TRIGGER WARNING Female idols are often expected to doll themselves up and act with grace and less mistakes, but the late Sulli tried to break stereotypes and unreasonable standards. Sadly, because of this, she became the receiving end of criticisms. 

Late Choi Sulli's Life As One of Most Loved K-pop Idols Following Her Debut

Exactly three years ago, Sulli's time stopped on October 14, 2019, but her legacy and beautiful memories remain.

The Korea media outlet TenAsia released an article highlighting Sulli's life from being the most loved idol to the most criticized star before she departed. 

Sulli was first introduced in 2009 as a member of SM Entertainment's girl group f(x). When she debuted, Sulli received massive attention from both fans and media and became one of the most mentioned stars for her pretty face, smile and talents.

She also earned the nickname "Human Peach" for her pureness and clumsiness, and continuously climbed as one of the most popular idols.

Sulli Pioneer in Speaking Up on Social Issues Among K-pop Idols

ALSO READ: BBC Reports Sulli Outspoken in Conservative Society, “The woman who rebelled against the K-pop World”

But after the once-known "Giant Baby" grew up, Sulli showed her intelligence and independence, which were misunderstood as attributes for being an "issue maker."

People started seeing Sulli in a bad light after dating an older senior singer, who received criticism for writing lyrics demeaning women. Sulli was then criticized for her "questionable" acts and gestures, walking away from her "pure" and "lovely" image.

Koreans were quick to turn their backs on her, and in 2015, she left f(x).

Since then, the idol started to show her real self and spoke out on social issues.

First, she conveyed her desire to eradicate senior-junior relationships in the entertainment scene and treat everyone as their equal.

Second, she paid honor to Korea's history by shouting Korea's independence from the Japanese, which led her to receive criticism from Japanese fans.

Female idols are often canceled by male fans after finding out they are "feminists" or supporting feminism, but Sulli fought for women's rights and was one of those who signed against the abolition of abortion law in Korea, highlighting that "all women have the rights to make their own choice."

Fourth, Sulli addressed the social discussion of the "No Bra" movement, emphasizing the bad effects of wearing the "accessory" on women's health.

In the past, these movements were heavily criticized, but looking back, Sulli didn't do anything weird at all.

In fact, a lot of female idols who did the aforementioned in this era are still doing well in their careers. But people only started cherishing Sulli and her social movements when she left this world physically, earning regrets from her long-time supporters.

TenAsia concluded:

"Sulli focused on herself, not other people's standards. Choi Jinri tried to find her life by choosing and deciding without being bound by the social standard. We really lost this nice girl too early."

READ MORE: How K-pop's Outfit Standard Changes: Sulli's 'No Bra' vs. Jennie's 'Underboob'

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Written by Eunice Dawson.