The Beast Cop, Ma Seok-do, punched his way onto the screen and into our hearts with 2017's “The Outlaws”. Since then, as the feature's popularity and the star of its leading man Man Dong-seok raised, the singular production became a franchise and Ma Seok-do has ended up becoming an iconic character for the actor, who now returns to our screens for his fourth case in “The Roundup: Punishment”.
“The Roundup: Punishment” is released by Capelight Pictures
It's 2018 and while investigating the death of an app developer in Philippines in connection to a drugs case, detective Ma Seok-do's and his team uncover a huge illegal online gambling organisation. The man behind the organisation is closer to home, the rich genius It CEO Chang Dong-chul, who plans on becoming even richer with the introduction of his new cryptocurrency. He needs, though, his partner, the ruthless knife-wielding killer Baek Chang-gi to keep a...
“The Roundup: Punishment” is released by Capelight Pictures
It's 2018 and while investigating the death of an app developer in Philippines in connection to a drugs case, detective Ma Seok-do's and his team uncover a huge illegal online gambling organisation. The man behind the organisation is closer to home, the rich genius It CEO Chang Dong-chul, who plans on becoming even richer with the introduction of his new cryptocurrency. He needs, though, his partner, the ruthless knife-wielding killer Baek Chang-gi to keep a...
- 5/5/2024
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
“The Roundup: Punishment,” the fourth film in the Don Lee-starring crime action franchise, earned $20.9 million between Friday and Sunday and punched out all competition at the South Korean box office.
“Challengers,” which headed the box office this weekend in North America, with $15 million, opened fourth in Korea a 0.5% market share.
Global cinema data service, Comscore reported that “Punishment” was the top-scoring film worldwide with $24.4 million earned from collections in six territories. It was narrowly ahead of “Challengers” which earned $24.0 million from 53 markets.
“Punishment” accounted for a crushing 94% market share in Korea and collected its weekend haul from 2.92 million ticket sales, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic).
The film opened officially on Wednesday, when it scored $4.92 million, and followed that with a $3.25 million Thursday. Including the weekday takings and a smattering of previews from the previous weekend, the film finished Sunday with a cumulative of $29.3 million,...
“Challengers,” which headed the box office this weekend in North America, with $15 million, opened fourth in Korea a 0.5% market share.
Global cinema data service, Comscore reported that “Punishment” was the top-scoring film worldwide with $24.4 million earned from collections in six territories. It was narrowly ahead of “Challengers” which earned $24.0 million from 53 markets.
“Punishment” accounted for a crushing 94% market share in Korea and collected its weekend haul from 2.92 million ticket sales, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic).
The film opened officially on Wednesday, when it scored $4.92 million, and followed that with a $3.25 million Thursday. Including the weekday takings and a smattering of previews from the previous weekend, the film finished Sunday with a cumulative of $29.3 million,...
- 4/28/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
It’s Beast Cop vs Bitcoin in the fourth instalment of Ma Dong-seok’s enduringly popular Roundup action franchise, as his hulking detective goes toe-to-toe with a tech-savvy crime syndicate looking to expand into crypto. Helmed by action director Heo Myeong-haeng, Ma’s long-time stunt double and the man behind his apocalyptic Netflix splatterfest Badland Hunters, The Roundup: Punishment understands precisely how to wring the very best out of its loveable lunk of a lead, through a series of expertly choreographed close-quarter throw downs interspersed with Ma’s signature brand of self-effacing humour. The series, which began with 2017’s The Outlaws, sets itself apart from the endless procession of boiler-plate crime thrillers to emerge from Korea in recent years, by giving each instalment a uniquely international flavour. First...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 4/27/2024
- Screen Anarchy
Korean comedy action film “The Roundup: Punishment” destroyed all competition in local theaters on its Wednesday opening day.
The film earned $4.92 million from 821,000 ticket sales, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic). That represented a crushing 97% share of the day’s theatrical market.
Including a smattering of previews over the latest weekend, the film finished Wednesday with a cumulative of $5.26 million earned from 862,000 spectators.
Earlier, it was reported that the film had broken the Korean record for advanced ticket sales. On the eve of its arrival in cinemas, the film had notched up 830,000 pre-sales for Wednesday and other subsequent days. That comfortably exceeded previous record-holder “Along With the Gods: The Last 49 Days,” which pre-sold 646,000 tickets in 2018, and last year’s “The Roundup: No Way Out,” which pre-sold 640,000 before arriving in cinemas.
The film, which sees a tough-guy cop go after gangsters involved in drugs,...
The film earned $4.92 million from 821,000 ticket sales, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic). That represented a crushing 97% share of the day’s theatrical market.
Including a smattering of previews over the latest weekend, the film finished Wednesday with a cumulative of $5.26 million earned from 862,000 spectators.
Earlier, it was reported that the film had broken the Korean record for advanced ticket sales. On the eve of its arrival in cinemas, the film had notched up 830,000 pre-sales for Wednesday and other subsequent days. That comfortably exceeded previous record-holder “Along With the Gods: The Last 49 Days,” which pre-sold 646,000 tickets in 2018, and last year’s “The Roundup: No Way Out,” which pre-sold 640,000 before arriving in cinemas.
The film, which sees a tough-guy cop go after gangsters involved in drugs,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Ma Dong-seok is a South Korean-born actor, who came into prominence with his role in the acclaimed movie Train to Busan (2016). Born as Lee Dong-seok, the actor who is known for his action films, made his Hollywood debut with Eternals (2021). His latest movie is The Roundup: Punishment, the fourth movie in the series, which was recently released in South Korea, and will be in theaters in the USA from May 3.
2021’s Eternals | Marvel Studios
Being a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he played one of the Eternals, Gilgamesh, in the 2021 feature. Don Lee, as he is known in the American industry, also got to work with some of the most prolific actors in the industry in the MCU movie. But there was one actor he was absolutely elated to work with.
The Bond Between Gilgamesh and Thena Translated Beyond The Screen
Don Lee played the strongest Eternal, Gilgamesh opposite Angelina Jolie‘s Thena.
2021’s Eternals | Marvel Studios
Being a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he played one of the Eternals, Gilgamesh, in the 2021 feature. Don Lee, as he is known in the American industry, also got to work with some of the most prolific actors in the industry in the MCU movie. But there was one actor he was absolutely elated to work with.
The Bond Between Gilgamesh and Thena Translated Beyond The Screen
Don Lee played the strongest Eternal, Gilgamesh opposite Angelina Jolie‘s Thena.
- 4/24/2024
- by Swagata Das
- FandomWire
The Roundup: Punishment, the fourth film in the blockbuster Korean franchise, has set a new all-time opening day presales record in its home market. Releasing there today, the crime actioner that stars and is executive produced by Ma Dong-seok (aka Don Lee), had amassed over 834,000 ticket reservations as of Wednesday morning local time, accounting for 95.5% of all sales, according to local reports.
This tops the franchise’s own best presales of 640K for 2023’s The Roundup: No Way Out which went on to gross $76.4M in the market. It is also bigger than 2018’s Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days’ 646K in presales; the previous record holder which also starred Lee, Abo Entertainment told local media citing figures from the Korean Film Council. It’s also well above the opening day presales of Hollywood titles in the market this year.
The latest installment in the series was in previews on Wednesday,...
This tops the franchise’s own best presales of 640K for 2023’s The Roundup: No Way Out which went on to gross $76.4M in the market. It is also bigger than 2018’s Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days’ 646K in presales; the previous record holder which also starred Lee, Abo Entertainment told local media citing figures from the Korean Film Council. It’s also well above the opening day presales of Hollywood titles in the market this year.
The latest installment in the series was in previews on Wednesday,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Ma Dong-seok has been getting a lot of attention from the media in the last few years. While his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has certainly helped get his name out there, it was his iconic series, The Roundup, that helped his face get recognized. While this was the case in Western cultures, he has been a respected member of the South Korean film industry for decades.
Ma Dong-seok in Champion
Being one of the most talented and respected actors from there, it is not surprising that he is strong-willed and lives up to his title of the ‘Korean Superman’. It would seem that these traits were truly tested when he had to survive a true natural catastrophe.
Ma Dong-seok Was a Part of Something Horrific
Ma Dong-seok has become the talk of the town with the upcoming release of the third part in The Roundup series, The Roundup: Punishment.
Ma Dong-seok in Champion
Being one of the most talented and respected actors from there, it is not surprising that he is strong-willed and lives up to his title of the ‘Korean Superman’. It would seem that these traits were truly tested when he had to survive a true natural catastrophe.
Ma Dong-seok Was a Part of Something Horrific
Ma Dong-seok has become the talk of the town with the upcoming release of the third part in The Roundup series, The Roundup: Punishment.
- 4/18/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
Seoul, April 8 (Ians) Actor Ma Dong Seok and model Ye Jung Hwa will be hosting a post-wedding ceremony.
The actor, who has worked in films “Train to Busan”, “Derailed”, “The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos” and MCU’s “Eternals” will be holding the wedding ceremony with Jung Hwa, who is 17 years his junior.
According to a report, the ceremony is in May. The couple’s agency confirmed the news, reports koreaboo.com.
“The couple will be getting married in May. The wedding will be held in a quiet private ceremony,” said Big Punch Entertainment, the agency.
Dong Seok first announced that he was dating Jung Hwa, a model, in 2016. The couple reportedly first registered their marriage in 2021, but could not hold their wedding due to the pandemic.
–Ians
dc/dan...
The actor, who has worked in films “Train to Busan”, “Derailed”, “The Bad Guys: Reign of Chaos” and MCU’s “Eternals” will be holding the wedding ceremony with Jung Hwa, who is 17 years his junior.
According to a report, the ceremony is in May. The couple’s agency confirmed the news, reports koreaboo.com.
“The couple will be getting married in May. The wedding will be held in a quiet private ceremony,” said Big Punch Entertainment, the agency.
Dong Seok first announced that he was dating Jung Hwa, a model, in 2016. The couple reportedly first registered their marriage in 2021, but could not hold their wedding due to the pandemic.
–Ians
dc/dan...
- 4/8/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
After the feel-good dramas “Paper Flower” and “Eomung” in 2019, Koh Hoon ventures in comedy-land with a re-elaboration of the familiar theme of gangsters in disguise.
The film starts with a family extermination that will trigger a personal vendetta later in the story. Well, actually, the extermination is none other than the accidental death of little hamster Hairy under the wheel of a gang Boss' car. In fact, Hairy's owner, Cha Do-pil A.K.A. “Mad Dog” (Ji Seung-hyun) is an eccentric policeman who regards the little animal as his daughter and his whole family, while the family-annihilator is Boss Hwang (Kim Jung-tae), on his way to take down a rival gang. The latter is celebrating their Boss Jang's birthday with a picnic on the beach and a Hamtaro-shaped cake (Boss Jang loves hamsters too!). However, the merry day is interrupted by Hwang and his thugs who storm in, kill Boss...
The film starts with a family extermination that will trigger a personal vendetta later in the story. Well, actually, the extermination is none other than the accidental death of little hamster Hairy under the wheel of a gang Boss' car. In fact, Hairy's owner, Cha Do-pil A.K.A. “Mad Dog” (Ji Seung-hyun) is an eccentric policeman who regards the little animal as his daughter and his whole family, while the family-annihilator is Boss Hwang (Kim Jung-tae), on his way to take down a rival gang. The latter is celebrating their Boss Jang's birthday with a picnic on the beach and a Hamtaro-shaped cake (Boss Jang loves hamsters too!). However, the merry day is interrupted by Hwang and his thugs who storm in, kill Boss...
- 4/3/2024
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Exclusive: Justin Calen-Chenn, a staff writer on Netflix’s recent crime action series The Brothers Sun from creators Brad Falchuk and Byron Wu, has signed with M88 for management.
Starring Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, Justin Chien and Sam Song Li, the show watched as Charles Sun (Chien), a Taipei gangster who’d settled into his life as a ruthless killer, headed to L.A. to protect his mother and younger brother after his father was shot by a mysterious assassin.
Calen-Chenn drew on much of his own personal life experience in the writers’ room, having been homeless as a teenager and fallen into a life of crime before departing that life many years later after a severe tragedy occurred.
Previously serving as an executive story editor on the second season of Peacock’s Bel-Air, from EPs including Will Smith and Malcolm Spellman, the Taiwanese-American creative is a writer and co-producer on the forthcoming third season.
Starring Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, Justin Chien and Sam Song Li, the show watched as Charles Sun (Chien), a Taipei gangster who’d settled into his life as a ruthless killer, headed to L.A. to protect his mother and younger brother after his father was shot by a mysterious assassin.
Calen-Chenn drew on much of his own personal life experience in the writers’ room, having been homeless as a teenager and fallen into a life of crime before departing that life many years later after a severe tragedy occurred.
Previously serving as an executive story editor on the second season of Peacock’s Bel-Air, from EPs including Will Smith and Malcolm Spellman, the Taiwanese-American creative is a writer and co-producer on the forthcoming third season.
- 3/15/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The shortest distance between two points is popularly believed to be a straight line. But if one of those points is the chin, cheekbone or torso of some sneering and/or psychotic Korean gangster, the shortest route is actually the arc described by either one of Korean megastar Don Lee’s fists, here playing the fists of Detective Ma, protagonist of the ludicrously watchable “Roundup” series.
“The Roundup” and “The Roundup: No Way Out” the first two sequels to 2017’s “The Outlaws,” seemed to inch a little closer each time to the platonic ideal of star-driven action-franchise purity. Now, with Lee (aka Ma Dong-seok) and his fists directed by Heo Myeong-haeng, a stunt choreographer who worked on Lee’s breakout “Train to Busan,” the fourth episode gets closer still. “The Roundup: Punishment” minimizes unnecessary originality, while gloriously maximizing the opportunities for Lee to crack wise, or look aggrieved and a little bored,...
“The Roundup” and “The Roundup: No Way Out” the first two sequels to 2017’s “The Outlaws,” seemed to inch a little closer each time to the platonic ideal of star-driven action-franchise purity. Now, with Lee (aka Ma Dong-seok) and his fists directed by Heo Myeong-haeng, a stunt choreographer who worked on Lee’s breakout “Train to Busan,” the fourth episode gets closer still. “The Roundup: Punishment” minimizes unnecessary originality, while gloriously maximizing the opportunities for Lee to crack wise, or look aggrieved and a little bored,...
- 2/25/2024
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
South Korean star Don Lee has revealed that four more films are being planned for the hit Roundup franchise and confirmed he is lined up to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The action star is in Berlin with The Roundup: Punishment, which will receive its world premiere tonight (February 23) as a Berlinale Special Gala.
It is the fourth instalment in a series that began with The Outlaws in 2017 before sequel The Roundup became the top grossing film at the Korean box office in 2022 with takings of nearly $100m (KRW131.3bn) – bringing audiences back to cinemas post-pandemic – and The Roundup: No Way Out...
The action star is in Berlin with The Roundup: Punishment, which will receive its world premiere tonight (February 23) as a Berlinale Special Gala.
It is the fourth instalment in a series that began with The Outlaws in 2017 before sequel The Roundup became the top grossing film at the Korean box office in 2022 with takings of nearly $100m (KRW131.3bn) – bringing audiences back to cinemas post-pandemic – and The Roundup: No Way Out...
- 2/23/2024
- ScreenDaily
In Berlin with “The Roundup: Punishment,” part four of the action movie series that he created and stars in, the larger-than-life Korean American Don Lee finds himself simultaneously in multiple timely and lucrative businesses.
These include the Marvel superhero business, the Korea-to-Hollywood remake business, “The Roundup” franchise and its multiple spinoff possibilities. Lee may even be in the business of saving Korean cinema, which is currently having one of its periodic wobbles.
“What we have to do is make really, really fun entertaining movies. Put them in cinemas, so that everyone will come back to the theaters. One of my goals is to entertain more people,” Lee told Variety on the fringes of the Berlin Film Festival, where “Punishment” has its world premiere as an out-of-competition gala screening.
The second element of the franchise, “The Roundup,” earned $99 million in 2022, making it Korea’s highest grossing movie that year, while last...
These include the Marvel superhero business, the Korea-to-Hollywood remake business, “The Roundup” franchise and its multiple spinoff possibilities. Lee may even be in the business of saving Korean cinema, which is currently having one of its periodic wobbles.
“What we have to do is make really, really fun entertaining movies. Put them in cinemas, so that everyone will come back to the theaters. One of my goals is to entertain more people,” Lee told Variety on the fringes of the Berlin Film Festival, where “Punishment” has its world premiere as an out-of-competition gala screening.
The second element of the franchise, “The Roundup,” earned $99 million in 2022, making it Korea’s highest grossing movie that year, while last...
- 2/22/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
South Korean action film The Roundup: Punishment has been sold to a string of key territories including the US by sales agent K-Movie Entertainment, ahead of its world premiere at the Berlinale.
Deals have been closed for North America and Germany (Capelight Pictures), the UK, Australia and New Zealand (Signal Pictures), Italy (Tucker Film), Japan (Happinet Phantom Studios), Hong Kong and Macau (Edko Films), Southeast Asia (Clover Films), Taiwan (Moviecloud), Vietnam (Lotte Vietnam), India (Indo Overseas Films), Mongolia (Filmbridge), Cis and Baltics (Mauris Film) and inflight (Kairos Distribution).
It marks the fourth in the blockbuster franchise starring Don Lee (aka...
Deals have been closed for North America and Germany (Capelight Pictures), the UK, Australia and New Zealand (Signal Pictures), Italy (Tucker Film), Japan (Happinet Phantom Studios), Hong Kong and Macau (Edko Films), Southeast Asia (Clover Films), Taiwan (Moviecloud), Vietnam (Lotte Vietnam), India (Indo Overseas Films), Mongolia (Filmbridge), Cis and Baltics (Mauris Film) and inflight (Kairos Distribution).
It marks the fourth in the blockbuster franchise starring Don Lee (aka...
- 2/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
List of Movies and Korean Dramas Releasing on Netflix in 2024. ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
In recent years, Netflix has become a trustworthy source for Kdrama fans to binge on exciting shows. In 2023, the streaming giant released Kdramas from various genres: romantic comedy, romantic tragedy, horror, thriller, etc. Recently, the K-Content page revealed Korean Dramas Releasing On Netflix in 2024. The list is quite exciting and will make the Kdrama fans happy.
During the pandemic, many people discovered the world of Korean Dramas. Viewers love these shows for compelling narratives, fantastic music, the feel-good stories and the anticipation of the kiss between most Kdrama lead couples! So take a pen and paper and list the names of the confirmed Korean Dramas Releasing on Netflix in 2024. The platform has yet to reveal its release dates; they’re divided into three yearly quarters.
Korean Dramas Releasing on Netflix in 2024 – Quarter 1
My Name Is Loh Kiwan...
In recent years, Netflix has become a trustworthy source for Kdrama fans to binge on exciting shows. In 2023, the streaming giant released Kdramas from various genres: romantic comedy, romantic tragedy, horror, thriller, etc. Recently, the K-Content page revealed Korean Dramas Releasing On Netflix in 2024. The list is quite exciting and will make the Kdrama fans happy.
During the pandemic, many people discovered the world of Korean Dramas. Viewers love these shows for compelling narratives, fantastic music, the feel-good stories and the anticipation of the kiss between most Kdrama lead couples! So take a pen and paper and list the names of the confirmed Korean Dramas Releasing on Netflix in 2024. The platform has yet to reveal its release dates; they’re divided into three yearly quarters.
Korean Dramas Releasing on Netflix in 2024 – Quarter 1
My Name Is Loh Kiwan...
- 2/7/2024
- by Pooja Darade
- KoiMoi
Stars: Ma Dong-seok, Lee Hee-joon, Lee Joon-young, No Jeong-ee, Ahn Ji-hye | Written by Kim Bo-Tong, Kwak Jae-Min | Directed by Heo Myeong Haeng
Badland Hunters is the latest film starring action hero Ma Dong-seok, and that is bad news for Korea. He was in Train to Busan in which the country was overrun with zombies, and in Ashfall where a massive volcanic eruption laid waste to the entire Korean Peninsula. And the amount of property damage he wracked up in The Outlaws and its sequels The Roundup and The Roundup: No Way Out would bankrupt most insurance companies.
In the opening scenes, Seoul is levelled by a catastrophic earthquake as the military are about to arrest Yang Gi-su for the murders and human experiments he’s committed trying to bring his daughter back from the dead. The building collapses on him, but you know he’ll be back later in the film.
Badland Hunters is the latest film starring action hero Ma Dong-seok, and that is bad news for Korea. He was in Train to Busan in which the country was overrun with zombies, and in Ashfall where a massive volcanic eruption laid waste to the entire Korean Peninsula. And the amount of property damage he wracked up in The Outlaws and its sequels The Roundup and The Roundup: No Way Out would bankrupt most insurance companies.
In the opening scenes, Seoul is levelled by a catastrophic earthquake as the military are about to arrest Yang Gi-su for the murders and human experiments he’s committed trying to bring his daughter back from the dead. The building collapses on him, but you know he’ll be back later in the film.
- 1/31/2024
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
An earthquake has destroyed Seoul, leaving nothing but rubble in its wake. The survivors live in dire straits, fighting each other for scraps of food and fleeting essentials. There’s only one doctor left in town… but not just any doctor. This one’s gone bad, and no one can stop him. When he kidnaps a teen girl to use as yet another test subject to experiment on, a kindhearted but ruthless hunter will do anything — and fight anyone — to get her home safe.
Badland Hunters is the feature directorial debut of martial arts choreographer Heo Myeong-haeng and was co-written by D.P. creator Kim Bo-tong and Kwak Jae-min (Amanza). Action flick darling Don Lee, aka Ma Dong-seok, stars in the film — his Netflix debut — alongside Lee Hee-jun and K-pop singer Lee Jun-young.
When will Badland Hunters be released?
Stream it now.
Where can I watch the...
Badland Hunters is the feature directorial debut of martial arts choreographer Heo Myeong-haeng and was co-written by D.P. creator Kim Bo-tong and Kwak Jae-min (Amanza). Action flick darling Don Lee, aka Ma Dong-seok, stars in the film — his Netflix debut — alongside Lee Hee-jun and K-pop singer Lee Jun-young.
When will Badland Hunters be released?
Stream it now.
Where can I watch the...
- 1/30/2024
- by Ingrid Ostby
- Tudum - Netflix
In Um Tae-hwa's 'Concrete Utopia," an earthquake of great magnitude grips Seoul, leading every structure to collapse. The only exception is the Imperial Palace Apartments, which becomes a site of hope and violence as survivors flock to the site, but are barred from entering by the residents within. Although the building remains unbreached, petty and serious conflicts escalate among the territorial residents, who symbolize the worst of humanity even amid a devastating natural disaster. "Badland Hunters" is the spiritual sequel to this sharp, darkly comic story, as it picks up in the aftermath of the earthquake, where everyone has turned rabid for survival, with no limits to what they are willing to do to best their fellow men.
Nam-san (Ma Dong-seok of "Train to Busan" and "The Eternals" fame), a wasteland hunter, has worked closely with trusted ally Choi Ji-wan (Lee Jun-Young) to survive the blasted ruins of the city so far,...
Nam-san (Ma Dong-seok of "Train to Busan" and "The Eternals" fame), a wasteland hunter, has worked closely with trusted ally Choi Ji-wan (Lee Jun-Young) to survive the blasted ruins of the city so far,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
For some reason, the sequel to Concrete Utopia is a Netflix original and was released on the platform before most of the globe had a chance to watch the first part. I suppose Badland Hunters isn’t really a sequel so much as a film that exists in the same universe as Concrete Utopia. The film stars Ma Dong-Seok (Don Lee) in his first Netflix original in the leading role of a huntsman in the dystopian ruins of South Korea after a devastating earthquake. Badland Hunters is the story of his search for a little girl, who is under his protection but gets taken away under the pretense of her being offered clean water and protection. In this lawless badland, though, there are many enemies, so will our huntsman be able to save the girl? Or will he end up losing to the dark side? Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of the film,...
- 1/27/2024
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
Lotte Cultureworks will launch “Holy Night: Demon Hunters,” likely to be one of the biggest Korean movies of the year, at next month’s European Film Market in Berlin.
The occult-themed action movie stars Don Lee, the Korean-American superstar who also fronts “The Roundup” comedy-action franchise. The fourth instalment in that series “The Roundup: Punishment” will have its world premiere in the Berlin festival’s Berlinale Special section, with Lee expected to be in attendance, giving Lotte some additional momentum with the new title launch.
“Holy Night: Demon Hunters” sees Seoul descend into chaos as a devil-worshipping criminal network takes control. In a desperate plea for salvation, the police are forced to enlist Holy Night, a trio of demon hunters armed with supernatural powers.
The cast also includes Seohyun (real name Seo Ju-hyun) of K-pop sensation Girls Generation, who has acting credits in Netflix film “Love and Leashes” and TV series “Private Lives,...
The occult-themed action movie stars Don Lee, the Korean-American superstar who also fronts “The Roundup” comedy-action franchise. The fourth instalment in that series “The Roundup: Punishment” will have its world premiere in the Berlin festival’s Berlinale Special section, with Lee expected to be in attendance, giving Lotte some additional momentum with the new title launch.
“Holy Night: Demon Hunters” sees Seoul descend into chaos as a devil-worshipping criminal network takes control. In a desperate plea for salvation, the police are forced to enlist Holy Night, a trio of demon hunters armed with supernatural powers.
The cast also includes Seohyun (real name Seo Ju-hyun) of K-pop sensation Girls Generation, who has acting credits in Netflix film “Love and Leashes” and TV series “Private Lives,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Badland Hunters is Netflix’s latest entry into the world of Korean cinema, and it makes for a gritty post-apocalyptic actioner featuring one of Korea’s biggest stars, Don Lee. However, there’s some confusion about whether it’s a sequel or not. Last year, one of Korea’s biggest blockbusters was Concrete Utopia. Critically acclaimed for its dystopian vision, that film was a tour de force for veteran lead actor Lee Byung-hun. It also won numerous Korean film awards and was South Korea’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category for this year’s Academy Awards. However, it did not make the shortlist.
Concrete Utopia is about a devastating earthquake that reduces Seoul to rubble. Everything is in ruins except the Imperial Palace Apartments. The apartment dwellers covet their resources and keep outsiders out, building a utopia lead by Yeong-tak (Lee). The film was lauded for its keen observations on power,...
Concrete Utopia is about a devastating earthquake that reduces Seoul to rubble. Everything is in ruins except the Imperial Palace Apartments. The apartment dwellers covet their resources and keep outsiders out, building a utopia lead by Yeong-tak (Lee). The film was lauded for its keen observations on power,...
- 1/26/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
A light comedy with a touch of social commentary and a stellar cast, “Familyhood” is a work by the young South Korean director Kim Tae-gon who has a background in indie and horror films. It was very well received in South Korea and it probably marked a turning point in his career. In fact, his latest work “Project Silence”, starring the late Lee Sun-Kyun, premiered at Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and is one of the most anticipated films of 2024.
The story focuses on the character of Go Joo-yeon (Kim Hye-soo), a beautiful and rich actress/diva who is reaching what in show business is considered a critical age, close to the career “sunset”, i.e. her forties. Go continues to work, having not yet faced any blatant failure to secure parts in films and advertisings; however, her fame as an actress is gradually being concealed by her reputation as a...
The story focuses on the character of Go Joo-yeon (Kim Hye-soo), a beautiful and rich actress/diva who is reaching what in show business is considered a critical age, close to the career “sunset”, i.e. her forties. Go continues to work, having not yet faced any blatant failure to secure parts in films and advertisings; however, her fame as an actress is gradually being concealed by her reputation as a...
- 1/5/2024
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Although the Korean movie industry recently announced that the local box office recovered to 70% of Pre-pandemic Level, largely due to the success of “12.12: The Day” which was released on November 22nd and has earned 7,729,273 admissions by December 14, the situation with local cinema is not exactly hopeful, as a number of key figures and specialists mention. Particularly the fact that the majority of talent, including movie stars and filmmakers seem to move towards the rather more popular dramas, the gap left in the movie industry is felt more than ever. At the same time, though, not everything is all bad, since the mainstream movies still find ways out in festivals, streaming and distribution, while a number of intense social dramas remind of the second reason Korean cinema reached the heights it holds now (apart from crime thrillers).
In any case, here are the best South Korean films of 2023, in reverse order.
In any case, here are the best South Korean films of 2023, in reverse order.
- 12/16/2023
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
No Maori Allowed, directed by Corinna Hunziger was named the winner of the Pasifika Award and recipient of a $5,000 cash prize at the Hawaii International Film Festival.
It recounts the story of a teacher who unearths a secret past in the town of Pukekohe. That causes Maori community figures to come forward to share personal stories that shaped their lives.
The festival’s Kau Ka Hōkū or shooting star award for an international emerging filmmaker making their first or second feature film, was awarded to “Asog,” by Sean Devlin. It is a tragicomic road film that follows a non-binary Filipino comedian pursuing their dream of becoming a pageant queen.
The jury also provided honorable mentions for performance to “Mustache,” directed by Imran Khan and to “Tiger Stripes,” directed by Amanda Nell Eu.
This year’s Best Made In Hawai‘i Feature winner was Hōkūle‘a: Finding The Language of the Navigator,...
It recounts the story of a teacher who unearths a secret past in the town of Pukekohe. That causes Maori community figures to come forward to share personal stories that shaped their lives.
The festival’s Kau Ka Hōkū or shooting star award for an international emerging filmmaker making their first or second feature film, was awarded to “Asog,” by Sean Devlin. It is a tragicomic road film that follows a non-binary Filipino comedian pursuing their dream of becoming a pageant queen.
The jury also provided honorable mentions for performance to “Mustache,” directed by Imran Khan and to “Tiger Stripes,” directed by Amanda Nell Eu.
This year’s Best Made In Hawai‘i Feature winner was Hōkūle‘a: Finding The Language of the Navigator,...
- 10/26/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The science fiction feature is from the director of ‘The Battle: Roar To Victory’.
South Korea’s K-Movie Entertainment is to launch big-budget science fiction feature Seeking The King at the Asian Contents & Film Market (Acfm) in Busan this week.
The feature is directed by Won Shin-yeon, the filmmaker whose previous film was award-winning historic action drama The Battle: Roar To Victory. He has teamed with Wysiwyg Studios, the visual effects specialists behind hit features Space Sweepers and Hansan: Rising Dragon.
The cast include Koo Kyo-hwan of hit Netflix titles D.P. and Kill Boksoon, Yoo Jae-myung, Girls’ Generation singer and...
South Korea’s K-Movie Entertainment is to launch big-budget science fiction feature Seeking The King at the Asian Contents & Film Market (Acfm) in Busan this week.
The feature is directed by Won Shin-yeon, the filmmaker whose previous film was award-winning historic action drama The Battle: Roar To Victory. He has teamed with Wysiwyg Studios, the visual effects specialists behind hit features Space Sweepers and Hansan: Rising Dragon.
The cast include Koo Kyo-hwan of hit Netflix titles D.P. and Kill Boksoon, Yoo Jae-myung, Girls’ Generation singer and...
- 10/5/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The science fiction feature is from the director of ‘The Battle: Roar To Victory’.
South Korea’s K-Movie Entertainment is to begin sales on big-budget science fiction feature Seeking The King at the Asian Contents & Film Market (Acfm) in Busan this week.
The feature is directed by Won Shin-yeon, the filmmaker whose previous film was award-winning historic action drama The Battle: Roar To Victory. He has teamed with Wysiwyg Studios, the visual effects specialists behind hit features Space Sweepers and Hansan: Rising Dragon.
The cast include Koo Kyo-hwan of hit Netflix titles D.P. and Kill Boksoon, Yoo Jae-myung, Girls’ Generation...
South Korea’s K-Movie Entertainment is to begin sales on big-budget science fiction feature Seeking The King at the Asian Contents & Film Market (Acfm) in Busan this week.
The feature is directed by Won Shin-yeon, the filmmaker whose previous film was award-winning historic action drama The Battle: Roar To Victory. He has teamed with Wysiwyg Studios, the visual effects specialists behind hit features Space Sweepers and Hansan: Rising Dragon.
The cast include Koo Kyo-hwan of hit Netflix titles D.P. and Kill Boksoon, Yoo Jae-myung, Girls’ Generation...
- 10/5/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Mixing genres as easily as aspect ratios, Killing Romance gives a whirlwind tour of the largely toxic side of Korean culture. Opening this year’s New York Asian Film Festival, the film blends K-pop, animation, reality TV, and Internet memes to show how celebrity Yeo-rae Hwang rescues herself from a loveless marriage to billionaire Jonathan Na.
Framed as a fairy tale, Killing Romance opens with a biography of Yeo-rae (played by singer Lee Hanee), from her days shilling soda and parkas to her ill-fated movie career. After brutal reviews of her performance in “the most expensive movie ever made,” she flees Korea for the South Pacific island of Qualla. There she falls for Na (Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun), a control freak who ends up imprisoning Yeo-rae in a lavish mansion back in Korea. Fortunately, superfan and failed student Bum-woo (Gong Myung) lives next door. He is more than eager to...
Framed as a fairy tale, Killing Romance opens with a biography of Yeo-rae (played by singer Lee Hanee), from her days shilling soda and parkas to her ill-fated movie career. After brutal reviews of her performance in “the most expensive movie ever made,” she flees Korea for the South Pacific island of Qualla. There she falls for Na (Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun), a control freak who ends up imprisoning Yeo-rae in a lavish mansion back in Korea. Fortunately, superfan and failed student Bum-woo (Gong Myung) lives next door. He is more than eager to...
- 7/20/2023
- by Daniel Eagan
- The Film Stage
Nestled within Gangnam, one of the wealthiest districts in Seoul, lies the ward of Apgujeong, one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in all of South Korea. Filled with department stores, high-end shops, boutiques, cafes etc., the area is also most known for the many plastic surgery clinics spread all over. So many clinics exist in the neighborhood, in fact, that it would not be remiss to call Apgujeong the surgery capital of South Korea, the surgery capital of the world.
Men Of Plastic is available on VOD/digital from June 6th
This area, sometime in the 2000s, is the playground of Kang Dae-guk. A native of the neighbourhood, Kang is well-known there, a hyung to all the men and an oppa to all the women who live or work there. Nobody knows exactly what business he does, but everyone knows him as a fixer of any issues and a solver of problems.
Men Of Plastic is available on VOD/digital from June 6th
This area, sometime in the 2000s, is the playground of Kang Dae-guk. A native of the neighbourhood, Kang is well-known there, a hyung to all the men and an oppa to all the women who live or work there. Nobody knows exactly what business he does, but everyone knows him as a fixer of any issues and a solver of problems.
- 7/18/2023
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Stars: Ma Dong-seok aka Don Lee, Lee Jun-hyuk, Munetaka Aoki, Se-ho Ahn, Noo-Ri Bae, Kim Do-Geon, Ko Gun-Han, Go Gyu-pil, Shin Hyeon-Yong | Written by Kim Min-sung | Directed by Sang-yong Lee
The third film in the Crime City franchise, The Roundup: No Way Out certainly has its work cut out for it following 2017’s The Outlaws and last year’s The Roundup. Of course Ma Dong-seok or Don Lee, depending on where you’re watching, is back as “Beast Cop” Detective Ma Seok-do. Also returning is Sang-yong Lee who directed both of the previous films, with Kim Min-sung making his debut as a screenwriter.
Seven years after the events of the previous film our hero is working with a new unit and they have a problem on their hands. A drug called Hyper has hit the streets of Seoul, it’s described as more potent than cocaine or amphetamines and more toxic than heroin.
The third film in the Crime City franchise, The Roundup: No Way Out certainly has its work cut out for it following 2017’s The Outlaws and last year’s The Roundup. Of course Ma Dong-seok or Don Lee, depending on where you’re watching, is back as “Beast Cop” Detective Ma Seok-do. Also returning is Sang-yong Lee who directed both of the previous films, with Kim Min-sung making his debut as a screenwriter.
Seven years after the events of the previous film our hero is working with a new unit and they have a problem on their hands. A drug called Hyper has hit the streets of Seoul, it’s described as more potent than cocaine or amphetamines and more toxic than heroin.
- 7/17/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
It all started back in 2017 with “The Outlaws” (known as “Crime City” locally), the South Korean crime film starring Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) as detective Ma Seok-do. It took five years before its sequel, “The Roundup” (“Crime City 2”) came out and it went on to become the highest grossing film of 2022 in South Korea, taking in over US$101million. A third installment, another smash hit, “The Roundup: No Way Out” (“Crime City 3”) quickly followed a year later with Ma returning as the beast detective leading a new team fighting more crime again.
It has been seven years since the events of the previous film, and detective Ma, after his promotion, now works for the Metropolitan Investigation Unit. While investigating the death of a woman believed to be a suicide case, he learns from her autopsy that she has in fact died from an overdose and a new drug known as Hiper is the cause.
It has been seven years since the events of the previous film, and detective Ma, after his promotion, now works for the Metropolitan Investigation Unit. While investigating the death of a woman believed to be a suicide case, he learns from her autopsy that she has in fact died from an overdose and a new drug known as Hiper is the cause.
- 7/9/2023
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
“D.P.” creator Kim Bo-tong has signed with CAA for representation.
The Korean screenwriter, who is also known as Kim Ho Yeol, is the creator and co-writer of the webtoon “D.P.” which was adapted into the Netflix military drama.
The show, which premiered in 2021, earned multiple awards in various categories at the Baeksang Arts Awards in 2022, establishing it as one of the top Korean dramas of the year. “D.P.” returns later this month for Season 2.
The series follows a team of Korean military police who are tasked with catching deserters. (Military service is mandatory for men between the ages of 18 and 35 in South Korea.)
The series puts a spotlight on the complexities of joining the South Korean military, and the extensive bullying that takes places within the org. The military’s Darwinian structure is also a major theme throughout the show, which follows Private Ahn Joon-ho and Corporal Han Ho-yul as...
The Korean screenwriter, who is also known as Kim Ho Yeol, is the creator and co-writer of the webtoon “D.P.” which was adapted into the Netflix military drama.
The show, which premiered in 2021, earned multiple awards in various categories at the Baeksang Arts Awards in 2022, establishing it as one of the top Korean dramas of the year. “D.P.” returns later this month for Season 2.
The series follows a team of Korean military police who are tasked with catching deserters. (Military service is mandatory for men between the ages of 18 and 35 in South Korea.)
The series puts a spotlight on the complexities of joining the South Korean military, and the extensive bullying that takes places within the org. The military’s Darwinian structure is also a major theme throughout the show, which follows Private Ahn Joon-ho and Corporal Han Ho-yul as...
- 7/7/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Ma Dong-seok had of course been working in the Korean film industry for more than a decade, playing bit parts and side characters, when in 2016 his star suddenly saw rise with his very popular and praised performance in the very successful “Train to Busan”. In general, 2016 was a great year for South Korean cinema and surrounded by the success, both domestically and internationally, of local productions was yet another Ma Dong-seok feature that went under people's radar, debutant director Lee Seong-tae's thriller “Derailed”.
“Derailed” is available from Echelon Studios
Jin-il and Bong-gil are two runaway teenage friends who along with their girlfriends Ga-young and Min-kyung live a life of petty crime, getting money any which way they can just so they can have a hot meal and a warm bed to sleep in at night. Despite their efforts, they're still naive and get taken advantage of by seasoned criminals. Against the boys' wishes,...
“Derailed” is available from Echelon Studios
Jin-il and Bong-gil are two runaway teenage friends who along with their girlfriends Ga-young and Min-kyung live a life of petty crime, getting money any which way they can just so they can have a hot meal and a warm bed to sleep in at night. Despite their efforts, they're still naive and get taken advantage of by seasoned criminals. Against the boys' wishes,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Exclusive: Korean multi-hyphenate powerhouse Don Lee (aka Ma Dong-seok) is set to star in and produce an English-language feature adaptation of New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s dystopian sci-fi novel series Hell Divers. The film will draw from the first three books in the series whose first installment was published by Blackstone in 2016; there are 10 books in total.
Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu of Arad Productions are producing alongside Oscar nominated VFX supervisor and animation director Jerome Chen. Lee and Chris S Lee of B&c Content are producing under their U.S. banner, Gorilla 8 Productions. The adaptation will be penned by J.P. Davis. There is currently no director attached.
Lee, who is known for his performances in such Korean hits as Train to Busan; The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil; and The Roundup movies, including recent smash The Roundup: No Way Out,...
Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu of Arad Productions are producing alongside Oscar nominated VFX supervisor and animation director Jerome Chen. Lee and Chris S Lee of B&c Content are producing under their U.S. banner, Gorilla 8 Productions. The adaptation will be penned by J.P. Davis. There is currently no director attached.
Lee, who is known for his performances in such Korean hits as Train to Busan; The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil; and The Roundup movies, including recent smash The Roundup: No Way Out,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Welcome to Global Breakouts, Deadline’s fortnightly strand in which we shine a spotlight on the TV shows and films killing it in their local territories. The industry is as globalized as it’s ever been, but breakout hits are appearing in pockets of the world all the time and it can be hard to keep track… So, we’re going to do the hard work for you.
This week we’re featuring South Korean smash The Roundup: No Way Out, the third installment of crime action franchise The Outlaws which was originated by and stars Don Lee (aka Ma Dong-seok) who also produces. A runaway hit in its home market, it has provided a major shot in the arm to the local box office which has been stuck in the doldrums so far this year; and there is much more to come for what Lee likens to a sort...
This week we’re featuring South Korean smash The Roundup: No Way Out, the third installment of crime action franchise The Outlaws which was originated by and stars Don Lee (aka Ma Dong-seok) who also produces. A runaway hit in its home market, it has provided a major shot in the arm to the local box office which has been stuck in the doldrums so far this year; and there is much more to come for what Lee likens to a sort...
- 6/14/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
South Korea’s box office proved remarkably resilient during the pandemic. Theaters never really closed. But the market has needed a big local blockbuster, and “Train to Busan” star Don Lee provided it with his return as a cranky detective kicking righteous ass in the critically acclaimed “The Roundup: No Way Out.”
With a massive $60.35 million in just over two weeks, the action sequel was what South Korean theaters needed after a slow start to 2023 mostly dominated by Hollywood films like “Avatar: The Way of Water” and Japanese releases like “The First Slam Dunk.”
With a population of 51.7 million, under a sixth the size of the U.S., South Korea punches above its weight cinematically: It’s the sixth-largest theatrical market, just behind France, according to Gower Street Analytics, and movie-crazy enough that it outperforms larger countries with well-developed economies like Germany.
A pandemic stalwart looking for hits
South Korea...
With a massive $60.35 million in just over two weeks, the action sequel was what South Korean theaters needed after a slow start to 2023 mostly dominated by Hollywood films like “Avatar: The Way of Water” and Japanese releases like “The First Slam Dunk.”
With a population of 51.7 million, under a sixth the size of the U.S., South Korea punches above its weight cinematically: It’s the sixth-largest theatrical market, just behind France, according to Gower Street Analytics, and movie-crazy enough that it outperforms larger countries with well-developed economies like Germany.
A pandemic stalwart looking for hits
South Korea...
- 6/12/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Korean-produced crime action film “The Roundup: No Way Out” dominated proceedings at the South Korean cinema box office for the second successive weekend. Its massive haul now totals $60 million. “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” opened with a puny second place.
The Friday to Sunday period saw the film bring in $10.4 million from 1.32 million ticket sales and account for a 72% market share, according to data from Kobis, the data tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic). Including pre-release previews and strong midweek sales, the film has now rushed on to an aggregate of $59.6 million that has been earned from 7.78 million spectators.
The film is the third in a local franchise starring Ma Dong-seok (aka Don Lee) in the lead role as a violent and crudely effective policeman, dubbed as a ‘beast cop’. In this episode, he is on the trail of two bad guys and a new drug,
It...
The Friday to Sunday period saw the film bring in $10.4 million from 1.32 million ticket sales and account for a 72% market share, according to data from Kobis, the data tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic). Including pre-release previews and strong midweek sales, the film has now rushed on to an aggregate of $59.6 million that has been earned from 7.78 million spectators.
The film is the third in a local franchise starring Ma Dong-seok (aka Don Lee) in the lead role as a violent and crudely effective policeman, dubbed as a ‘beast cop’. In this episode, he is on the trail of two bad guys and a new drug,
It...
- 6/11/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Crime action film “The Roundup: No Way Out” dominated the South Korean box office on its official opening weekend with a thumping $21.9 million performance.
The film, the third in a franchise that pits a heavy-fisted cop, portrayed by Ma Dong-seok (aka Don Lee), against colorfully devious rogues, crushed all competing titles by taking an 88% market share. In terms of admissions, it attracted 2.82 million into cinemas between Friday and Sunday.
The film’s official opening was on Wednesday (May 31). But it also enjoyed wide previews through much of the preceding week. Adding in the weekday takings and the preview activity, “The Roundup: No Way Out” has a current aggregate of $34.1 million and has sold a total of 4.51 million tickets, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council.
On both counts – gross revenue and spectator numbers – the film is already the second ranked film of the year in Korea,...
The film, the third in a franchise that pits a heavy-fisted cop, portrayed by Ma Dong-seok (aka Don Lee), against colorfully devious rogues, crushed all competing titles by taking an 88% market share. In terms of admissions, it attracted 2.82 million into cinemas between Friday and Sunday.
The film’s official opening was on Wednesday (May 31). But it also enjoyed wide previews through much of the preceding week. Adding in the weekday takings and the preview activity, “The Roundup: No Way Out” has a current aggregate of $34.1 million and has sold a total of 4.51 million tickets, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council.
On both counts – gross revenue and spectator numbers – the film is already the second ranked film of the year in Korea,...
- 6/5/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Even as the Netflix release of his long-ready “The Match” languishes thanks to his co-star Yoo Ah-in's controversy, Lee Byung-hun will return to the disaster movie genre with “Concrete Utopia”, a webtoon adaptation which also sees “Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned” director Uhm Tae-hwa return to filmmaking seven years after the release of the time travel drama.
Synopsis
The world has been reduced to rubble by a massive earthquake.
While no one knows for sure how far the ruins stretch, or what the cause of the earthquake may be, in the heart of Seoul there is only one apartment building left standing. It is called Hwang Gung Apartments.
As time passes, outsiders start coming in to Hwang Gung Apartments trying to escape the extreme cold. Before long, the apartment residents are unable to cope with the increasing numbers. Feeling a threat to their very survival, the residents enact a special measure.
Synopsis
The world has been reduced to rubble by a massive earthquake.
While no one knows for sure how far the ruins stretch, or what the cause of the earthquake may be, in the heart of Seoul there is only one apartment building left standing. It is called Hwang Gung Apartments.
As time passes, outsiders start coming in to Hwang Gung Apartments trying to escape the extreme cold. Before long, the apartment residents are unable to cope with the increasing numbers. Feeling a threat to their very survival, the residents enact a special measure.
- 6/2/2023
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Marks the fourth instalment in the box office hit series starring Don Lee.
South Korea’s K-Movie Entertainment is launching pre-sales at the Cannes market on The Roundup: Punishment, the fourth in the hit action crime series starring Don Lee (aka Ma Dong-seok) as “the Beast Cop”.
This time, he is pitted against a villain played by Kim Moo-yul. The actors are reversing their roles as detective and bad guy as seen in The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil, which played in Midnight Screenings at Cannes in 2019.
The second instalment in the series, The Roundup, which followed The Outlaws, was...
South Korea’s K-Movie Entertainment is launching pre-sales at the Cannes market on The Roundup: Punishment, the fourth in the hit action crime series starring Don Lee (aka Ma Dong-seok) as “the Beast Cop”.
This time, he is pitted against a villain played by Kim Moo-yul. The actors are reversing their roles as detective and bad guy as seen in The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil, which played in Midnight Screenings at Cannes in 2019.
The second instalment in the series, The Roundup, which followed The Outlaws, was...
- 5/16/2023
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
Monster detective Ma Seok-do is back! After smashing his way through Philippines and the Korean box office, he is back in Korea to smash the living daylights out of the bad guys in “The Roundup” director Lee Sang-yong’s followup to the ninth highest grossing Korean film of all time.
Synopsis
Detective Ma Seok-do joins a new crime investigation unit led by Jang Tae-soo and includes Detective Kim Man-jae. They go up against Joo Seong-cheol, who is the son of a powerful chaebol family. The Japanese yakuza are also involved in the case.
After the terrific negative turns by both Yoon Kye-sang and Son Suk-ku in the first two parts respectively, the responsibility of being at the brunt of Ma Dong-seok’s punches falls on Lee Joon-hyuk, who plays the big baddie Joo Seong-cheol this time round. Lee Beom-soo and Kim Min-jae make up the detective team as Jang Tae-soo and Kim Man-jae respectively.
Synopsis
Detective Ma Seok-do joins a new crime investigation unit led by Jang Tae-soo and includes Detective Kim Man-jae. They go up against Joo Seong-cheol, who is the son of a powerful chaebol family. The Japanese yakuza are also involved in the case.
After the terrific negative turns by both Yoon Kye-sang and Son Suk-ku in the first two parts respectively, the responsibility of being at the brunt of Ma Dong-seok’s punches falls on Lee Joon-hyuk, who plays the big baddie Joo Seong-cheol this time round. Lee Beom-soo and Kim Min-jae make up the detective team as Jang Tae-soo and Kim Man-jae respectively.
- 4/21/2023
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Streaming platforms and a return to physical film markets helped boost exports.
South Korea’s film exports totalled $71.5m in 2022, up 47% year-on-year, according to a report from the Korean Film Council (Kofic).
Sales of completed Korean films made up the majority of this figure at $71.4m, up 66% year-on-year – the second highest record since 2005’s $76m.
The report states that film markets transitioning back to their physical versions helped revive exports as face-to-face meetings became possible again. Global streaming platforms also added to heightened interest in Korean content, which resulted in more favourable conditions.
Films that had previously seen their release...
South Korea’s film exports totalled $71.5m in 2022, up 47% year-on-year, according to a report from the Korean Film Council (Kofic).
Sales of completed Korean films made up the majority of this figure at $71.4m, up 66% year-on-year – the second highest record since 2005’s $76m.
The report states that film markets transitioning back to their physical versions helped revive exports as face-to-face meetings became possible again. Global streaming platforms also added to heightened interest in Korean content, which resulted in more favourable conditions.
Films that had previously seen their release...
- 2/23/2023
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
Title is the third instalment in the Don Lee action film franchise.
South Korea’s K-Movie Entertainment has secured pre-sales of The Roundup: No Way Out, the third instalment in the Don Lee action film franchise.
Deals have closed for North America and Germany (Capelight Pictures), Hong Kong and Macau (Edko Films), Taiwan (Moviecloud), Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar (Clover Films), in-flight (Kairos), Middle East (Vox), Vietnam (Lotte Vietnam), Philippines (Viva) and Mongolia (Filmbridge).
Lee will return in the action series that began in 2017 with The Outlaws followed by The Roundup, which became South Korea’s...
South Korea’s K-Movie Entertainment has secured pre-sales of The Roundup: No Way Out, the third instalment in the Don Lee action film franchise.
Deals have closed for North America and Germany (Capelight Pictures), Hong Kong and Macau (Edko Films), Taiwan (Moviecloud), Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar (Clover Films), in-flight (Kairos), Middle East (Vox), Vietnam (Lotte Vietnam), Philippines (Viva) and Mongolia (Filmbridge).
Lee will return in the action series that began in 2017 with The Outlaws followed by The Roundup, which became South Korea’s...
- 2/19/2023
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
Takings up more than 98 on 2021 but are still down on pre-pandemic figures.
The South Korea box office reached 937.5m (KRW1.17tn) in 2022, up 98.5 year-on-year, led by local feature The Roundup and Top Gun: Maverick – but is still some way from returning to pre-pandemic levels.
According to a preliminary report from the Korean Film Council (Kofic), cinema attendance rose 86 to 112.8 million compared to 60.53 million in 2021. It marks the first time annual admissions have topped 100 million since the Covid-19 outbreak.
But while clearly showing signs of recovery, total receipts for 2022 are just 60.6 of pre-pandemic 2019 and admissions are at 49.8 of the 227 million tickets...
The South Korea box office reached 937.5m (KRW1.17tn) in 2022, up 98.5 year-on-year, led by local feature The Roundup and Top Gun: Maverick – but is still some way from returning to pre-pandemic levels.
According to a preliminary report from the Korean Film Council (Kofic), cinema attendance rose 86 to 112.8 million compared to 60.53 million in 2021. It marks the first time annual admissions have topped 100 million since the Covid-19 outbreak.
But while clearly showing signs of recovery, total receipts for 2022 are just 60.6 of pre-pandemic 2019 and admissions are at 49.8 of the 227 million tickets...
- 1/13/2023
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
South Korean entertainment heavyweight Cj Enm has unveiled the 2023 recipients of its annual Visionary awards, which recognize talent across the Korean film and television landscape for their contributions to “leading trends and spearheading innovations.”
Cj Enm says the 10 Visionary honorees were selected via a process combining opinions from a panel of 60 entertainment “specialists” from within the company and a data analysis conducted by Endeavor Analytics. Endeavor Analytics developed and implemented a proprietary judging methodology, utilizing an array of data resources including celebrity tracking services and social media measurements.
The 2023 honorees range from filmmaker Park Chan-wook, whose latest thriller Decision to Leave is considered an Oscar frontrunner, to Squid Game star Lee Jung Jae, who premiered his directorial debut, Hunt, at Cannes last year. Other recipients include pop star turned actress Iu, star of Hirokazu Kore-eda’s acclaimed drama Broker, and leading man Don Lee, star of The Roundup, Korea’s...
Cj Enm says the 10 Visionary honorees were selected via a process combining opinions from a panel of 60 entertainment “specialists” from within the company and a data analysis conducted by Endeavor Analytics. Endeavor Analytics developed and implemented a proprietary judging methodology, utilizing an array of data resources including celebrity tracking services and social media measurements.
The 2023 honorees range from filmmaker Park Chan-wook, whose latest thriller Decision to Leave is considered an Oscar frontrunner, to Squid Game star Lee Jung Jae, who premiered his directorial debut, Hunt, at Cannes last year. Other recipients include pop star turned actress Iu, star of Hirokazu Kore-eda’s acclaimed drama Broker, and leading man Don Lee, star of The Roundup, Korea’s...
- 1/5/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lee’S Legacy Lauded
Lee Jung-jae, star of hit series “Squid Game,” and the show’s director Hwang Dong-hyuk were awarded the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, South Korea’s highest cultural medal at a ceremony last week held at the office of Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol. Hwang was honored for his career efforts that included “Miss Granny” and “Silenced.” Lee was noted for being the first Asian the US critics’ Choice Award for best actor, the first Asian to win an Emmy for best actor in a drama series and for his SAG Award.
In a separate Korean honors list Lee, director Park Chan-wook, “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” star Park Eun-bin and star Don Lee (aka Ma Dong-seok) were named on a list of 10 cultural icons who received 2023 Visionary Awards from Cj Enm. In addition to his “Squid Game” success, Lee last year also made his feature directing debut “Hunt.
Lee Jung-jae, star of hit series “Squid Game,” and the show’s director Hwang Dong-hyuk were awarded the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, South Korea’s highest cultural medal at a ceremony last week held at the office of Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol. Hwang was honored for his career efforts that included “Miss Granny” and “Silenced.” Lee was noted for being the first Asian the US critics’ Choice Award for best actor, the first Asian to win an Emmy for best actor in a drama series and for his SAG Award.
In a separate Korean honors list Lee, director Park Chan-wook, “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” star Park Eun-bin and star Don Lee (aka Ma Dong-seok) were named on a list of 10 cultural icons who received 2023 Visionary Awards from Cj Enm. In addition to his “Squid Game” success, Lee last year also made his feature directing debut “Hunt.
- 1/4/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
(Superhero Bits is a collection of stories, updates, and videos about anything and everything inspired by the comics of Marvel, DC, and more. For comic book movies, TV shows, merchandise, events, and whatever catches our eye, this is the place to find anything that falls through the cracks.)
In this edition of Superhero Bits:
DC Comics ushers in a new era for Superman
"Eternals 2" might be happening
No, the "Green Lantern" TV show is not canceled
Some storyboards from the scrapped "Gambit" movie
All that and more!
Action Comics #1050 Is Here, Ushering In The Future Of Superman
While we won't be getting into spoilers here, "Action Comics" #1050 has officially hit stands, and it sets up a lot for the future of DC Comics, particularly as it relates to Superman. The book contains some pretty big stuff, so much so that it was actually trending on Twitter today. So, for those...
In this edition of Superhero Bits:
DC Comics ushers in a new era for Superman
"Eternals 2" might be happening
No, the "Green Lantern" TV show is not canceled
Some storyboards from the scrapped "Gambit" movie
All that and more!
Action Comics #1050 Is Here, Ushering In The Future Of Superman
While we won't be getting into spoilers here, "Action Comics" #1050 has officially hit stands, and it sets up a lot for the future of DC Comics, particularly as it relates to Superman. The book contains some pretty big stuff, so much so that it was actually trending on Twitter today. So, for those...
- 12/27/2022
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
The release of “Avatar: The Way of Water” in South Korea largely lived up to expectations and delivered a major boost to the final quarter’s flagging box office.
Its gross revenues between Friday and Sunday represented the second biggest opening of the year. They lifted the nationwide total to the country’s second largest weekend of 2022.
“Avatar 2” earned 19.0 million between Friday and Sunday from 2,809 screens, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic). That represented a hefty 84 market share. Over the full five days since its Wednesday debut, the film earned 24.8 million.
In admissions terms, the film sold 2.03 million tickets over the weekend proper and 2.68 million over the full five-day opening period. The huge opening gave Korea a 22.7 million Friday-to-Sunday weekend.
The highest honors of the year still belong to Korean action film “The Roundup,” which opened in May with a 21.1 million Friday-Sunday debut,...
Its gross revenues between Friday and Sunday represented the second biggest opening of the year. They lifted the nationwide total to the country’s second largest weekend of 2022.
“Avatar 2” earned 19.0 million between Friday and Sunday from 2,809 screens, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic). That represented a hefty 84 market share. Over the full five days since its Wednesday debut, the film earned 24.8 million.
In admissions terms, the film sold 2.03 million tickets over the weekend proper and 2.68 million over the full five-day opening period. The huge opening gave Korea a 22.7 million Friday-to-Sunday weekend.
The highest honors of the year still belong to Korean action film “The Roundup,” which opened in May with a 21.1 million Friday-Sunday debut,...
- 12/19/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Don Lee’s ‘The Roundup’ led the highest performing titles.
Box office takings in South Korea have topped the KRW1tn (762m) mark for the first time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
From January 1 to November 30 this year, total box office revenues reached 769m (KRW1.01tn) with more than 98.6 million admissions, according to a Korean Film Council report released today (December 15).
This is still only 58 of total box office for the same period in 2019. But for comparison during the pandemic, last year’s entire box office from January 1 to December 31 - which had started a slow recovery to...
Box office takings in South Korea have topped the KRW1tn (762m) mark for the first time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
From January 1 to November 30 this year, total box office revenues reached 769m (KRW1.01tn) with more than 98.6 million admissions, according to a Korean Film Council report released today (December 15).
This is still only 58 of total box office for the same period in 2019. But for comparison during the pandemic, last year’s entire box office from January 1 to December 31 - which had started a slow recovery to...
- 12/15/2022
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
Click here to read the full article.
Park Chan-wook, the world-renowned South Korean auteur best known for the floridly violent films referred to as his “Vengeance Trilogy,” wanted to tell a gentler story. It was 2019 and Park was ruminating on ideas for what would become Decision to Leave, his 11th film and first feature in six years, following a period of television work and fine art creation. He began with two competing ideas.
“Over the years, I’ve watched lots of detective dramas and police procedurals, and I love these kinds of films,” he says. “But I’ve always thought the depiction of the protagonists is quite far from reality, because they’re either really tough and violent, or some kind of genius detective.” Examples in this genre are particularly prevalent in Korea, where the highest-grossing movie just this year is Lee Sang-yong’s The Roundup (101 million and counting), a...
Park Chan-wook, the world-renowned South Korean auteur best known for the floridly violent films referred to as his “Vengeance Trilogy,” wanted to tell a gentler story. It was 2019 and Park was ruminating on ideas for what would become Decision to Leave, his 11th film and first feature in six years, following a period of television work and fine art creation. He began with two competing ideas.
“Over the years, I’ve watched lots of detective dramas and police procedurals, and I love these kinds of films,” he says. “But I’ve always thought the depiction of the protagonists is quite far from reality, because they’re either really tough and violent, or some kind of genius detective.” Examples in this genre are particularly prevalent in Korea, where the highest-grossing movie just this year is Lee Sang-yong’s The Roundup (101 million and counting), a...
- 12/13/2022
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Korea Box Office: ‘The Night Owl’ Stays Top for Third Weekend as Market Awaits Arrival of ‘Avatar 2’
Korean film “The Night Owl” was the favorite in local cinemas over a quiet box office weekend. It was the third weekend win in a row for the period thriller.
“Night Owl” earned 3.65 million between Friday and Sunday, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic). The performance represented a strong hold as it was only 15 down on its second weekend. It also held a muscular 47 market share.
The additional business lifted the film’s nearly three-week cumulative total to 19.0 million. That makes it the tenth best-performing film of the year in Korea, behind “Thor: Love and Thunder.”
In second place for the second weekend was the Don Lee-starring comedy “Men of Plastic” which earned 710,000, a more than 50 decline from its opening session. After 12 days in cinemas, it has earned 4.03 million.
Japanese romantic drama film “Even if This Love Disappears From the...
“Night Owl” earned 3.65 million between Friday and Sunday, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic). The performance represented a strong hold as it was only 15 down on its second weekend. It also held a muscular 47 market share.
The additional business lifted the film’s nearly three-week cumulative total to 19.0 million. That makes it the tenth best-performing film of the year in Korea, behind “Thor: Love and Thunder.”
In second place for the second weekend was the Don Lee-starring comedy “Men of Plastic” which earned 710,000, a more than 50 decline from its opening session. After 12 days in cinemas, it has earned 4.03 million.
Japanese romantic drama film “Even if This Love Disappears From the...
- 12/12/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
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