Song Joong Ki is once again at the center of online debate after past comments about failing overseas auditions resurfaced, prompting speculation about whether his popularity has declined in recent years.
Song Joong Ki, who rose to pan-Asian fame through the hit drama Descendants of the Sun alongside Song Hye Kyo, experienced a real-life romance that captivated fans. The pair married in what many described as a “fairy-tale wedding,” only to announce their divorce in 2019 after two years of marriage. In 2023, Song Joong Ki remarried British actress Katy Louise Saunders, and he is now a father of two.
However, attention has shifted back to an earlier interview in which the actor candidly discussed his ambition to enter the global market. Song Joong Ki admitted that he had auditioned for multiple overseas projects but had not secured a role. “I hope I can pass an audition this time. So far, I’ve failed all of them,” he said at the time, adding that his desire to challenge himself in different cultures and film industries was growing. He also acknowledged that forcing one’s way into an unsuitable market might not be wise.
As the interview clip resurfaced online, netizens began dissecting possible reasons behind the setbacks. Some pointed to shifting industry trends and the challenges Asian actors face in Western markets. Others, however, controversially linked the situation to his divorce from Song Hye Kyo, suggesting that public sentiment toward him shifted after their separation. Comments circulating online included harsh criticisms, with some claiming their favorable impression of the actor diminished following the breakup.
There were also opinions noting that while Song Joong Ki remains a respected actor domestically, his visual appeal and star image may not align with Western casting expectations. Such debates highlight the intense scrutiny Korean stars face—not only over career moves but also personal life decisions.
Despite the chatter, Song Joong Ki continues to maintain a steady acting career in Korea and has openly expressed his ambition to expand globally. Breaking into international markets is notoriously competitive, even for established stars. Whether his overseas breakthrough is still ahead remains to be seen, but the renewed discussion underscores how closely celebrity careers are intertwined with public perception in today’s digital age.
Sources: Netizenbuzz