In the wake of renewed scrutiny surrounding actor Kim Soo Hyun due to a controversy involving his past relationship with a minor, fans and netizens alike have begun to re-evaluate his past projects, notably the 2017 film 'Real.' Directed by Kim Soo Hyun's cousin, Kim Sa Rang, the film has drawn fire for its portrayal of women and its overall poor reception.

Korean audiences are expressing significant disappointment in 'Real,' labeling it a poorly made film with a problematic narrative. Critics have noted that the film perpetuates misogynistic ideals through its depiction of female characters. This has sparked a wider conversation about the treatment and roles of women in South Korean cinema, especially in light of Kim Soo Hyun’s seemingly pristine public image.

The film features several prominent actresses, including Sulli, Suzy, IU, and Sohee, but their roles have generated backlash due to their superficiality and objectification. Sulli holds a leading role, while the other female stars appear only briefly in cameo performances in roles that largely serve to support male characters, reinforcing traditional gender norms: - Suzy: Briefly appears as a Tattooist for about 5 seconds. - Sohee: Portrayed a Maid, with just 3 seconds of screen time. - IU: Appears as an Award show helper for about 5 seconds. - Dasom: Played a Rehab nurse. - Kyungri: Worked as a Waitress in a 4-second cameo.

As discussions around Kim Soo Hyun intensify, 'Real' has emerged as a focal point in evaluating the disparity between his public persona and the choices he has made in his career. Public sentiment is strongly against the implied messages within the film, leading to a flurry of critical comments online: - "This is appalling. It's quite disgusting." - "How could they be reduced to such minor roles?" - "The female characters are depicted as nothing more than servile figures; it's a poor reflection on the film and its creators." - "These cameos seem designed to market the film with little respect for the actresses involved." - "It's shocking that these high-profile actresses were only given seconds of screen time in such demeaning roles."

Moreover, allegations have surfaced about a controversial scene involving Sulli that was not disclosed during the initial script readings, adding another layer to the criticism. The public reaction indicates a growing awareness of and intolerance for misogyny in the film industry, particularly as it pertains to female representation.

With the ongoing debate into Kim Soo Hyun's actions and his collaboration with his cousin, it remains to be seen how this will impact their careers moving forward. However, one thing is clear: 'Real' is not just a film; it sparks conversations about the values and ethics of representation in media today. As audiences demand accountability, the entertainment industry may have to confront its narratives and the ramifications they hold for societal norms related to gender.