25-year-old actress and former f(x) singer Sulli was found dead yesterday in her home. The Seongnam Sujeong Police Station in Seoul has confirmed it was suicide due to severe depression.
Fans have posted their condolences and expressed their through social media. They’ve also called out the people and publications who allegedly bullied Sulli for her progressive views and actions.
Sulli was involved in a number of “controversies” in her career. In 2014, she acknowledged she was dating rapper Choiza, which affected her career and caused her to leave f(x). Choiza survived the scandal and also made jokes about the situation on “SNL Korea.” A classic example of how “dating scandals” mostly affect female idols and actresses, and not their male counterparts.
The actress-singer was also criticized for telling fans they have power over their own bodies, as well as her “no-bra” incident. The latter, according to Asian Junkie, started when she would post photos with no bra on and netizens would maliciously attack her because her nipples were visible. In an episode of “Night of Hate Comments” last July, Sulli defended her decision (she didn’t have to) and said, “I think this is about the freedom of the individual.”
“Bras aren’t good for your health. They have a wire. They’re not good for your digestive organs, and I have issues with my digestion. Since it’s more comfortable not to, I don’t wear them. I think that it’s free and beautiful,” she added. “They suit some clothing, and if there’s a piece of clothing that doesn’t look good with a bra, then I don’t wear one.”
Feminism in the K-pop world is clearly a touchy subject in the country. When Irene of Red Velvet shared she was reading a feminist book last year, many of her male fans burned her photos as protest. Naeun of APink was also criticized for having a phone case that read “Girls can do anything.” Although there are now more artists who are fearlessly making music to empower other women, many idols are still subjected to constant misogyny and bullying.
In fact, Sulli’s fans believe cyberbullying was the reason she took her own life.
We hope this incident opens everyone’s eyes to the effects of cyberbullying and the impossible standards imposed on Korean idols and celebrities.
Rest in peace, Sulli.
Photo courtesy of Sulli’s Instagram account
For the latest in culture, fashion, beauty, and celebrities, subscribe to our weekly newsletter here
Follow Preen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Viber
Related stories:
Feminism in K-Pop: Women are using their music as a social platform
Red Velvet’s Irene read a feminist book and male K-pop fans are triggered
K-pop star and 100% lead vocalist Seo Min-woo dies at 33
Isn’t it weird that K-pop idols dating are called “scandals”?