In an emotional speech at a recent promotional event for his film Bogota: City of the Lost, Song Joong-ki broke down as the film has struggled at the box office since its December 31, 2024 release.

During the event on January 12, Song was reportedly visibly tearful when he heard fellow actor Lee Sung Min -- who candidly comment on the theater's almost-empty parking lot.

Lee said, "When I came here, I felt sad because the parking lot was empty. It seemed like there were hardly any people in the theater. There are probably many reasons, but it's really hard for actors when there are no audiences in the theater. Especially when a movie is released during that time, I feel like dying."

Song shook his head silently in agreement as Lee went ahead, hoping the fans would support their flick."But still, the actors are the ones who have to endure it.

Please give us a lot of strength so that our movie can go well until the end and help us finish it well," Lee said.

When Song had his turn, he talked about how he felt Korean cinema had become in the modern age.

"To have a film in theaters right now, in all honesty, is a blessing enough," he said.

"I redoubled my efforts on promotions because I wanted to get the word out about this film and maximize the way it was presented."

Song teared up while describing the obstacles the industry is facing.

As he paused, his voice quivering, he said through teary eyes, "I'm getting tickled just by talking about this..." and the words' thank you' came out.

Bogota: City of the Lost has had a tough time at the box office, pulling only 400,000 viewers, short of the 3 million breakeven point.

It was Song Joong Ki's third back-to-back box office flop after 'Hopeless' in 2023 and 'My Name Is Loh Kiwan'.

Song's films have been criticized, arguing that public trust has been dwindling due to the awkward pronunciation of songs, as well as in viewer spatial and emotional contact.

In addition to all that, the actor has been condemned for calling his wife "that girl" during a YouTube interview, which many found condescending.

The difficulties in Song's film career come from the broader Korean film industry going through hard times, with the two actors asking for more audience support during this challenging time for the industry.