Song Joong-ki, known for his roles in popular dramas such as Vincenzo and Descendants of the Sun, is once again capturing attention, this time through praise from his co-star Lee Hee-joon, who has compared the actor's dedication to the craft of acting to Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise. Both actors are gearing up for the release of their upcoming crime thriller Bogota: City of the Lost, which is scheduled to hit theaters on December 31.
Lee Hee-joon, speaking to the press, expressed his admiration for Song Joong-ki's intense dedication, stating, "It may be a bit odd, but in some ways, I think Song Joong Ki resembles Tom Cruise." This remark highlights not only Song's commitment to his performances but also his ability to engage with everyone around him on set. Lee remarked, "I can't image doing it myself, but he manages it so well." This encapsulates the admiration his colleagues hold for him—an actor who puts his heart and soul not onlyInto his roles but alsoInto the atmosphere of collaboration.
During interviews, Lee Hee-joon shared personal anecdotes from the filming experience, detailing how Song Joong-ki always took the time to look after everybody on set. "If there’s a foreign extra, he would go to them and comfort them," Lee noted, showcasing Song Joong-ki's nurturing manner. His thoughtful approach extends beyond the spotlight, demonstrating his dedication to making others feel comfortable and included. Lee's recollections provide insightInto how Song Joong-ki's working style mirrors the collaborative ethos of high-profile Hollywood productions.
The film Bogota: City of the Lost tells the story of Guk Hee, played by Song Joong-ki, who moves to Bogotá, Colombia, seeking to start anew after the economic turmoil of the IMF crisis. There, he interacts with Soo Young, portrayed by Lee Hee-joon, who works as a customs broker, leading to significant developments within the Korean community living abroad.
Further elaboration from Lee Hee-joon paints Song Joong-ki as not just a co-star, but almost a producer on set. He commented, "Cho Joong-ki is an actor who can see the whole scene like a producer. Like Tom Cruise, he strives for a high degree of completion of the movie.” This equivalence is particularly telling, as it places Song Joong-ki's commitment on par with one of Hollywood's most renowned actors, known for his perfectionism and comprehensive involvement with projects.
Such comparisons are not taken lightly. Tom Cruise’s influence looms large over the film industry, known widely for pushing boundaries and demanding excellence from his co-stars and crew. Lee shared, "I don't dare to do it because it's too much for me to do it." His humility contrasts with the high standards he sees manifested through Song Joong-ki's behavior, reinforcing the point where respect meets admiration.
Lee Hee-joon’s experience on the set of Bogota: City of the Lost also highlighted the practical challenges faced during the shoot, as it was his first time working with international staff. He expressed initial worries about shooting overseas, remarking on the need to prepare for language barriers and cultural differences. He noted, "Ready, Action" is done once in Spanish and once in English, indicating the film's cross-cultural approach.
The inherent differences involving local customs and standards of filmmaking proved both fresh and burdensome, as Lee elaborated on the logistics of working with both Colombian and Korean staff. He noted how even simple things, like setting up the camera, often took longer than expected, which introduced additional layers of complexity to filming.
Despite these challenges, the relationship and synergy on set appeared to thrive, largely due to Song Joong-ki's efforts. Lee Hee-joon shared about how, after falling sick during filming, "Joong-ki took care of it for me." This act of kindness showcases Song Joong-ki's leadership abilities and commitment to his colleagues, reaffirming Lee’s earlier statements about his nurturing spirit.
While the film tells its story, it also serves as another reminder of the camaraderie and familial bonds formed through collaborative art. Emphasizing dedication, mutual respect, and the passion for storytelling brings to light the universal language of film, connecting talents from around the world.
With Bogota: City of the Lost on the horizon, the dynamic between Song Joong-ki and Lee Hee-joon promises to bring excitement not just within their narrative, but also highlights the commitment and dedication required to craft meaningful cinema.
