Song Joong Ki’s Career Challenges: Navigating Box Office Failures and Public Controversies

The Busan International Film Festival concluded on October 11, attracting numerous celebrities from around the world. A film that sparked a lot of chatter was Bogota: City of the Lost, featuring Song Joong Ki; however, it was not the kind of attention the film would have hoped for, as it faced significant backlash for its subpar execution.

Production of Bogota commenced in January 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to repeated delays, resulting in almost four years of stagnation. This saga brought about substantial financial burdens and frustrations for the crew involved. Many were optimistic that Bogota would mark a renaissance in the wake of earlier struggles. Regrettably, it fell short of expectations, leaving many viewers disillusioned.

Yet Another Setback for Song Joong Ki

The plot of Bogota revolves around South Korea’s tribulations following the Asian financial crisis of the 1990s, depicting a society grappling with homelessness and starvation. In a desperate bid for a better future, 19-year-old character Kook Hee (portrayed by Song Joong Ki) and his family flee to Bogota, Colombia.

However, upon their arrival, they discover that their finances have been pilfered at the airport, leaving them destitute. Kook Hee’s father seeks aid from a former acquaintance, Mr. Park (Kwon Hae Hyo), a successful figure in the garment industry. Unfortunately, Mr. Park decides to lend his support to Kook Hee instead of his father. As the story unfolds, Kook Hee learns the local dialect and gradually immerses himself in the black market scene, establishing connections with customs officials and criminal factions, enhancing his sway within Bogota’s illicit circles.

As Kook Hee navigates the underbelly of crime, rival gangs, such as those led by Lil Park (Park Ji Hwan) and Soo Young (Lee Hee Joon), take notice and attempt to thwart his ascent. Concurrently, Kook Hee’s father spirals into drug involvement, creating further strife for the family.

The film attempts to tackle themes of crime and immigration, yet it falters in presentation. Viewers noted a convoluted narrative filled with prolonged scenes that tested their patience. The absence of a tangible climax leaves the film devoid of thrill, leading many to label it as a “box-office disaster” and one of Korea’s notable cinematic letdowns of 2024.

Critiques on Song Joong Ki’s Performance

Despite being a celebrated figure in the industry, Song Joong Ki’s acting in Bogota drew sharp criticism. Reviewers remarked that his depiction of Kook Hee lacked emotional depth, failing to convey the character’s evolution from an innocent youth to a criminal mastermind. His portrayal came across as forced and predictable, disappointing audiences who anticipated a more compelling performance.

As a result of these shortcomings, Bogota did not resonate well during its screening at the Busan International Film Festival, prompting industry experts to predict poor box office performance, raising concerns for the future viability of the production team.

What Lies Ahead for Song Joong Ki?

Over the past few years, Song Joong Ki has engaged in several ambitious projects such as Space Sweepers, Vincenzo, Reborn Rich, and now Bogota: City of the Lost. He has made an effort to challenge himself by taking on more intricate characters, stepping away from his traditional romantic roles. Nonetheless, his performances remain contentious due to recurring limitations.

In Space Sweepers, a sci-fi adventure requiring minimal emotional nuance, Song Joong Ki delivered a passable performance. Yet in Vincenzo, his presence was eclipsed by co-stars, leading to queries about his capability to embody a tough mafia lawyer role, which contrasted with his established “flower boy” persona.

Earlier in 2024, his role in My Name is Loh Kiwan also failed to impress. Critics pointed out his rigid acting and the lack of chemistry with co-star Choi Seong Eun, describing it as a forgettable film characterized by a weak plotline and underdeveloped characters.

Controversies Surrounding His Personal Life

Beyond the screen, Song Joong Ki’s personal remarks have stirred controversy, impacting his public persona. In 2023, he generated backlash after stating, “Sometimes, being a husband and father means losing career opportunities. Marrying within the industry and starting a family has constrained my professional options.” His comments ignited criticism, with many accusing him of mindset issues and perpetuating gender stereotypes.

Additionally, his behavior during the premiere of Hopeless raised eyebrows, particularly when he seemed to overshadow Hong Sa Bin despite a minor part. He has also faced scrutiny for bypassing interactions with female co-stars during press events and displaying a dismissive attitude towards the press.

Due to these controversies and a series of lackluster performances, Song Joong Ki’s status as a leading actor in Korea is appearing increasingly tenuous. Observers note his rigid acting style, questionable demeanor, and string of unsuccessful films might signify an end to his reign as a prominent star. This was particularly evident with Bogota: City of the Lost, which failed to generate excitement or interest in Korea, leaving fans disheartened at the decline of a once-celebrated talent.

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