The wait is over! Korea’s action-packed blockbuster, The Roundup: Punishment, starring Don Lee, is taking its thrilling adventure to the Philippines.
Unraveling the Plot
In this borderless action-comedy, The Roundup: Punishment dives into the controversial world of online gambling, known locally as POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators). Ma Seok-Do (Don Lee) and his team are on a mission to track down Baek Chang-gi (Kim Moo-yul), a notorious Korean criminal now operating an online gambling empire in the Philippines.
The Villain’s New Playground
Baek Chang-gi, an ex-special forces mercenary, has taken control of Korea’s illegal online gambling business through abduction, confinement, assault, and murder. Meanwhile, back in Korea, IT genius CEO Chang Dong-cheol (Lee Dong-hwi) is plotting even more significant schemes.
Evolving Action and Characters
In a recent interview with Variety, Don Lee shared, “I want the action to evolve from film to film and the story to keep up with current times. It’s important that the characters evolve further, becoming wiser with each sequel.”
The Team’s Philippine Adventure
Following the murder of a young Korean professional who escaped Chang-gi’s gambling operations, beast cop Seok-do’s team takes to the streets of the Philippines. Riding jeepneys and forming alliances with local police, the team, including returning character Jang I-su (Park Ji-hwan) disguised as a local, sets up an illegal online casino to trap the gambling kingpins involved in the abduction and murder of missing Korean citizens.
Authentic Filipino Experience
The Philippine setting amplifies the film’s scale and captures the reality of borderless, turfless online crime. Scenes featuring the main villain’s operations, including the Emperor Casino and various hideouts, were filmed in locations such as Angeles and Tarlac City.
Box Office Triumph
Hailed as Korea’s number one action franchise, The Roundup: Punishment has dominated the Korean box office for four consecutive weeks, amassing a total of $75 million (source: Variety). It is the fastest Korean film to surpass 11 million moviegoers in just 33 days (source: Times of India).
A Beloved Franchise
The Roundup series has carved its niche as Korea’s most-loved crime and action blockbuster. The action-packed and comedy-filled film has become the third most-watched rated-R movie in Korea. In the Philippines, The Roundup: Punishment is rated R16 by the MTRCB.
Don Lee’s Signature Action
The franchise has left an indelible mark on Korean cinema, proving the success of a Korean film series. Don Lee’s portrayal of Detective Ma Seok-do, with his signature one-punch action and unique lines, alongside irreplaceable allies and villains, has captivated audiences worldwide.
Exclusive Philippine Release
Distributed by Black Cap Pictures, The Roundup: Punishment opens on August 14 exclusively at SM Cinemas. Follow Black Cap Pictures on FB @BlackCapPictures, IG @blackcappictures, YT @BlackCapPictures and on TikTok @blackcappicturesinc
