On October 11, the Busan International Film Festival wrapped up successfully, drawing in many global stars. One of the films that grabbed attention was Bogota: City of the Lost, starring Song Joong Ki—but not for the right reasons. The film was heavily criticized for its poor quality.
Bogota began filming in January 2020, but due to COVID-19, production was delayed multiple times, leaving the movie unfinished for nearly four years. This caused a lot of financial losses and frustrations for the team. Many hoped Bogota would be a “comeback” film to recover from the setbacks. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a huge disappointment for the audience.
Song Joong Ki faces another failure
Bogota tells the story of Korea’s struggles after the 1990s Asian financial crisis. People were left homeless and starving. In this tough situation, 19-year-old Kook Hee (played by Song Joong Ki) flees with his family to Bogota, Colombia, hoping for a better life.
But when they arrive, their savings are stolen at the airport, leaving them with nothing. Kook Hee’s father seeks help from an old friend, Mr. Park (Kwon Hae Hyo), who has made a name for himself in the clothing business. However, Mr. Park’s boss decides to help Kook Hee instead of his father. Kook Hee slowly learns the local language and starts building connections in the black market. He gets involved with customs officers and criminal gangs, expanding his influence in Bogota’s underworld.
As Kook Hee rises in the criminal world, other gangs, including Lil Park (Park Ji Hwan) and Soo Young (Lee Hee Joon), notice him and try to stop his growth. Meanwhile, Kook Hee’s father gets involved in drugs and abandons the family.
The film touches on crime and immigration but fails to address these issues properly. The plot is messy and confusing, with long, boring scenes that leave viewers frustrated. Without a clear climax, the movie lacks excitement, and many people found it disappointing. Some even called it a “box-office flop” and one of Korea’s biggest cinematic failures in 2024.
Criticism of Song Joong Ki’s acting
Despite Song Joong Ki’s status as a top actor, his performance in Bogota was criticized. Reviewers said his portrayal of Kook Hee lacked depth and didn’t show the character’s growth from a young man to a crime boss. His “cool” demeanor felt forced and predictable, disappointing fans who expected more from him.
Because of these issues, the film wasn’t well-received at the Busan International Film Festival, and experts believe it won’t do well at the box office. This raises concerns for the future of the production team.
What’s going on with Song Joong Ki?
In recent years, Song Joong Ki has taken on big projects like Space Sweepers, Vincenzo, Reborn Rich, and now Bogota: City of the Lost. He’s tried to step out of his comfort zone by choosing more complex roles, moving away from romantic dramas. However, his acting is still a topic of debate because of its limitations.
In Space Sweepers, a sci-fi movie that didn’t require much emotional depth, Song Joong Ki did a decent job. But in Vincenzo, he was overshadowed by his co-stars and was criticized for not delivering a strong performance. His “flower boy” image didn’t fit the tough mafia lawyer role he played.
Earlier in 2024, My Name is Loh Kiwan was also disappointing. Song Joong Ki’s stiff acting and lack of chemistry with his co-star, Choi Seong Eun, left audiences underwhelmed. Critics called it a forgettable movie with a weak script and poor character development.
Personal controversies
Besides his acting career, Song Joong Ki’s personal life has also caused problems for his public image. In 2024, he made controversial comments about marriage, saying: “Sometimes, being a husband and father means losing opportunities in my career. Marrying someone in the industry and having kids has limited my job offers.” His statement sparked outrage, with many accusing him of being narrow-minded and promoting gender inequality.
Song Joong Ki also faced backlash for trying to take the spotlight from Hong Sa Bin during the Hopeless premiere, even though he had a smaller role. He’s also been criticized for avoiding female co-stars at press events and having a poor attitude towards reporters.
Due to these controversies and his string of acting failures, Song Joong Ki’s position as a top actor in Korea seems to be fading. His stiff acting, poor attitude, and unsuccessful films have led many to believe that his time as a leading star is over. This was most evident in the lukewarm reception of Bogota: City of the Lost, which failed to create any buzz in Korea. Fans are disappointed to see the career of a once-prominent actor fall into decline.