Netflix has another international hit on its hands with the Korean crime thriller Bogotá: City of the Lost. The film, originally released in South Korean theaters in December 2024, has now dominated the streaming platform’s global charts, proving the rising popularity of Korean cinema.
What is Bogotá: City of the Lost About?
- Director: Kim Seong-je (Minority Opinion)
- Writers: Kim Seong-je & Hwang Seong-gu (Anarchist from Colony)
- Production Companies: Watermelon Pictures & Idioplan
Main Cast:
- Song Joong-ki as Guk-hee
Plot Summary:
- The film follows Guk-hee, a 19-year-old South Korean immigrant in Colombia, who becomes entangled in the country’s black market.
- As he struggles to survive in a foreign land, he rises through the ranks of the underworld, leading to intense crime, betrayal, and action-packed drama.
How Bogotá is Dominating Netflix’s Global Charts
Since its Netflix debut on February 3, Bogotá: City of the Lost has skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot on the platform’s Top 10 non-English films list.
- 13 million viewers in its first week
- 23.1 million hours viewed
- Ranked No. 2 overall across all languages on Netflix, behind Kinda Pregnant
Top 10 in 73 countries, including:
- No. 1 in South Korea, Colombia, Venezuela, Morocco, Nigeria, Hong Kong, Oman, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam
Why is this significant?
- The film was initially limited to South Korean theaters, grossing $2.7 million.
- Netflix has given it a global audience, allowing it to succeed on an international scale.
Why is Bogotá: City of the Lost So Popular?
Song Joong-ki’s Star Power
- The K-drama and film superstar (Vincenzo, Reborn Rich) is a major draw for global audiences.
Korean Crime Thrillers Are in High Demand
- Following hits like Squid Game, All of Us Are Dead, and Hellbound, Netflix users crave Korean dramas with intense action and gripping narratives.
A Fresh Setting for Korean Cinema
- While most K-thrillers take place in South Korea, Bogotá offers a unique setting in Colombia, making it visually and thematically distinct.
Will Bogotá Get a Sequel?
With its massive streaming success, there is a strong possibility that Netflix or South Korean studios could greenlight a sequel.
- If Bogotá continues to chart, it could follow the path of other Korean Netflix hits, which have secured sequels and spin-offs due to strong viewership.
- The film’s global reach proves that there is demand for more stories in this universe.
While there is no official confirmation of a sequel yet, the film’s growing popularity makes it a strong possibility.
