In 2024, Ma Dong-seok is poised to sustain his popularity with the highly anticipated release of “The Roundup: Punishment” scheduled for May. “The Roundup: Punishment” is the fourth installment in “The Outlaws” series. The overall outlook for the Korean film industry in 2024 remains cautiously optimistic. The success of films like “12.12: The Day” and “Noryang: Deadly Sea” demonstrates that movies with compelling selling points can attract audiences.
Among the films set to debut in 2024, “The Roundup: Punishment” is considered one of the most commercially promising, alongside “Veteran 2.” With a well-established universe, the commanding presence of lead actor Ma Dong-seok, and the inclusion of esteemed actors like Kim Moo-yeol and Lee Dong-hwi, the film is anticipated to perform strongly, potentially reaching the 10 million-viewer milestone, barring unforeseen challenges.
Official Trailer of “The Roundup: Punishment”
Synopsis of “The Roundup: Punishment”
In an effort to dismantle the nation’s largest illegal online gambling syndicate, Detective Ma Seok-do establishes a cybercrime investigation unit and assembles a specialized team. This installment introduces a heightened showdown against even more formidable villains compared to its predecessors.
Based on the Pattaya murder case that unfolded in November 2015 in Thailand, “The Roundup: Punishment” draws inspiration from this real-life incident. The case was featured in an episode of SBS’s investigation report and was even used as a motif in episodes 1-2 of the series “Taxi Driver 2.”
Taking charge of the screenplay for “Taxi Driver 2,” writer Oh Sang-ho is also at the helm for the script of “The Roundup: Punishment”
casting of “The Roundup: Punishment”
Ma Dong-seok Portrays Ma Seok-do
The alpha and omega figure in the “The Roundup: Punishment” series, Ma Seok-do is characterized by his fists-first approach, confronting criminals head-on with his overpowering physical prowess. Initially harboring dreams of becoming a professional fighter, he excels in various martial arts, such as judo and boxing. While administering ruthless discipline to malicious wrongdoers, Ma Seok-do displays a humane side, opting for a slap rather than a punch when dealing with less formidable troublemakers.
Kim Moo-yeol Portrays Baek Chang-gi
A seasoned former member of special forces and a veteran mercenary, he serves as the operational leader of an illicit gambling organization. As the ultimate antagonist in the film, he leans towards wielding a knife, showcasing a preference for blades over bare fists in confrontations.
Kim Moo-yeol and Ma Dong-seok previously shared the screen as lead actors in the film “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil,” where Kim portrayed a detective and Ma Dong-seok played a crime lord. Known for his versatility, Kim Moo-yeol frequently embraces antagonist roles among lead actors. In the upcoming “The Roundup: Punishment,” his character Baek Chang-gi is rumored to be the most formidable villain in the series to date. Fans are eager to see if Kim Moo-yeol can bring the same level of intensity that made him stand out in “The Outlaws,” where he rivaled the powerful character of Jang Chen.
Lee Dong-hwi Portrays Jang Dong-chul
A young CEO and IT genius in the cryptocurrency industry, he is a business associate of Baek Chang-gi. Evidently, he assumes a pivotal role as the mastermind behind the illegal online gambling site organization.
“A distinctive aspect in ”The Roundup: Punishment” compared to its predecessors is the casting of two renowned actors for villainous roles. This highlights the importance of Lee Dong-hwi’s portrayal as a pivotal sub-villain. Given that ”’The Roundup: Punishment” is set in the Philippines, there’s a notable overlap with Lee Dong-hwi’s previous character, Yang Jung-pal, from the Disney+ series “Big Bet.”
Park Ji-hwan Portrays Jang Lee-soo
As the leader of the Leesoo organization, a Chinese organized crime group originally based in Seoul’s Guro District, Jang Lee-soo managed operations such as illegal gambling establishments and mahjong parlors. After the organization disintegrated under Jang Chen’s influence in “The Roundup,” the second installment in the series, Jang Lee-soo became involved in marriage fraud, only to once again find himself entangled with Ma Seok-do. Although absent in “The Roundup: No Way Out,” the third installment, he made a notable appearance in a post-credits scene, showcasing a successful venture in the arcade business.
Next to Ma Seok-do, Jang Lee-soo stands as the second most beloved character in the series. While Chorong briefly captured attention in “The Roundup: No Way Out” during Jang Lee-soo’s absence, the original comedic character remains Jang Lee-soo. Actor Park Ji-hwan has made a memorable impact through the series, and he continues to showcase his talent in various ongoing projects.
Lee Beom-soo Portrays Jang Tae-soo
As the team leader of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Special Investigation Unit 1, he played a pivotal role in recruiting Ma Dong-seok into the police force, personally picking him up from Geumcheon Police Station. Known for his pragmatic and results-oriented approach, he emphasizes the significance of achievements in policing. Despite being a realistic and cautious officer who navigates nuanced dynamics with superiors, he is also adept at looking out for his subordinates, showcasing considerable competence in the field.
When considering Lee Beom-soo’s contribution to the industry, his role in “The Roundup: No Way Out” appears quite limited. One of the most regrettable aspects of this installment compared to its predecessors was the absence of Vice Principal Choi Gwi-hwa. Unfortunately, Lee Beom-soo’s involvement fell short in compensating for that absence. There is now heightened anticipation for a more substantial contribution in “The Roundup: Punishment.”
Production crew of “The Roundup: Punishment”
Helmed by the acclaimed action choreographer behind hits like “The Outlaws” series, “New World,” ”I Say the Devil,” ”D.P.(Deserter Pursuit),”and more, Director Heo Myung-hang takes charge of ”The Roundup: Punishment.” Anticipations are naturally high for an elevated emphasis on martial arts action compared to its predecessors. Departing from the previous main villains, “The Roundup: Punishment” portrays Baek Chang-gi, the main antagonist, as a former special forces member with specialized combat training.
“The Roundup: Punishment” marks Director Heo Myung-hwan’s second directorial venture after ”Wilderness.” Given the film’s inheritance of the successful legacy of its predecessors, any potential setbacks at the box office of “The Roundup: Punishment” are likely to be associated with the director.
The screenplay is crafted by O Sang-ho, known for his work on the drama series “Taxi Driver.”
behind the Scene of “The Roundup: Punishment”
- Originally, Director Lee Sang-yong, who directed “The Roundup: No Way Out”, was intended to continue directing ”The Roundup: Punishment.” However, due to the physical time constraints involved in the pre-production process for “The Roundup: Punishment”—including location scouting, modifications, casting, and more—it was impractical for him to simultaneously handle both films. Consequently, a scheduling arrangement was made where Director Heo Myung-hang took on the preparation for “The Roundup: Punishment” while Director Lee Sang-yong was engaged in filming “The Roundup: No Way Out”. This allowed for a sequential filming schedule for both movies.
- Lead actor and producer, Ma Dong-seok, anticipates a notable shift in the atmosphere of “The Roundup: Punishment” with the change in directors.
- “Lee Dong-hwi, the boyfriend of Jang Ho-yeon, who portrayed No. 67 in “Squid Game,” has drawn attention for his speculated enhanced fashion sense, possibly influenced by his romantic relationship with Jang Ho-yeon.
The prior collaboration between Ma Dong-seok and Heo Myung-hwan is detailed at https://triviaaboutkorea.com/ma-dong-seoks-wilderness/
To experience the inception of “The Outlaws” series, visit https://www.disneyplus.com/ko-kr/movies/the-outlaws/2qomqYkdjz55
