The Busan International Film Festival concluded successfully on October 11, attracting many global stars. One of the films that attracted attention was Bogota: the city of the lostwith Song Joong Ki, but not for the right reasons. The film was heavily criticized for its poor quality.
Bogota they began filming in January 2020, but due to COVID-19, production was delayed multiple times, leaving the film unfinished for nearly four years. This caused the team much financial loss and frustration. Many hoped Bogota it would be a “comeback” film to recover from setbacks. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a huge disappointment for audiences.
Song Joong Ki faces another failure
Bogota tells the story of Korea’s struggles after the Asian financial crisis of the 1990s. People were left homeless and starving. In this difficult situation, nineteen-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 garment industry. However, Mr. Park’s boss decides to help Kook Hee instead of her father. Kook Hee slowly learns the local language and begins to build contacts in the black market. He becomes involved with customs officers and criminal gangs, expanding his influence in Bogota’s underworld.
As Kook Hee emerges into the criminal world, other gangs, including Lil Park (Park Ji Hwan) and Soo Young (Lee Hee Joon), take notice and try to stop his growth. Meanwhile, Kook Hee’s father gets involved in drug trafficking and abandons the family.
The film touches on the topic of crime and immigration but fails to adequately address these issues. The plot is messy and confusing, with long, boring scenes that leave viewers frustrated. Without a clear climax, the film lacks excitement and many people found it disappointing. Some even called it a “box office flop” and one of the biggest Korean film failures in 2024.
Criticism of Song Joong Ki’s acting
Despite Song Joong Ki’s status as a top actor, his performance in Bogota has been criticized. Reviewers said her portrayal of Kook Hee lacked depth and did not show the character’s growth from youth to crime boss. His “cool” behavior seemed forced and predictable, disappointing fans who expected more from him.
Due to these problems, the film was not well received at the Busan International Film Festival and experts believe that it will not do well at the box office. This raises concerns about 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 such as Space sweepers, Vincent, Born again richand now Bogota: the city of the lost. He tried to get out of his comfort zone by choosing more complex roles, moving away from romantic dramas. However, his acting is still a matter of debate due to its limitations.
In Space sweepersa sci-fi film that didn’t require much emotional depth, Song Joong Ki did a decent job. But inside Vincenthe was overshadowed by his co-stars and was criticized for not delivering a strong performance. His “flower boy” image didn’t fit the tough role of mafia lawyer he played.
In early 2024, My name is Loh Kiwan it was also disappointing. Song Joong Ki’s stiff acting and lack of chemistry with his co-star, Choi Seong Eun, left audiences disappointed. Critics called it a forgettable film with a weak script and poor character development.
Personal disputes
In addition to his acting career, Song Joong Ki’s personal life has also caused problems for his public image. In 2023 he made controversial comments about marriage, saying: “Sometimes being a husband and father means missing out on opportunities in my career. Marrying someone in the industry and having children 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 away from Hong Sa Bin during the Hopeless premiere, even though he had a minor role. He was also criticized for avoiding co-stars at press events and for having a bad attitude towards journalists.
Due to these controversies and series of acting failures, Song Joong Ki’s position as a top actor in Korea appears to be fading. His stiff acting, poor attitude and unsuccessful films have led many to believe that his time as a major star is over. This was most evident in the lukewarm reception of Bogota: the city of the lostwhich did not cause any stir in Korea. Fans are disappointed to see a once-prominent actor’s career fall into decline.
