As the controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun continues to intensify, public attention has expanded to scrutinize his relationships with fellow celebrities. Several well-known figures in the entertainment industry are now facing criticism for maintaining their association with the actor, with netizens pressuring them to distance themselves publicly.
Among those affected are actors Im Siwan and Jung Hae In, both of whom have received numerous comments on social media urging them to unfollow Kim Soo Hyun. Similarly, K-pop icon G-Dragon has had his online activity closely analyzed, as netizens attempt to interpret whether he has subtly conveyed any stance on the situation.
However, one of the most discussed figures in this ongoing debate is singer and actress IU. Having shared a longstanding friendship with Kim Soo Hyun since their collaboration in the 2011 drama Dream High, IU has frequently demonstrated mutual support with the actor over the years. In 2024, for instance, Kim Soo Hyun attended IU’s concert and posed for a backstage photo with her, an interaction widely reported by the media.
With renewed allegations against Kim Soo Hyun making headlines, IU has found herself at the center of an online discussion. Some netizens have begun questioning her silence on the controversy, especially considering her close bond with the late Sulli. The 2017 film Real, in which Sulli starred alongside Kim Soo Hyun, has become a focal point of the resurfaced allegations, with Sulli’s family publicly voicing their grievances regarding her involvement in the project.
The conversation gained traction after a post on the Korean forum Pann revisited IU’s long-standing friendship with Kim Soo Hyun, highlighting past interactions that emphasized their close connection. While many have defended IU, arguing that personal relationships should not implicate someone in another’s controversy, others believe that given her ties to both Kim Soo Hyun and Sulli, she should clarify her stance.
Adding another layer to the discussion, Sulli’s brother recently spoke about his sister’s relationships with fellow celebrities. Ahead of Kim Soo Hyun’s press conference, he conducted a live broadcast where he responded to viewers’ questions about those who had supported Sulli during her most difficult times. According to a Newsis report, he specifically mentioned IU as someone who “was likely a source of emotional support and artistic inspiration” for Sulli. His remarks subtly acknowledged IU’s role in Sulli’s life while indirectly addressing the speculation surrounding her connection to Kim Soo Hyun.
As netizens continue to dissect IU’s position, past instances of her support for Sulli have resurfaced. One particularly well-known anecdote recalls IU visiting Sulli’s home and cooking for her—a gesture that resonated deeply with fans as proof of their genuine friendship. Many have pointed to such moments as evidence that IU’s relationship with Sulli extended far beyond a public association, making it unfair for her to face scrutiny over Kim Soo Hyun’s current situation.
Despite ongoing speculation, IU has remained silent on the matter, choosing not to address her friendship with Kim Soo Hyun or comment on the renewed discussions surrounding Sulli. Whether she will make a public statement or continue focusing on her career remains uncertain. For now, she remains one of several public figures inadvertently caught in the fallout of Kim Soo Hyun’s controversy, as the public continues to dissect his past relationships and associations in search of clarity.
