“A 25-Year-Old Youth Taken by Malicious Comments”: 7 Years Since Sulli’s Passing, Fans Say “We Have Never Forgotten You”

Today is an exceptionally heartbreaking day for the family and fans of the late singer and actress Sulli. On October 14, 2019, Sulli was found deceased at her home in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, at the age of 25. The news sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry. Fast forward seven years, her bright yet brief presence remains deeply etched in the hearts of many.

It was reported that Sulli’s manager was unable to reach her ahead of a scheduled show recording and went to her residence, where they discovered she had passed away. Police dispatched to the scene confirmed her death and conducted an investigation, including an autopsy, ultimately finding no evidence of foul play or criminal activity. Dedicated to her craft until the end, Sulli had completed an advertisement shoot just the day before her passing. The sudden, heartbreaking news proved unbearable for her family, colleagues, and fans. Following the tragedy, the entertainment industry fell into mourning, leading to the cancellation or postponement of several production press conferences and comeback showcases. Friends, colleagues, and fans shared heartfelt tributes to bid her a final farewell.

Sulli worked tirelessly in the entertainment industry from a young age. She made her debut as a child actress in the 2005 SBS television drama Ballad of Seodong (Seodongyo) and officially launched her career as a pop singer in 2009 as a member of the girl group f(x). During her time with f(x), she captured the hearts of countless fans with her sweet visuals and unique charm, leaving a memorable imprint in iconic hit songs such as “La Cha Ta,” “Chu~♡,” “Rum Pum Pum Pum” (First Wisdom Tooth), and “Red Light.” Her radiant stage presence was impossible to ignore.

In addition to singing and dancing, Sulli continually expanded her acting repertoire. She starred in the television series To the Beautiful You and featured in films such as The Pirates and Fashion King, demonstrating her immense potential as an actress. Following her departure from f(x) in 2015, she focused on her acting career, consistently seeking new creative possibilities.

However, behind her glamorous career, Sulli suffered long-term severe cyberbullying and malicious online harassment. Throughout her life, she sincerely shared her thoughts and everyday moments, striving to communicate openly with the public, only to face relentless criticism and toxic comments from internet trolls. Following her passing, society began to reckon with the severity of online defamation. Calls to “eradicate cyberbullying” mounted rapidly, bringing the issue of hate speech and harassment directed at public figures back to the forefront. Consequently, comment section policies across major web portals underwent significant reforms. Kakao abolished comments on entertainment news in 2019, followed by Daum and Naver in 2020. Sulli’s tragic passing served as a pivotal catalyst, prompting society to reflect deeply on the destructive impact of online harassment and the necessity of responsible digital communication.

In November 2023, Sulli’s posthumous documentary Persona: Sulli—specifically the feature Dear Jinri—premiered at the Busan International Film Festival, garnering widespread attention once again. Through intimate interviews, the documentary highlighted her journey as an actress and artist, while offering viewers a glimpse into 25-year-old Choi Jin-ri—the real, thoughtful, and deeply contemplative human being behind the stage name “Sulli.”

Dear Jinri candidly revealed Sulli’s inner thoughts, personal struggles, and everyday reflections. It allowed audiences to see into her inner world beyond her public persona as a performer. The film shed light on the questions she carried and the anxieties she experienced as a young woman living under constant public scrutiny, sparking meaningful reflection and providing fans with a comforting space to honor her memory.

Seven years after her departure, Sulli’s music and acting work continue to accompany us, while her candid and vibrant spirit remains unforgettable. On this day, countless fans visit her social media channels to leave messages of remembrance. These enduring comments and memories stand as a powerful testament that she will always be remembered.

To some, she remains the luminous singer with a brilliant smile on stage; to others, a versatile actress who brought diverse characters to life. Though her time was tragically short, Sulli left an indelible mark through her music, acting, and unique personality—and the love and remembrance for her remain as strong as ever, seven years on.