The Roundup: Punishment is the fourth installment in the Korean cop thriller series, The Roundup, starring Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) as Seok-do, a tank-sized boxer and the only consistent character in the franchise. Directed by Heo Myung-haeng, the movie follows Seok-do as he punishes criminals, primarily focusing on Baek Chang-ki (Kim Mu-yeol), a former Korean Special Forces and current head of an online gambling organization with a violent streak.
The Characters
Ma Seok-do (Don Lee)
Seok-do is the main protagonist, played by Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee). As a boxer-turned-cop, Seok-do uses his physical prowess to take down criminals, providing a touch of humor and action to the series. However, in The Roundup: Punishment, the film relies less on his gifts and more on his presence.
Baek Chang-ki (Kim Mu-yeol)
Baek Chang-ki is the primary antagonist, a former Korean Special Forces member who leads an online gambling organization based in the Philippines. Baek’s violent nature and cold demeanor contrast with Seok-do’s character, resulting in a series of bloody and intense encounters.
Chang Dong-cheol (Lee Dong-hwi)
Chang Dong-cheol is a weaselly IT prodigy who works with Baek. He fails to fulfill a promise to Baek, which leads to a rift between the two and eventually forces Baek to return to Korea.
Jang Yi-soo (Park Ji-hwan)
Jang Yi-soo is a small-time crook who becomes entangled in the case. He often acts as comic relief in the movie but doesn’t provide the same level of amusement as Don Lee’s character.
The Plot
The Roundup: Punishment follows the investigation of Jo Sung-jae’s murder and the tracing of Jo’s employment history to an online gambling ring. Seok-do (Don Lee) and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Investigation team join forces with the Cyber Investigation team to apprehend Choi Yu-seong, the manager of the money laundering joint.
Baek Chang-ki (Kim Mu-yeol) and Chang Dong-cheol (Lee Dong-hwi) are involved in the online gambling industry, with Baek leading the violent raids and murders. The film follows Seok-do’s attempts to subdue Baek and his men while investigating the possible link between QM Holdings and Emperor’s Casino.
Reception
The Roundup: Punishment premiered at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival and was released theatrically on April 24, 2024, in IMAX and 4DX screening formats. The film has received positive responses from critics, becoming the second highest-grossing Korean film of 2024 with a gross of US$82 million and 11 million admissions.
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