The Producer For Sulli’s Post-Humous Documentary Shares The Toxicity Behind Public Expectations Of Female Idols
It’s no secret that idols undergo a lot of pressure due to public expectations, and this pressure is expanded twofold upon female idols in particular. Female idols in South Korea face a certain slew of expectations and standards that are imposed upon them by the general public.
In the post-humous documentary that detailed why the late Sulli faced as much criticism, hate and malicious comments as she unfortunately did, the producer shared his main focus for the documentary.
The producer shared that although the public tended to view Sulli as an attention seeker, he felt that female idols had a unique existence in the industry, one that Sulli probably failed to live up to which resulted in hate.
Sulli was a so-called “attention seeker” to the people and the press. However, for me, I think that Sulli, and by extension, female idols in South Korea, have a very important and unique existence in the celebrity eco-system.
— Producer for Sulli’s documentary
The producer pointed out the double standards society had towards female idols in particular, one that is practically impossible to achieve.
The way the media and people view female idols is very different from the way they view the average adult. Female idols have to be both sexy and cute, but they also want female idols to remain chaste in their actions and private lives. If this is not achieved, the public finds them uncomfortable.
— Producer for Sulli’s documentary
The producer claimed that Sulli gave up on pretending to conform to societal views once she realized she was already at the brunt of all sorts of malicious comments and hate, and just decided to live for herself, the way she wanted to.
Sulli too, tried to maintain this by hiding and pretending to be what they wanted, and she did it better than anyone if she tried. However, when she had to be at the brunt of people cursing at her, she upended it all. “I am this sort of person. This is how I live,” she showed that to people.
— Producer for Sulli’s documentary
Sulli’s bravery and courage helped to break the stereotypes forced on female idols, allowing for a freer society, but sadly, at the price of her own life.
I think that it helped to break the stereotypes and how people view female idols.
— Producer for Sulli’s documentary
Sulli’s passing will forever remain in history as a tragic case of bravery, beauty and the courage to live freely. While the documentary is not yet out internationally, read the full translation of the producer’s words below.
Sulli was a so-called “attention seeker” to the people and the press. However, for me, I think that Sulli, and by extension, female idols in South Korea, have a very important and unique existence in the celebrity eco-system.
The way the media and people view female idols is very different from the way they view the average adult. Female idols have to be both sexy and cute, but they also want female idols to remain chaste in their actions and private lives. If this is not achieved, the public finds them uncomfortable.
Sulli too, tried to maintain this by hiding and pretending to be what they wanted, and she did it better than anyone if she tried. However, when she had to be at the brunt of people cursing at her, she upended it all. “I am this sort of person. This is how I live,” she showed that to people.
Although people thought she was weird and cursed her out when she was living, I think that it helped to break the stereotypes and how people view female idols.
“Now in retrospect, Sulli didn’t do anything wrong, why were people uncomfortable with her,” I hope that’s how our mindsets broaden and our biases as well.
— Producer for Sulli’s documentary
Sulli's Passing
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