IU linked to Sulli, Kim Sae Ron via psychiatrist: How her name got pulled into the controversy

South Korean singer and actress IU, known for her long-standing influence in the entertainment industry, has found herself unexpectedly at the centre of a resurfacing controversy involving the late actress Sulli and actor Kim Soo Hyun. The issues surrounding the 2017 film ‘Real,’ allegations from Sulli’s brother, and claims about a shared psychiatrist have put IU under renewed scrutiny.

‘Real’ and Sulli’s mental health

The controversy traces back to ‘Real,’ a film released in 2017 that starred Kim Soo Hyun and Sulli, with IU reportedly making a cameo. Recently, Sulli’s brother publicly accused Kim Soo Hyun of pressuring Sulli to shoot intimate scenes for the film herself, despite the availability of a body double. After its release, Sulli faced intense criticism which, according to her brother, impacted her mental well-being.

Adding fuel to the fire, he alleged that IU had first been offered the lead role in the film but declined. “IU was close with Kim Soo Hyun. After rejecting the original female lead role in ‘Real,’ she handed the script over to Sulli,” he claimed in an edited post.

IU and the psychiatrist link

According to Koreaboo, another major aspect of the controversy involves a psychiatrist. Sulli’s brother claimed that IU had introduced Sulli to a psychiatrist, whom she also allegedly referred to Goo Hara and Kim Sae Ron. Notably, both Sulli and Goo Hara have since passed away.

He raised questions about why IU, knowing Sulli's vulnerable state, would recommend someone whose credibility he seemed to question. “There was a body double on set during ‘Real.’ The shoot followed the storyboard, but after the film was released, people said, ‘If we knew it would be edited this way, wouldn’t it have been better to use a double?’ At the time, Sulli was in a physically and mentally difficult state,” he wrote.

It is unclear whether Kim Sae Ron was also connected to the same psychiatrist through IU or through Kim Soo Hyun, but the direct link between IU, Sulli and Goo Hara has now become a topic of concern for netizens.

A 14-year friendship under scrutiny

IU and Kim Soo Hyun’s relationship, which started with their 2011 drama ‘Dream High,’ has been both professional and personal over the years. They remained friends well beyond the show, with Soo Hyun recently attending IU’s concert in 2024. Their bond has now been dragged into the ongoing discourse.

Though Sulli’s brother had earlier acknowledged IU’s role as one of the few who emotionally and artistically supported his sister, his recent accusations have painted a different picture. The public is now divided, with some defending IU's intentions while others question her silence.

Cryptic post fuels speculation

Further intensifying the issue, Sulli’s brother, Choi Da Hee, posted a cryptic message listing names of several prominent industry figures including IU, Kim Sun Ah, Han Ji Eun, Suzy, Ahn So Hee, and the late Goo Hara. Terms like “Gold Medalist” (Kim Soo Hyun’s agency) and ‘Real’ were mentioned, hinting at alleged hidden connections within the industry.

As the allegations continue to circulate, IU’s role in the entire matter remains a topic of debate. Fans have voiced strong support for the singer, arguing she would never knowingly endanger a friend.