“The Roundup: Punishment,” the fourth installment in the popular Korean film franchise, has created a buzz in the local market by breaking the all-time opening day presales record. With over 834,000 ticket reservations prior to its release, the movie accounted for 95.5% of all sales, surpassing the franchise’s previous best presales record set by “The Roundup: No Way Out” in 2023.
Not only did “The Roundup: Punishment” exceed its own franchise records, but it also outperformed Hollywood titles in the Korean market in terms of opening day presales. The movie’s strong showing during previews, grossing $341K on just 17 screens, indicates a promising start that could further boost the Korean box office.
The success of “The Roundup: Punishment” comes at a crucial time for the Korean film industry, which had experienced sluggish growth post-pandemic. The record-breaking performance of movies like “Exhuma” in March contributed to revitalizing the market, and “The Roundup: Punishment” is expected to maintain this positive momentum.
Directed by Heo Myeong-haeng, the film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and follows the story of Detective Ma Seok-do, played by Ma Dong-seok. The movie’s ability to deliver thrilling action, intense moments, and a compelling narrative that is easy to follow has been praised by critics. Stephanie Bunbury from Deadline highlighted the carefully crafted storytelling and the standout performance by Ma Dong-seok as key factors in the movie’s success.
Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee, not only stars in “The Roundup: Punishment” but also serves as its executive producer. His involvement in the film has been a major selling point, with audiences and critics alike recognizing his contribution to the movie’s excellence. As a prominent figure in Korean cinema, Ma Dong-seok’s presence in the franchise adds a significant boost to its appeal and success.
“The Roundup: Punishment” has made a significant impact on the Korean box office, setting new records and revitalizing the industry. With engaging storytelling, impressive performances, and critical acclaim, the movie has solidified its position as a standout entry in the franchise. Ma Dong-seok’s involvement and the overall quality of the film have contributed to its success, further establishing Korean cinema as a force to be reckoned with in the global market.