Film 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances' Premieres in Seoul

The press screening for the film 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances' took place on December 19 at the COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul. The event featured a star-studded cast including Song Joong-ki, Lee Hee-joon, Kwon Hae-hyo, Park Ji-hwan, and Kim Jong-soo, along with director Kim Sung-jae.

Set to hit theaters on December 31, 'Bogotá' follows the story of Kook-hee (played by Song Joong-ki), who travels to Bogotá, Colombia, in search of new hope. There, he becomes entangled with influential figures in the Korean community, such as Su-young (Lee Hee-joon) and Park Byeong-jang (Kwon Hae-hyo). Director Kim Sung-jae, known for 'Minority Opinion,' helms this crime drama, emphasizing that Bogotá is not merely a crime-ridden city, similar to how Seoul is often misperceived.

Song Joong-ki's portrayal of Kook-hee, a young man with strong ambitions, has generated significant anticipation among fans. He shared insights about his filming schedule, noting that 'Bogotá' was shot before his other projects like 'Vincenzo' and 'Reborn Rich.' He expressed a desire for audiences to appreciate Kook-hee's determination and aspirations.

This film marks a significant milestone as it is the first Korean movie to be filmed on location in Colombia. Song Joong-ki discussed the challenges of shooting abroad, highlighting the unpredictable variables that come with unfamiliar environments. He aimed to focus on the conflicts among Koreans living far from home.

Addressing concerns about the film's potential impact on Colombia's national image, Song mentioned his Colombian family ties, stating that he has witnessed efforts to reshape the country's image. He described Colombia as vibrant and rich in culture, distancing it from outdated stereotypes.

Director Kim also clarified that he did not shy away from the historical context of Bogotá's past, which was once considered one of the world's most dangerous cities. He aimed to portray realistic narratives without intending to harm the country's image.

Lee Hee-joon, who plays a key role as a smuggling broker, expressed his excitement about the film's release, reminiscing about the collaborative efforts during filming. He also shared his commitment to character development, adjusting his physical appearance to reflect the character's age progression.

The film features strong supporting performances from Kwon Hae-hyo as a powerful smuggler, Park Ji-hwan as his nephew, and Kim Jong-soo as Kook-hee's father. 'Bogotá' is set to conclude the cinematic year of 2024 with a bang, and Song Joong-ki hopes it will remain in theaters well into the new year, encouraging audiences to enjoy the film in cinemas.