‘Real’ Controversy Revisited: Director Addresses Nudity Audition Claims Amidst kim Soo-hyun scandal
The 2017 film “Real,” starring Kim Soo-hyun, is once again under intense scrutiny, this time with former director Lee Jung-sub addressing the controversial “nudity audition” process that plagued the filmS pre-production. His statement comes amidst renewed interest in the film following allegations of a past relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and actress Kim Sae-ron, and further fueled by criticism from the late Sulli’s brother regarding the film’s problematic elements.
Lee Jung-sub, who was initially slated to direct “Real” before being replaced by Kim Soo-hyun’s cousin, Lee Sa-rang (also known as Lee Ro-be), took to social media to clarify his involvement in the controversial audition process.He stated that he was deliberately excluded from the initial stages of the audition to ensure fairness. “I was not allowed on set during the early stages of this audition by the production team,” Lee explained. “I was excluded from the selection process for the sake of fairness.”
He further elaborated that he was only involved in the final selection, where he met approximately eight finalists chosen by the production team. From this group, he personally selected actress Han Ji-eun, who was a newcomer at the time. Lee emphasized that his experience working with Han Ji-eun was positive. He also highlighted the casting of Cho Woo-jin, another then-unknown actor, who was chosen after a thorough audition process. Lee revealed that he first met Cho Woo-jin at a VIP screening of “Inside Men” and afterward cast him after an interview.
The controversy surrounding “Real” isn’t new. The film, wich ultimately received overwhelmingly negative reviews, was criticized for its convoluted plot, excessive violence, and, most notably, its explicit content, including the late Sulli’s nude scenes. Sulli, who tragically passed away in 2019, faced immense online harassment for her role in the film, particularly for her willingness to perform the demanding nude scenes.
The resurfacing of the “Real” audition controversy stems from the re-emergence of the audition notice, which explicitly stated that actresses unable to perform “high-level” nude scenes need not apply for the led role. This sparked outrage, with some auditionees claiming they where asked to audition in revealing clothing at nightclubs.
Lee Jung-sub’s statement attempts to distance himself from the most egregious aspects of the audition process.However, it does little to quell the broader concerns about the film’s exploitative nature and the pressures placed on young actresses in the Korean entertainment industry.
the recent allegations surrounding Kim Soo-hyun, coupled with the renewed focus on “Real,” have created a perfect storm of controversy. The late Sulli’s brother’s criticism of the film has added another layer of complexity, highlighting the lasting impact of the film’s production on those involved.
While Lee jung-sub defends his limited involvement, the “Real” controversy serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater clarity and ethical considerations in the casting process. The industry must prioritize the safety and well-being of actors, particularly young and vulnerable performers, and ensure that auditions are conducted with respect and dignity.The film’s legacy continues to be debated, with many questioning the creative decisions made during its production and the impact it had on the careers and lives of those involved. As the controversy surrounding “Real” continues to unfold, it is crucial to examine the systemic issues that allowed such a problematic production to occur in the first place. The industry needs to learn from these mistakes and implement safeguards to prevent similar situations from happening again. The focus should be on creating a more equitable and respectful environment for all actors, ensuring that their talent and artistry are valued above all else.
