Sulli

Sulli was a South Korean singer, actress, and model. Known for her pure image early on, she later became one of the most outspoken figures in K-pop, openly discussing mental health and cyberbullying at a time when such topics were taboo. She was among the most Googled people in South Korea. Her solo music, including the single Goblin (2019), showcased a more personal and experimental side. Fans remember her not only for her talent but for her courage to live authentically in an industry that demanded conformity.[edit]

Born Choi Jin-ri on March 29, 1994, in Busan, South Korea, she would later be widely known by her stage name, Sulli. Her full birth name, Jin-ri, means truth in Korean, a fitting designation for someone who would later become known for her honesty. She grew up in Busan with her three brothers, and from a young age, her mother enrolled her in acting classes, nurturing her early talents and interests in performance. At the age of 11, in 2005, Sulli embarked on a significant step in her journey, moving alone to Seoul to attend MTM Academy, a prestigious performing arts school where she received comprehensive training in singing, dancing, and acting.

That same year, 2005, marked a pivotal period in her burgeoning career. She made her professional acting debut as a supporting cast member in the SBS historical drama Ballad of Seodong. Demonstrating her multifaceted talents, Sulli also successfully auditioned for SM Entertainment that year, being accepted as a trainee and thus beginning her formal path toward a career in K-pop. Before her eventual debut with the popular K-pop group f(x), she continued to develop her acting portfolio, making appearances in various TV guest roles and independent films, including Punch Lady (2007) and BA:BO (2008). [edit]

Sulli debuted as a member of f(x) in 2009. The group quickly became one of K-pop's leading acts, with hits like Pinocchio (2011) and Electric Shock (2012). In 2013, f(x) became the first K-pop group to perform at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. While still in the group, Sulli returned to acting with the lead role in To the Beautiful You (2012), a Korean adaptation of the manga Hana-Kimi. Her performance earned her two SBS Drama Awards. She later starred in the fantasy film The Pirates (2014) and the drama Fashion King (2014). In 2014, she took a hiatus due to malicious rumors and health issues. She officially left f(x) in August 2015 to focus on acting. She then modeled for Estée Lauder and appeared in the neo-noir thriller Real (2017). In 2018, she featured on Dean's single Dayfly. Her debut solo single album Goblin was released in June 2019. [edit]

Early in her career, Sulli was known for her innocent, doll-like image and bright smile. But as she grew older, she began to push back against the strict expectations placed on K-pop idols. She spoke openly about her struggles with mental health, criticized cyberbullying, and championed women's rights. This shift made her a polarizing figure, but also a symbol of rebellion for many. Her social media presence was candid and unfiltered, often posting photos and thoughts that defied traditional norms. After her death, her legacy as a trailblazer for authenticity in K-pop has only grown. [edit]

Choi Seol-ri, known professionally as Sulli, cultivated a fanbase that defied the traditional hierarchy of K-pop. Though no official fandom name was ever designated during her lifetime, supporters often identified themselves as 'sullian' or simply as devotees of her solo work and her time in f(x). Following her passing, the peach emoji 🍑 emerged as the central icon of her posthumous tribute culture, adopted by fans to honor her nickname and symbolize her authentic spirit. This community transformed into a force for advocacy, launching digital campaigns and petition drives demanding stricter laws against cyberbullying in South Korea. Rituals involving peach-themed art and photos posted on her birthday and death anniversary serve as a digital shrine, preserving her memory through a collective act of remembrance that feels more intimate than typical idol worship.

Sulli's cultural footprint remains substantial, reflected in her standing within global fame metrics. She is currently the 68th most famous person in South Korea, a position she has held steady across recent cycles according to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. This placement underscores her enduring relevance in a nation where her name frequently topped search queries. Her influence extends beyond domestic borders, anchoring her legacy in a broader conversation about mental health and industry reform.[edit]

Her given name Jin-ri translates to truth in Korean, a fitting moniker for an artist who spoke candidly about her struggles. The nickname Giant Baby originated from her tall stature contrasted with her youthful features. In 2012, she appeared alongside Victoria Song in a Super Junior music video. A music critic once observed that she laughed when she wanted to laugh and cried when she wanted to cry, noting her brazen refusal to fit the mould. She was the most Googled person in South Korea in 2017.

Among the legends surrounding her life, the moment she declared 'I am not a doll' after facing backlash for wearing a bikini top became a defining act of rebellion. Fans still retell the story of her final blog post, 'I am so sorry... I am so tired,' written hours before her body was discovered, which cemented her narrative as a tragedy caused by systemic failure. The funeral scene, where over 10,000 mourners gathered holding peach signs, is often cited as an unprecedented display of public grief that sparked a national conversation about mental health.[edit]

Sulli was born to her parents in Busan and had three older brothers. Her brother Choi Dae-hee has been mentioned in some sources. She was close with her f(x) group members, particularly Victoria Song, whom she considered family. [edit]

Sulli was a member of f(x) alongside Victoria Song, Amber Liu, Luna, and Krystal Jung. She dated rapper Choiza of Dynamic Duo from 2013 to 2017. She collaborated with Dean on the 2018 single Dayfly. [edit]

Sulli publicly dated rapper Choiza, a member of the hip-hop duo Dynamic Duo, from 2013 to 2017. The relationship was confirmed in 2013. They were together for about four years before reportedly breaking up in 2017. She was not in a publicly known relationship at the time of her death in 2019. [edit]

Choi Jin-ri, professionally known as Sulli, was found dead on October 14, 2019, at her home in the Gwanggyo-dong neighborhood of Seongnam-si. She was 25 years old. According to police reports and statements from her family, she was discovered by a staff member who had visited her residence around 8:30 PM that evening after failing to respond to phone calls. The initial police assessment indicated no signs of foul play. The official cause of death was ruled as suicide by hanging. This determination was established through a police investigation and an autopsy conducted by the Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency's Forensic Department. Her family stated that she had been suffering from severe depression and anxiety for some time, exacerbated by intense cyberbullying and public harassment regarding her past activities and personal choices.

While the family and police maintained the suicide ruling, some online communities initially speculated about other causes; however, these accounts were never substantiated by official medical evidence or legal findings. Her last public appearance was a promotional event for her film The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion in September 2019, shortly before her death. The Seoul Southern District Police Office conducted a thorough investigation immediately following the discovery of her body. The case was closed as a suicide without any charges filed against individuals for involvement in her death. However, the investigation led to significant legal action against those responsible for the cyberbullying that preceded her death. In the months following her passing, prosecutors indicted several internet users for defamation and causing distress. Notably, in 2020, a court sentenced two individuals to prison terms for their role in spreading malicious rumors and photos of Sulli.

These rulings marked the first time in South Korea that cyberbullies were criminally punished specifically in connection with a celebrity's suicide, setting a legal precedent. Sulli's death triggered an outpouring of grief across South Korea and internationally. Within hours of the news breaking, her name topped search engine rankings globally, and fans organized vigils outside her former agency, SM Entertainment, and at her hometown in Busan. Major K-pop peers, including members of f(x), EXO, Red Velvet, and BTS, issued heartfelt tributes on social media, sharing memories and expressing their shock. Former bandmate Krystal Jung posted a message stating, 'I will always remember you.' Institutions such as the Korean Ministry of Gender Equality and Family condemned the culture of cyberbullying that contributed to her death, calling for stricter laws.

Streaming numbers for her music and films surged significantly in the days following her death, with her single Goblin re-entering charts worldwide. Memorial murals appeared in various districts of Seoul, particularly near her home and in Hongdae, where fans left flowers, letters, and candles. A moment of silence was observed during several major award ceremonies and variety shows in the weeks following her passing. A private funeral service was held on October 16, 2019, at the Seongsu Funeral Home in Seoul. The ceremony was attended by close family members, friends, and fellow artists, including actors Kim Soo-hyun, Park Shin-hye, and members of f(x). The service was conducted according to Buddhist rites, reflecting her personal faith. Following the service, Sulli was cremated, and her ashes were interred at a cemetery in Yangsan, Gyeongnam Province, her birthplace.

Posthumously, Sulli's estate has seen the release of her final single Goblin (which charted high) and the posthumous distribution of her acting roles, including the drama Love Alarm (where she made a cameo) and the film The Witch: Part 1. In 2020, the Sulli Foundation was established by her family to support victims of cyberbullying and promote mental health awareness, funded by proceeds from her estate and donations. Her brother, Choi Jin-ri's older sibling, has managed the estate and released occasional messages supporting her legacy and addressing legal matters concerning her digital rights.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Sulli's estate to be worth around $5 Million as of 2026. During her career, she earned income from her music activities with f(x), acting roles, and modeling endorsements, including a partnership with Estée Lauder. After her death, her music and acting projects continue to generate revenue, though no specific estate management details have been publicly disclosed.[edit]

Sulli won two SBS Drama Awards in 2012 for her role in To the Beautiful You. She was also nominated at the 49th Paeksang Arts Awards for the same role. [edit]