Biography of Sulli
Choi Jin-ri, best known by the stage name Sulli, was a South Korean singer, model and actress. She began her career as a child actress as a supporting cast member for the SBS historical drama ‘Ballad of Seodong’ in 2005.
She won several guest roles in television series like ‘Love Needs a Miracle’ (2005), ‘Drama City’ (2007) and the film ‘Vacation’ (2006). Her dramatic role was in the independent films ‘Punch Lady’ (2007) and ‘BA: BO’ (2008).
She signed a record deal with SM Entertainment and rose to stardom as a member of the girl group f(x) formed in 2009. The group achieved commercial success and recognition with four Korean number-one singles. They were the first K-pop act to perform at SXSW gaining international popularity.
Apart from her fruitful music career, she showcased her talent in acting. She starred in the SBS romantic comedy series ‘To the Beautiful You’ (2012) starring Choi Min-ho and Lee Hyun-woo. She played the character Goo Jae-hee/ Jay Dawson. The drama narrates the story of a young girl following her heart seeking a young athlete into an all-boys high school. For her splendid acting, she won two SBS Drama Awards and a nomination at the 49th Paeksang Arts Awards.
Sulli rose to the limelight starring in the fantasy adventure ‘The Pirates’ (2014) and ‘The Fashion King’ (2014). After taking a hiatus from the entertainment industry, between 2015-2017, took up a number of modelling campaigns before her endorsement as a model for Estée Lauder. She huddled recognition for her role in ‘Real’ (2017). In 2018, she returned to the music industry marking a guest appearance on Dean’s single ‘Dayfly’. In 2019, she released her solo single ‘Goblin’, before her death.
As an iconic and celebrated artist, she has distinguished herself as a prominent figure in Korean popular culture for her candid persona. In 2017, she became the most googled person in South Korea.
Early Life and Education
Sulli was born on 29 March 1994 in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang, South Korea. With her undying desire to be an actress, she joined Jungbu Elementary School before shifting to Seoul in 2004. She attended the Seoul branch of the MTM Academy where she studied singing, dancing and acting. She has 2 older brothers and a younger brother. Her mother was her constant support and idol in pursuing her dreams.
Career
Sulli made her professional debut as a child artist at the age of 11 in the SBS drama ‘Ballad of Seodong’. She played the young Princess Seonhwa of Silla in 2005. Her minor television drama and movie credits include ‘Vacation’ (2006), ‘Punch Lady’ (2007), ‘The Flower Girl is Here’ (2007)and ‘BA:BO’ (2008).
In fourth grade, she attended the SM Entertainment audition and became an S.M. trainee. She moved into a dormitory with Taeyeon and Tiffany of Girl’s Generation till the official debut of Girl’s Generation in 2007. With the single ‘La Cha Ta’, Sulli debuted as a member of the group f(x) on 5 September 2009.
She played the lead role in ‘To the Beautiful You’ (2012) which is based on the famous Japanese shōjo manga series Hanazakari no Kimitachie. For her stellar acting, she won the ‘New Star Award’ at the SBS Drama Awards. Sulli and Krystal Jung were selected as the new faces of the makeup brand Etude House in 2013.
She failed to participate in the 2014 promotion of ‘The Private’ due to her hiatus. She played the supporting character Heuk-myo in the film. She resumed her acting career, by participating in the promotion of a 2014 comedy film ‘Fashion King’. She played the lead role alongside Joo Won and Kim Sung-oh. In 2015, SM Entertainment officially announced her withdrawal from the group. In 2017, Sulli starred in the neo-noir action film ‘Real’ along with Kim Soo-hyun, Sung Dong-il, Lee Sung-min and Jo Woo-jin. Sulli played Song Yoo-hwa, the rehabilitation therapist at the hospital helping Kim with his battling personality.
Sulli was the lead vocalist in Dean’s single ‘Dayfly’ which was released on 9 November 2018. It was her first release leaving f(x) in 2015. She made her solo artistic debut with the single album ‘Goblin’ on 29 June 2019. The album’s all tracks were co-written and co-produced by herself.
She joined the JTBC2 variety program ‘The Night of Hate Comments’ in 2019, where celebrities discuss their reaction to hateful comments, hurtful rumours and cyberbullying online. She was the main lead in the second season of the Netflix series ‘Persona’. On 23 October 2019, Mystic Story revealed they decided to temporarily suspend production as she passed away.
Achievements
Even though she died, she is still celebrated as the beautiful visual of the girl group f(x), a widely recognized and popular actress-singer. She has left her imprint both in her music and acting career. Before she could achieve remarkable career growth, she passed away. She was nominated for multiple awards like ‘Most Popular Actress’, ’20’s Upcoming 20’s’, and ‘Netizen Popularity Award’.
- At the SBS Drama Awards, Sulli won the ‘New Star Award’ for her work ‘To the Beautiful You’ (2012).
- In 2017, she became the most googled person in South Korea.
- Sulli and Krystal Jung were selected as the new faces of the makeup brand Etude House in 2013.
Personal Life
Sulli dated Dynamic Duo rapper Choiza in 2013 and ended their relationship in March 2017. Both celebrities had to endure spiteful comments and cyberbullying throughout their relationship. There were also false rumours regarding Sulli being pregnant.
She was known as a rebel speaking out on topics like mental health issues, cyber bullying and women’s rights in conservative South Korean society. As an artist who made sure her voice was heard and who stood out for herself, she received a stack of criticisms. She was a harbinger of change, expressing her own expressions. She challenged societal expectations of women in Korean culture and industry.
In 2018, Sulli revealed that she struggled with panic disorder and social phobia. Sulli was suffering from severe depression before her death.
She was found dead at her home on 14 October 2019. She was discovered by her brother, who was also her manager. The initial police report stated it was a suicide and there was no sign of foul play. Her friends disclosed that she had been depressed before her death. The funeral was done in a secluded manner and was privately held by family members and friends. SM Entertainment opened a separate venue in Severance Hospital’s funeral hall for the fans to offer their condolences.
Net worth and Lifestyle
Sulli’s net worth was estimated to be $15 million US dollars.
Sulli debuted as a child actress and was successful in building a career for herself in the music and acting industry. She has an outspoken persona, standing up for herself and on issues that are seldom addressed.
Sulli is celebrated for her adorable looks and fashion style. The model-actress-singer has a unique sense of personal style that avoids many of the oblivious trendy trappings. As a young celebrity, she never dressed in casual athleisure, logo hoodies and sneakers. She always opts for casuals with sweet pieces of playful twists in the traditional. Her clothing fashion styles are Breton sweaters worn with vintage Chanel scarves, cropped denim flaws with kitten heels and pattern-heavy pieces in vibrant colours.
Awards
- SBS Drama Awards (2012)
New Star Award
Interesting Facts about Sulli
- Her must-have item was perfume.
- She loved to eat ice cream.
- Her favourite colour was pink.
- Sulli had aquaphobia.
- Sulli was afraid of birds.
- She made her solo debut on June 28, 2019, with “Goblin”.
- She interpreted her stage name as “pear blossoms in the snow”.
- She always carried her journal with her.
- Sulli became the CEO of her own pop-up store through SM Entertainment.
- Her biggest regret in life is not going to college.
FAQs
- What happened to K-pop Idol Sulli?
The K-Pop star Sulli, as per the authorities’ confirmation reports, committed suicide. - What age was Sulli when she died?
She passed away at the age of 25 years old. - Why did Sulli not wear a bra?
According to her, they’re not good for your digestive organs and she had issues with digestion. - What is Sulli’s Instagram ID?
