Song Joong Ki‘s upcoming K-movie Bogota: City of the Lost released its main trailer.
Set against the backdrop of Bogotá, Colombia, Bogota: City of the Lost tells the story of Korean immigrants who, out of desperation, turn to smuggling in this city of last hope. The story takes place in the aftermath of the IMF crisis, following Guk Hee (Song Joong Ki), who travels to Bogotá, Colombia from South Korea, the other side of the globe, with new hope of a better future.
The trailer begins with the story of Guk Hee’s family, who left for Colombia in search of new hope following the 1997 IMF crisis. Scenes such as yellow taxis, soldiers stationed at the airport, and military dogs — not commonly seen in Korea — vividly convey the unfamiliar and raw atmosphere of a foreign land, heightening anticipation for the film’s unique visuals as the first Korean movie set in Colombia.
However, this sense of excitement is short-lived. Guk Hee’s father, Geun Tae (Kim Jong Soo), has his bag containing all his possessions stolen at gunpoint. The sight of 19-year-old Guk Hee running with all his might to retrieve it foreshadows that his life ahead will be anything but smooth.
Guk Hee begins working under Sergeant Park (Kwon Hae Hyo), the most powerful figure in Bogotá’s Korean community, assisting with smuggling operations. Through his relentless determination and willingness to do whatever it takes, he earns Sergeant Park’s trust.
Soo Young (Lee Hee Joon), the second-in-command in the smuggling market, also takes notice of Guk Hee.
To test Guk Hee’s loyalty, Sergeant Park assigns him the task of bringing Soo Young’s goods to him. Soo Young, in turn, asks, “Should I make you an offer?” sparking curiosity about the choices Guk Hee will make.
Adding to the tension are various characters embroiled in fierce power struggles within Bogotá’s Korean community and smuggling market. These include Sergeant Park’s nephew (Park Ji Hwan), and Jae Woong (Jo Hyun Chul), Soo Young’s loyal subordinate. Their conflicts intensify the stakes surrounding the Korean enclave and its shadowy operations.
Guk Hee, now a formidable figure, delivers a chilling line in fluent Spanish: “I have neither money nor goods to share with a thief like you,” his menacing gaze sharply contrasting with his earlier naïve demeanor upon first arriving in Bogotá.
Guk Hee’s desperation can be felt when he says, “I have to make it alive to District 6,” encapsulating his determination to rise from the lowest depths to the loftiest heights.
Bogota: City of the Lost is set to hit the domestic theaters on December 31. Watch the trailer below.