors.

On April 1, 2016, the bed scene was filmed on Set C in Paju. It followed the storyboard but was simplified into 9 shots. While the written script may not have detailed every aspect of the scene, the camera angles, character actions, and dialogue laid out in the storyboard were faithfully turned into scenes. The storyboard book was distributed to over 100 people months before filming, and everyone, including the actors, had time to prepare.

Regarding the body double issue — there was no actual “double.” There was a standing actor on set, someone who helps with camera and lighting adjustments before the real actor comes in. Because it was a nude scene, a different standing actor (compared to those used in regular scenes) was used, and they wore minimal clothing while helping staff prepare. Perhaps because someone unfamiliar saw this person, they assumed a double had been used.

From what I remember, Choi Jin-ri was incredibly positive and bright on set. She was always well-prepared and enthusiastic about her scenes. I recall that after her final shoot, she handed out cookies she had prepared to all the staff, including the youngest crew members. She even visited the editing room during post-production.

I hope that no one suffers unnecessarily because of misinformation, and that no one is unfairly criticized due to misunderstandings.

Regarding the much-discussed actress audition held at Club Octagon: while I wasn’t in charge of the audition, I was present. I recall the final 7-8 actresses being evaluated in a group interview with director Lee Jung-sub, the production CEO, and producers — not a one-on-one, but in a corporate interview style, seated in a row.

There is controversy over whether the audition notice stating “Actresses unable to perform high-level nude scenes cannot apply for the lead role” was appropriate. But since the character required nudity, we based that wording on similar notices used by other major directors at the time. In short, nudity and bed scenes were openly stated as requirements from the beginning, and the claim that such scenes were added or forced during filming is simply not true.

As the controversy unfolds, public attention now turns to whether director Lee Sa-rang will issue a similar statement, and whether further evidence will surface to confirm or contradict the claims on either side.