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Entertainment • K-pop

Sulli

Sulli was the stage name of Choi Jin-ri, a South Korean singer, actress, and model best known as a former member of the K-pop group f(x).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sulli was the stage name of Choi Jin-ri, a South Korean singer, actress, and model best known as a former member of the K-pop group f(x). She later pursued acting and solo work, and became widely known for speaking publicly about mental health, cyberbullying, and women’s rights. She died in 2019 at the age of 25.

Early life and career beginnings

Sulli, born Choi Jin-ri, began working in entertainment as a child and appeared in television dramas before joining the music industry. She started her career in 2005 and was from Busan, South Korea.

f(x) and music career

She became a member of f(x) in 2009, when the group debuted under SM Entertainment. The group became one of the better-known K-pop girl groups of the late 2000s and 2010s.

Acting and solo work

After leaving f(x) in 2015, Sulli focused more on acting and later returned to music with a solo release in 2019. Her career included both television and film appearances.

Public image and legacy

Sulli was widely noted for speaking openly about issues that were often sensitive in South Korean public life, especially mental health and online harassment. Her death prompted broader discussion of cyberbullying and pressure in the entertainment industry.

Key facts

  • Sulli debuted as a member of f(x) in 2009 and left the group in 2015.
  • She began her entertainment career as a child performer in 2005.
  • She was known for speaking publicly about mental health, cyberbullying, and women’s rights.
  • She released solo music in 2019, including the digital single album 'Goblin.'
  • She died on October 14, 2019, at age 25.
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Canadian context

Sulli has been discussed by Canadian K-pop audiences and media as part of broader international interest in K-pop, mental health, and online harassment in entertainment.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Sulli?
Sulli was the stage name of Choi Jin-ri, a South Korean singer, actress, and model best known as a former member of f(x).
What was Sulli’s real name?
Her real name was Choi Jin-ri (최진리).
When was Sulli born?
She was born on March 29, 1994.
What group was Sulli in?
She was a member of the K-pop girl group f(x), which debuted in 2009.
What was Sulli known for besides music?
She was also known for acting and for publicly discussing mental health, cyberbullying, and women’s rights.
When did Sulli die?
She died on October 14, 2019, at the age of 25.

References

  1. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50051575
    Supports: Biography, prominence as a member of f(x), public advocacy, and death in 2019.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulli
    Supports: Birth name, dates, occupation, and career overview.
  3. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm3016345/bio/
    Supports: Career timeline, child acting, f(x) debut, and death.