By Lee Kyoung Mi
Video = ABO Entertainment's official YouTube channel

The latest installment of a compelling and exhilarating blockbuster series will soon hit theaters.

An advance media screening and news conference for "The Roundup: Punishment" on April 15 was held at the megaplex Megabox COEX in Seoul's Gangnam-gu District. Attending the event were actor Ma Dong-seok, who played the lead, director Heo Myung-haeng, and cast members Kim Mu-yeol, Park Ji-hwan and Lee Dong-hwi to discuss the movie.

With its protagonist Det. Ma Seok-do fighting crime with his bare hands, the series debuted in 2017 with "Outlaws," followed by "The Roundup" (2022) and "The Roundup: No Way Out" (2023). "The Roundup: Punishment" is the fourth installment of the nation's leading film series, with production planned up to part eight.

On the enhanced combat skills of the villains compared to those in the first three films, the director said, "We designed the final clash between the villains and Ma Seok-do to be even more interesting." The highlight of each edition in the series is the showdown between Ma and the villains at the end.

"I tried to do the action scenes (without a stuntman) if possible," said Kim, who played villain Baek Chang-gi. "I wanted to look professional, so I minimized small movements and didn't hesitate."

On the action scenes, the actor said, "This movie portrays good triumphing over evil in a balanced, cheerful and gratifying manner."

The screening and news conference for "The Roundup: Punishment" was held on April 15 at Megabox COEX in Seoul's Gangnam-gu District. From left are cast members Lee Dong-hwi and Kim Mu-yeol, director Heo Myung-haeng, and actors Park Ji-hwan and Ma Dong-seok. (Lee Kyoung Mi)

"The film was made through the deep thinking and diverse efforts of so many people," actor Ma said. "The purpose of the 'The Roundup' series is entertainment."

With delightful and non-stop action, the film also features the franchise's distinct wit and humor from time to time to entertain viewers.

Ahead of its domestic release, "The Roundup: Punishment" was the first Korean series to be invited to the Berlin International Film Festival in February in the Special Gala category, thanks to recognition of its entertainment and cinematic value. 

Overseas demand for the movie has also been brisk, with pre-sales to 164 countries including the U.S. and Australia.

"The Roundup: Punishment" is about the strong-armed detective Ma going after an illegal online gambling syndicate. Slated for release on April 24 in Korea and Indonesia, it will premiere through next month in Australia, Taiwan, the U.K. and Thailand.

km137426@korea.kr