Most Controversial? This 11.5 Billion KRW Korean Film Just Shot to No. 2 on Netflix Out of Nowhere

As actor Kim Soo-hyun continues to face intense public scrutiny over his personal life, one of his past films is unexpectedly surging in popularity across OTT platforms.

The 2017 film 'Real', starring Kim alongside Lee Sung-min and Sung Dong-il, has suddenly climbed to No. 2 in the Korean film rankings on both Netflix and Coupang Play—eight years after its original release.

Real centers on a power struggle and dark conspiracies surrounding Asia’s largest casino. Kim Soo-hyun plays dual roles: Jang Tae-young, the head of a casino syndicate, and another character by the same name, a mysterious investor. The late Sulli also appeared in the film as a rehabilitation therapist named Song Yoo-hwa.

At the time of its release, Real drew attention for its dazzling cast of special appearances. Suzy played Jang Tae-young’s tattoo artist, IU appeared as an awards ceremony hostess, Kyungri (formerly of 9MUSES) was cast as a restaurant waitress, Minha as a casino staff member, and Dasom (formerly of SISTAR) portrayed a rehabilitation therapist. An So-hee (Wonder Girls) also made a brief but striking appearance as a laundress in Chinatown.

The film generated considerable pre-release hype thanks to Kim Soo-hyun’s Hallyu star power and massive backing from China’s Alibaba Pictures. With a production budget of 11.5 billion KRW (approx. $7.8 million), Real was expected to be a blockbuster. However, it failed to meet expectations, attracting only 470,000 viewers—less than one-seventh of its break-even point of 3.2 million.

The project was also marred by production controversies. The film was initially directed by Lee Jung-sub, who left midway due to “creative differences over the editing process.” It was ultimately completed by Lee Sa-rang (a.k.a. “Lee lo-Ve”), Kim Soo-hyun’s cousin, who is also the CEO of Kim’s current agency, Gold Medalist.

Real has returned to the spotlight again after Sulli’s brother made a cryptic post on social media. On March 28, he alleged that Sulli was pressured to perform nude scenes during filming and called for public statements from both Kim Soo-hyun and director Lee lo-Ve. According to his claims, the script did not contain specific bed scenes, and there was a body double available—yet Sulli was allegedly pushed to do them herself.

Kim Soo-hyun’s side responded by stating that they are “currently verifying the claims,” but no official stance has been made public yet.

Ironically, as controversy swirls, Real is seeing a dramatic resurgence on multiple streaming platforms. As of April 1, the film ranked No. 2 on Netflix Korea’s “Top 10 Movies Today,” and also placed second in Coupang Play’s Korean movie category. It has also charted high on platforms like TVING and Watcha.

Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun is still under heavy public attention for his alleged relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. On March 31, he held an emotional press conference, denying that he had dated her while she was underage and refuting claims that his agency pressured her into debt repayment, allegedly leading to her tragic death.

As the scandals continue to intensify, the future of Kim Soo-hyun’s upcoming projects is uncertain. The highly anticipated Disney+ series Knock-Off, initially scheduled for release in the first half of 2025, has reportedly been put on hold. The show, which had a massive production budget of 60 billion KRW (approx. $43 million), was planned as a two-season series with Season 1 originally set to premiere in May.