What Is Dear Jinri About?
The premise of Dear Jinri in 263 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
Dear Jinri is an intimate documentary that centers on a candid, extended interview with actress and singer Choi Jinri, also known to fans as Sulli. Recorded in her own words and woven together with personal writings, video diaries, artwork, and archival footage, the film invites viewers into a reflective conversation with the beloved entertainer. From the moment she greets the camera in a plain white shirt and jeans, introducing herself simply as “Choi Jin-ri,” the tone is set for something unusually personal — a star choosing vulnerability over performance.
As the conversation unfolds, Choi opens up about her childhood, her battles with body image in an industry intensely focused on appearance, and the pressures of being shaped into a polished product rather than recognized as a human being. She likens the experience to a character from a cult film about a woman trained and isolated from the outside world, capturing the strange mix of privilege and confinement that fame can bring. Her reflections touch on feminism in socially conservative South Korea, her willingness to support women who speak out, and her decision to extend forgiveness to those who once hurt her through cyberbullying.
The film employs a quiet storytelling framework drawn from a classic tale about a journey through an unfamiliar world, with the closing song “Dorothy” floating over imagery of clouds and lyrics appearing on screen. Throughout, Dear Jinri feels less like a traditional documentary and more like a lingering, compassionate portrait — a chance to hear directly from a young woman navigating fame, identity, and the courage to remain unapologetically herself.
What Happens in Dear Jinri?
The complete story of Dear Jinri, from the first scene to the last, in 251 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
Dear Jinri is a poignant documentary centered around the final project of Sulli, based on the Netflix series Persona which was in production prior to her death. The film is primarily structured around a detailed interview with director Jung Yoon-suk, seamlessly blended with video diaries, personal artwork, archival footage, and written reflections.
Throughout the film, Sulli opens up about the heavy burdens of fame and the rigid societal expectations she faced, emphasizing her dedication to individuality and mental health advocacy. The documentary acknowledges her passing in the opening credits, noting that the interview was filmed shortly before October 2019. Appearing simply in a white shirt and jeans, she reflects on her childhood and the superficial nature of the entertainment industry, stating:
“Since you are born as a pretty woman, you don’t have to know anything… it’s obnoxious to say your life was hard because you are a pretty woman.”
She further describes the dehumanizing pressure of being a K-pop idol, noting that she was expected to be the “highest quality product.” She compares this isolation to the plot of La Femme Nikita, remarking that many people “couldn’t recognize that we were human beings.”
The film also explores her views on feminism within the conservative landscape of South Korea and her decision to forgive those who engaged in cyberbullying against her. Using elements of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as a thematic frame, the movie concludes with the song “Dorothy” playing over images of clouds, bringing her journey to a quiet close.
Dear Jinri Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “A Posthumous Project: Persona” to “Closing with 'Dorothy'”.
- 1
A Posthumous Project: Persona
Dear Jinri is based on Choi Jin-ri's final project, the Netflix series Persona, which was in production at the time of her death. The film transforms this unfinished work into a poignant posthumous portrait of the star. At its heart is a lengthy interview conducted by documentary director Jung Yoon-suk, interwoven with personal writings, artwork, video diaries, and archival clips.
When:October 2019
- 2
Opening Credits: 'Shortly Before Her Passing'
The film opens by stating in the opening credits that the interview was recorded 'shortly before her passing'. This is the only reference made to Choi's suicide in October 2019, setting a somber and reflective tone. The audience immediately understands they are watching one of her final recorded conversations.
When:Shortly before her passing
- 3
Choi Enters the Interview Set
Choi enters the interview set wearing a plain white shirt and jeans, presenting herself simply and without glamour. She greets the camera with the words, 'Hello, I'm Choi Jin-ri.' Her understated appearance stands in contrast to her polished public persona as a celebrity.
Where:Interview set
- 4
Reflections on Childhood and Body Image
Choi discusses her childhood and her long battles with body image within an industry intensely focused on appearance. She reflects on the paradoxical pressures placed on her from a very young age. This candid admission opens the door to a deeper conversation about beauty as both a gift and a burden.
Where:Interview set
- 5
The Burden of Beauty
Choi shares a striking observation about her looks: 'Since you are born as a pretty woman, you don't have to know anything.' She quickly adds that it is 'obnoxious to say your life was hard because you are a pretty woman.' The remark reveals her complicated feelings about the advantages and the pain that came with her image.
Where:Interview set
- 6
The K-pop Machine: 'The Highest Quality Product'
Choi opens up about the pressures of being a K-pop star, recalling that she was told her goal was to be 'the highest quality product'. The comparison to merchandise lays bare how the industry regarded its idols. Her words expose the dehumanizing expectations placed on young performers.
Where:Interview set
- 7
Life Compared to La Femme Nikita
Choi likens her experience to the protagonist of Luc Besson's La Femme Nikita (1990), a film about a woman who is trained to become an assassin and isolated from the outside world. The analogy conveys how she felt shaped and controlled by the entertainment system. It becomes one of the interview's most revealing moments.
Where:Interview set
- 8
'We Were Human Beings'
Reflecting on the treatment of idols, Choi remarks that people 'couldn't recognize that we were human beings.' The statement crystallizes the loss of identity that she and other K-pop stars endured. It underscores a central theme of the film: reclaiming her humanity from her celebrity image.
Where:Interview set
- 9
Feminism in Conservative South Korea
The interview turns to the topic of feminism within socially conservative South Korea. Choi speaks thoughtfully about gender expectations and the backlash faced by women who challenge them. The discussion situates her personal struggles within a wider societal context.
Where:Interview set
- 10
Rooting for Women Who Spoke Out
Choi declares that she 'rooted for women who spoke out', even when their views were contrary to her own. This statement shows her solidarity with women raising their voices despite the criticism she herself faced. It also reveals a generosity of spirit toward perspectives different from hers.
Where:Interview set
Show the other 3 events of Dear Jinri Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Forgiveness: Dropping the Lawsuit
Choi discusses her decision to drop a lawsuit and grant forgiveness to one of the perpetrators of cyberbullying against her. The choice stands as a powerful gesture of grace after years of online harassment. It is among the most emotionally significant revelations of the interview.
Where:Interview set
- 12
The Wizard of Oz Framing Device
Dear Jinri employs elements of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as a framing device for the film. It makes direct reference to 'Dorothy', the final song on Choi's album, Goblin. The fairy-tale motif mirrors Choi's search for home, identity, and belonging.
- 13
Closing with 'Dorothy'
The film ends with 'Dorothy' being played over scenery of clouds while the song's lyrics appear on-screen. The ethereal closing image provides a poignant farewell to Choi. It leaves viewers with her own words as a final, lingering message.
Who Are the Main Characters in Dear Jinri?
Choi Jin-ri: who they are and the part they play in the story.
- CJ
Choi Jin-ri
Choi Jin-ri, depicted through archival footage and interviews, is a complex figure who grapples with the conflicting expectations of her public image and personal identity. As a K-pop star, she embodies the struggles of fame, particularly the judgments about appearance and the mental health challenges that accompany it.
- 🎤 K-pop
- 💔 Vulnerability
Where and When Is Dear Jinri Set?
Dear Jinri is set in South Korea (2019). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
2019
Dear Jinri is reflective of the contemporary issues faced in 2019, a time when mental health awareness was increasingly being discussed in the public sphere. The societal pressures surrounding fame and body image were particularly significant in the K-pop industry, affecting many young artists.
Where
South Korea
The film takes place in South Korea, a country known for its thriving entertainment scene, especially in K-pop music. South Korea's culture is deeply influenced by societal expectations and characteristics tied to beauty and fame, which are prevalent themes in the film.
- 🇰🇷 Korea
- 🎤 Music Industry
What Are the Themes of Dear Jinri?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Mental Health, Feminism and Identity.
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01
Mental Health
The film explores the critical theme of mental health, particularly in the context of fame. Choi Jin-ri articulates her struggles with body image and the pressures of the K-pop industry, emphasizing the importance of advocacy for mental well-being.
-
02
Feminism
Feminism emerges as a significant theme throughout the film. Choi navigates the complexities of societal expectations for women in South Korea, expressing support for those who challenge norms and advocate for change.
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03
Identity
Identity is a key theme in Dear Jinri, as Choi Jin-ri confronts the challenges of being recognized as an individual beyond her public persona. The film highlights her journey toward self-acceptance amidst the pressures of the entertainment industry.
What Kind of Film Is Dear Jinri?
Melancholic in tone, with slow pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Sad
An intimate, melancholic documentary that quietly sits with a young star's reflection on fame, identity, and inner pain, weaving personal writings and interview footage into a tender yet devastating portrait of loss.
- melancholic
- reflective
- somber
- intimate
- contemplative
- poignant
- grief and loss
- mental health
- fame and celebrity
- cyberbullying
Content notes: suicide, cyberbullying, mental health struggles, self-harm discussion, eating and body image issues.
Quiz
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