Watch: Song Joong Ki, Lee Hee Joon, And More Reveal Their Experiences Filming In Colombia For “Bogota: City Of The Lost”

Dec 20, 2024

The highly anticipated year-end film “Bogota: City of the Lost” has released a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the cast’s on-set experiences!

Directed by Kim Sung Je, “Bogota: City of the Lost” is a crime thriller that tells the story of Guk Hee (Song Joong Ki), who, in the wake of the IMF crisis, heads to Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, with new hopes. There, he becomes entangled with Soo Young (Lee Hee Joon), a customs broker, and Sergeant Park (Kwon Hae Hyo), a key figure in the Korean community in Bogotá.

The video captures the actors’ first reactions to the unfamiliar land, a glimpse into the production process, and their powerful performances, all of which heighten anticipation for the film.

Song Joong Ki said, “I was really excited when I heard we’d be filming in Colombia.” The unique South American setting, rarely seen in Korean films, stands out as one of the movie’s biggest draws. Kim Jong Soo expressed his hope that “the air and feel of Colombia would be captured well,” aiming to highlight the authentic local atmosphere.

Lee Hee Joon discussed, “I thought it was unique because the story isn’t about drugs or guns but about smuggling and selling underwear.”

Park Ji Hwan noted, “The story felt very Korean yet not Korean at all,” sparking curiosity about the unpredictable plot set in a new location.

Cho Hyun Chul recalled, “When I looked out the airplane window, it was vast. I think Guk Hee must have felt something similar when he arrived,” suggesting a more authentic portrayal of Koreans in Bogotá, shaped by the actors’ real-life experiences.

Director Kim Sung Je emphasized, “It was really important to create a sense of realism. We avoided special locations and focused on more ordinary spaces,” explaining the effort to capture the local atmosphere.

Regarding his character’s outfit, Song Joong Ki shared, “I was surprised when the costume designer first showed me the clothes. I wasn’t sure if they were right, but once we got to Colombia, they made sense.” He teased that the vibrant colors—red, blue, and green—will give his character a fresh look. He also noted, “Spanish is a very expressive language, so I naturally started using more gestures,” building excitement for his performance in Spanish.

Lee Hee Joon added, “I got a lot of help on set, and I changed some things that didn’t sound authentic,” emphasizing the strong collaboration with the local Colombian staff to enhance the film’s realism.

The strong ensemble cast, featuring unique personalities and solid acting skills, is another highlight. Song Joong Ki brings all the layers of his beloved character, Guk Hee, while Lee Hee Joon commands the screen with his presence. Along with Kwon Hae Hyo, Park Ji Hwan, Cho Hyun Chul, and Kim Jong Soo, the talented actors have created a deep, immersive drama that’s expected to captivate audiences with its intense engagement.

Cho Hyun Chul said, “Every character in the movie changes from start to finish. I thought about how to express those moments of transformation,” raising expectations for his complex character brought to life with subtle acting.

The cast expressed their hopes for the film’s reception. Kwon Hae Hyo added, “This is a film where you can experience exotic landscapes and see the actors in a new light.” Lee Hee Joon said, “I hope the film connects with everyone,” while Song Joong Ki expressed, “I’m excited to meet the audience soon,” building anticipation for the gripping crime drama set to captivate theaters this winter.

Watch the full video below!