'Bogotá' conquers Netflix!

Hello girls! Have you seen the new Korean movie 'Bogotá' on Netflix? This production starring our oppa Song Joong-ki is causing a sensation worldwide. Today I bring you all the details about its unexpected success and the reaction of the Korean public. Let's see what's happening with this movie that transports us to Colombia!

From box office failure to global success

The movie 'Bogotá: City at the Edge' had a disappointing debut in Korean theaters at the end of 2024. Despite having the talented Song Joong-ki as the protagonist, it only managed to attract 420,000 viewers, well below the breakeven point of 3 million. However, its luck changed dramatically when it arrived on Netflix on February 4, 2025. In just one day, 'Bogotá' positioned itself as the most watched movie globally on the platform. What an incredible turn of events!

The success on Netflix is not limited to Korea. 'Bogotá' has reached the top spot in 26 countries, including Vietnam, Brazil, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Spain, and Thailand. Most surprisingly, it's also number one in Colombia, the country where the plot takes place. This demonstrates that the story and Song Joong-ki's acting have managed to connect with audiences from diverse cultures.

Why is it succeeding outside Korea?

Critics attribute the international success of 'Bogotá' to several factors. First, Song Joong-ki's global popularity as a Hallyu star. His versatile performance, portraying a young Korean seeking fortune in Colombia, has been praised for capturing the character's evolution over two decades. Additionally, the film offers impressive shots of Bogotá, giving international viewers a unique vision of the Colombian capital.

Another highlight is the crime and drama plot that unfolds in the Korean community of Bogotá. This combination of Korean elements in a Latin American setting has proven attractive to diverse audiences. The film also addresses universal themes such as the search for opportunities and the struggle for success in foreign lands, which resonates with viewers from different backgrounds.

Reaction of the Korean public

The reception in Korea has been mixed. While some viewers celebrate the film's international success, others are surprised by the difference between the local and international response. On Korean social media, comments range from pride in seeing a Korean production triumph globally to confusion about why it didn't have the same impact in domestic theaters.

Many fans of Song Joong-ki express joy at the recognition his performance is receiving worldwide. However, there are also critical voices questioning whether the success on Netflix is due more to the actor's popularity than to the quality of the film itself. Some comments on portals like Naver reflect this duality: "I'm happy for Song Joong-ki, but I still think the movie has pacing and script problems."

Impact on the Korean film industry

The case of 'Bogotá' is generating debate in the Korean film industry about distribution strategies and the growing importance of streaming platforms. Some experts suggest that this success could lead more Korean productions to consider direct releases on global platforms, especially for films with potential international appeal but which might face challenges in the local market.

The importance of international co-productions and filming in foreign locations is also highlighted. 'Bogotá' benefited from tax incentives in Colombia, which allowed for reduced production costs and offered an authentic visual experience. This model could inspire more Korean producers to explore international collaborations.

Conclusion

The global success of 'Bogotá' on Netflix demonstrates the power of Korean content to captivate international audiences. Although the film failed to conquer the Korean box office, its triumph in streaming highlights the importance of digital platforms in the dissemination of Korean cinema. For us, international fans of Hallyu, it's exciting to see how a film that combines Korean elements with a Latin American setting can unite viewers from around the world.

Have you already watched 'Bogotá' on Netflix? What did you think of Song Joong-ki's performance? Tell me your opinions in the comments! And don't forget to share this post with your friends who are fans of Korean cinema. Until next time, girls!