Mega-hit Series Returns with "The Roundup: Punishment," Featuring Don Lee, Kim Moo-yul, and Lee Dong-hwi

Courtesy of ABO Entertainment

South Korea's popular crime action franchise, "The Roundup," is gearing up for the release of its fourth installment, titled "The Roundup: Punishment," just 11 months after the third one. The movie, set to premiere on April 24, will mark the return of an old character and introduce two new formidable villains.

During a press conference at Megabox Seongsu in Seoul on Monday, Don Lee (Ma Dong-seok) expressed gratitude for the opportunity to create the fourth installment of the franchise, conceived 11 years ago. The movie features the reappearance of Don Lee as a "monster cop" detective, joining forces with former gang leader Jang Yi-soo (Park Ji-hwan) to take down former special forces agent Baek Chang-gi (Kim Moo-yul) and genius IT company CEO Jang Dong-chul (Lee Dong-hwi). 

▲ Courtesy of ABO Entertainment, PLUSM Entertainment

Jang Yi-soo's return is eagerly anticipated, known for his comical actions and distinctive Korean dialect spoken by ethnic Koreans in China in the first and second installments.

Park Ji-hwan, discussing his character, Jang Yi-soo, revealed that the former gang leader is reluctantly pulled into the case related to illegal online gambling by detective Ma. The storyline revolves around Yi-soo realizing that he has once again become a prop in Ma's plans.

Don Lee and Kim Moo-yul, reuniting after the crime action flick "The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil," attended the Berlin International Film Festival last month with "The Roundup: Punishment." The movie was invited to screen as one of the festival's Special Gala films, marking the first time a Korean action series received such an invitation.

▲ Courtesy of ABO EntertainmentThe actors experienced a warm reception from local fans in Berlin, showcasing the evolving position of Korean films and culture on the international stage. Lee Dong-hwi expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response, noting that seeing fans waiting for autographs and pictures outside their hotel was a dream come true.

Director Heo Myeong-haeng, who previously worked as a martial arts director in the "The Roundup" series, directed the fourth installment. He emphasized focusing on upgrading comical scenes and action sequences, experimenting with new artistic elements.

"The Roundup: Punishment" is set to hit local theaters on April 24, promising massive action sequences intertwined with a weighty storyline, showcasing unique relationships between the two villains.

Sayart

Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com