Event Overview for “Bogota: City of the Lost”
On January 12, a promotional event for the film “Bogota: City of the Lost” took place, generating significant attention across social media platforms, particularly with video highlights later shared on YouTube.
Key Attendees
The event featured an impressive lineup, including the film’s lead actors, Song Joong-ki and Lee Hee-joon, along with special guest Lee Sung-min.
Candid Remarks on Cinema Challenges
During the event, Lee Sung-min openly expressed his concerns about the turnout, saying, “When I arrived here, I noticed the parking lot was almost empty. It broke my heart. It seems like there are very few people in the theater. There could be many reasons for this, but when theaters are empty, it’s incredibly tough for actors. Especially when a film is released during such a time, it makes you feel like dying.”
Song Joong-ki listened intently, visibly affected by Sung-min’s heartfelt words.
Lee Sung-min continued, urging the audience for support: “But we have to endure because that’s our role as actors. Please lend your support to help our movie do well and conclude on a positive note.”
Song Joong-ki’s Emotional Appeal
Taking the microphone, Song Joong-ki responded to the challenges facing the industry. “As my senior mentioned, Korean cinema is going through a very difficult time. Honestly, just having a film screen in theaters right now is something to be grateful for,” he said. He emphasized the importance of promoting their work, stating, “I worked harder than ever on promotions because I wanted to let people know about this film and present it in the best light.”
He acknowledged the struggles and reaffirmed the commitment of actors to deliver quality content that uplifts audiences: “Even though the film industry is struggling, our role as actors is to create good content that comforts and entertains audiences who are facing tough times. We’ll continue to pour our hearts into diverse projects to bring strength and joy to everyone.”
As Song Joong-ki spoke, he was overwhelmed with emotion. “I’m getting choked up just talking about this…” he said, pausing to regain his composure. With tears welling in his eyes, he concluded, simply stating “Thank you.” Lee Sung-min also appeared deeply moved by the moment.
Box Office Struggles
Since its release on December 31, 2024, “Bogota: City of the Lost” has reported dismal box office performance. As of January 15, the film has attracted a mere 400,000 viewers, significantly short of its target breakeven figure of 3 million.
This disappointing outcome marks a concerning trend for Song Joong-ki, who has now experienced three straight box office flops, starting with “Hopeless” (approximately 260,000 viewers) in 2023, followed by “My Name Is Loh Kiwan” and now “Bogota: City of the Lost.”
Concerns Regarding Public Perception
Alongside his box office troubles, there is a growing concern about the deterioration of public perception surrounding Song Joong-ki. Critics point to moments of awkwardness in his performances as well as challenges in resonating with audiences.
Moreover, the actor has faced backlash for comments made during a recent YouTube appearance, where he referred to his wife as “that girl,” a remark perceived by many as disrespectful. Additionally., he has been criticized for alleging that his career suffered post-fatherhood.
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