A recent scandal surrounding actor Kim Soo Hyun’s alleged inappropriate relationship with fellow actress Kim Sae Ron has triggered a wave of scrutiny regarding his film, "Real." Initially bombarding the box office with high expectations backed by a large production budget and star-studded cast, the film ultimately flopped due to its chaotic plot and execution. However, as social media users delve deeper, they are now turning their attention to a troubling pattern among the female roles in the movie.

The film, released with much fanfare, was met with harsh criticism from critics, but now, it seems viewers are focusing on the questionable representation of women within its narrative. A viral post on social media highlighted the stark similarities in how the leading ladies were portrayed, raising eyebrows and drawing ire from audiences.

Prominent figures such as Suzy and IU, who are household names in the K-Pop world, only earned fleeting moments on screen. Suzy’s portrayal as a tattoo artist amounted to a mere five seconds, and behind-the-scenes accounts revealed she underwent extensive makeup for a role that garnered her negative attention. Similarly, IU's role as an awards show assistant was limited to a brief appearance where she had no lines, reducing her to a background character.

Additionally, members from the girl group Wonder Girls and SISTAR shared the same fate, with Sohee cast as a maid and Dasom as a nearly invisible therapist. Both roles left audiences questioning the significance of their contributions to the overall narrative. Even Kyungri of Nine Muses, who played a waitress, had no substantial impact on the story, appearing for just a few seconds.

Perhaps the most talked-about role was that of Sulli, who portrayed another rehabilitation therapist with a more prominent screen presence but became embroiled in controversy due to explicit scenes that detrimentally affected her mental health.

As online discussions grow, many netizens are expressing disgust at what they perceive as the exploitation of these talented actresses. Comments reveal a shared sentiment of unease: “It feels like they treated this project like a joke, humiliating talented women for mere screen time.” Others are speculating on Kim Soo Hyun and his alleged half-brother Lee Ro Be’s motivations for creating a film that apparently undermines female agency.

The outcry suggests a need for a deeper conversation about the representation of women in the entertainment industry, particularly in a landscape often dominated by male narratives. This controversy surrounding "Real" illustrates the continuing struggle for respect and dignity for women in film—confirming that audiences are no longer willing to dismiss these patterns of mistreatment in media.

As the dialogue continues, the entertainment community is urged to reflect on its practices and prioritize the responsible portrayal of all actors, contributing to a healthier narrative environment for everyone involved. Will this scandal prompt a much-needed change in how female roles are crafted in the industry? Only time will tell.