Bogotá: City of the Lost (2025) – A Gripping Tale of Survival and Ambition

Overview

"Bogotá: City of the Lost" is a South Korean crime drama directed by Kim Seong-je, featuring renowned actor Song Joong-ki in the lead role. The film delves into the life of Guk-hee, a young Korean immigrant navigating the treacherous underworld of Bogotá, Colombia, in the 1990s. What sets this movie apart is its unique setting and the exploration of cultural displacement, ambition, and survival in an unfamiliar land. The narrative offers a fresh perspective on the immigrant experience, highlighting the lengths one might go to achieve success in a foreign environment.

Release Date


The film premiered at the 29th Busan International Film Festival on October 3, 2024, and was subsequently released theatrically in South Korea on December 31, 2024. International audiences gained access to the film when it became available for streaming on Netflix in February 2025.

Cast

Song Joong-ki as Guk-hee: Known for his roles in "Descendants of the Sun" and "Vincenzo," Song delivers a compelling performance as a young man striving to overcome adversity in a foreign land.

Lee Hee-joon as Soo-yeong: Recognized for "The Man Standing Next" and "1987: When the Day Comes," Lee portrays a customs broker who becomes a pivotal figure in Guk-hee's journey.

Kwon Hae-hyo as Sergeant Park Jang-soo: A veteran actor from "The Day After" and "In Another Country," Kwon plays a significant role in the Korean Merchants’ Association in Bogotá.

Park Ji-hwan as Junior Boss Park: Known for "The Outlaws" and "The Divine Fury," Park adds depth to the ensemble with his portrayal of a local gang leader.

Cho Hyun-chul as Jae-woong: Featured in "Hotel Del Luna" and "D.P.," Cho brings nuance to his character, a fellow immigrant entwined in Guk-hee's story.

Kim Jong-soo as Guk-hee's father: With performances in "The Drug King" and "The Chase," Kim portrays the patriarch struggling alongside his family in a new country.


Plot

Set against the backdrop of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the film follows 19-year-old Guk-hee, who relocates to Bogotá with his family in search of a better life. Upon arrival, they face immediate hardships, living hand-to-mouth in a city rife with challenges. To survive, Guk-hee begins working under Sergeant Park, a prominent figure in the Korean Merchants’ Association. Demonstrating diligence and resilience, Guk-hee earns the trust of his superiors and becomes involved in smuggling operations. A near-disastrous encounter with Colombian customs officials tests his mettle, leading to a dangerous proposition from Soo-yeong, a customs broker. As Guk-hee navigates these treacherous waters, he becomes increasingly ambitious, aiming to reshape the Korean community's standing in Bogotá.

Behind the Scenes

Director Kim Seong-je co-wrote the screenplay with Hwang Seong-gu, crafting a narrative that intertwines personal struggle with broader socio-economic themes. The film's production faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial filming commenced in Bogotá, Colombia, in January 2020 but was halted in March after completing approximately 40% of the shoot. The team resumed and completed filming in South Korea by October 2021, adapting creatively to the constraints imposed by the pandemic.

Anticipation and Reception

Upon its release, "Bogotá: City of the Lost" garnered attention for its unique storyline and setting. Critics praised Song Joong-ki's performance and the film's atmospheric portrayal of Bogotá's underbelly. However, some reviews noted that while the film had an innovative premise and elements of dark comedy, it suffered from familiar plot beats and lacked character depth, leaving viewers less emotionally engaged.  Despite mixed reviews, the film achieved commercial success, ranking No. 1 worldwide on Netflix's trending movies list on February 5 and 6, 2025.

Final Thoughts

"Bogotá: City of the Lost" offers a compelling exploration of ambition, survival, and the immigrant experience in an unfamiliar land. While it may tread familiar narrative paths, the film's unique setting and strong performances, particularly by Song Joong-ki, make it a noteworthy addition to the crime drama genre. For viewers interested in stories of cultural displacement and the lengths individuals will go to achieve success, this film provides a thought-provoking and engaging experience.