Analysing ‘Persona: Sulli’ and Its Role in Challenging Stereotypes, Advocating Mental Health, and Addressing Cyberbullying

Choi Jin-ri, known by her stage name Sulli, transcended her role as a K-pop idol. Her journey, marked by success and struggles, is now the subject of a two-part documentary, “Persona: Sulli.” Premiering on Netflix on November 13, 2023, this film is a raw and intimate portrayal of a woman who faced the highs and lows of fame, ultimately changing the conversation around what it means to be a young woman in the public eye.

Sulli’s career began as a child actress, and her transition into the world of K-pop with the group f(x) marked another significant chapter in her life. The documentary sheds light on the various facets of her identity, exploring the stark contrast between Choi Jin-ri, the private individual, and Sulli, the artist in the spotlight. It’s an unfiltered look into the life of someone who struggled with mental health issues and cyberbullying, eventually ending in her death at just 25 years old in 2019.

Photo: Courtesy of papers

“4: Clean Island” and “Dear Jinri”

“Persona: Sulli” comprises two films – a short drama titled “4: Clean Island” and a feature-length documentary called “Dear Jinri.” The drama follows the journey of a pig named 4 as it travels to a mythical heaven, Clean Island, confronting its sins along the way. This marks Sulli’s return to acting, showcasing her versatility as an artist. The documentary, “Dear Jinri,” explores the complex layers of Sulli’s life, providing never-before-seen insights into her thoughts, experiences, and emotions.

What sets this documentary apart is its ability to challenge preconceived notions about the lives of women in the public eye. Sulli was a person navigating the pressures of fame, societal expectations, and mental health struggles. “Dear Jinri” unravels the duality of her identity, highlighting the constant battle between her public persona and private self.

Photo: Courtesy of Mystic Story via The Korea Herald

In Korean society where the definition of being a woman is often shaped by pre-conceived perceptions, “Persona: Sulli” confronts these stereotypes head-on. Sulli’s openness about her struggles with panic disorder, social phobia, and depression challenges the conventional narrative surrounding successful women in the entertainment industry. 

The documentary also addresses the pervasive issue of cyberbullying, which played a role in Sulli’s struggles. Her tragic end prompted discussions within the South Korean political circle about enacting new laws to combat cyberbullying. The proposed “Sulli Act” aimed to increase accountability for online comments, advocating for a real-name system to discourage malicious behaviour.

A Tribute Beyond the Screen: Sulli’s Legacy

As we approach the release of “Persona: Sulli,” fans of the late Choi Jin-ri eagerly anticipate the chance to see her once more, to understand the woman behind the celebrity. The documentary commemorates Sulli’s life and serves as a catalyst for a broader conversation about mental health, the impact of cyberbullying, and the evolving role of women in the public sphere.

In essence, “Persona: Sulli” is a call for empathy and understanding. By sharing Sulli’s story, it challenges us to rethink our perceptions of women in the limelight and emphasises the importance of prioritising mental health in a world where appearances can be deceiving.