The Roundup: Punishment” Breaks Records and Captivates Audiences in Korea

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By Aakash Nigam

The latest installment in the blockbuster Korean franchise, “The Roundup: Punishment,” has broken records in its home market by setting a new all-time opening day presales record. The crime action film, starring and executive produced by Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee), has garnered over 834,000 ticket reservations as of Wednesday morning local time, representing 95.5% of all sales. This achievement surpasses the franchise’s previous best presales of 640,000 for 2023’s “The Roundup: No Way Out,” which went on to gross $76.4 million in the market. It also exceeds the presales of 2018’s “Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days,” which held the previous record with 646,000 presales. ABO Entertainment reported these figures from the Korean Film Council, highlighting the film’s success in the local market.

The film was in previews on Wednesday, earning $341,000 on just 17 screens, according to Kobiz. The strong performance of “The Roundup: Punishment” is expected to further boost the Korean box office, which recently saw record-breaking success in March, largely due to the horror film “Exhuma,” grossing $83.4 million since its release on February 22. Despite facing challenges during the pandemic, the Korean market has shown signs of recovery, with this latest installment in the franchise contributing to its resurgence.

Directed by Heo Myeong-haeng, “The Roundup: Punishment” made its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. The film follows Detective Ma Seok-do, played by Don Lee, as he joins the Cyber Investigation Team to track down a ruthless kingpin and a cryptocurrency entrepreneur who uses online casinos as a front for his illicit activities. The film has received positive reviews, with Stephanie Bunbury of Deadline praising its thrilling storyline, stylish presentation, and the charismatic performance of Don Lee. She described the film as a well-crafted and entertaining addition to the franchise, highlighting Lee’s screen presence as a key factor in its success.

The success of “The Roundup: Punishment” not only sets a new benchmark for local films in Korea but also demonstrates the enduring popularity of the franchise and its ability to captivate audiences with its engaging storytelling and dynamic action sequences. As the film continues its theatrical run, it is expected to attract even more viewers and solidify its position as a box office hit. With its record-breaking presales and positive critical reception, “The Roundup: Punishment” is poised to make a significant impact on the Korean film industry and further establish itself as a standout entry in the franchise.

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