“The Roundup: Punishment,” the latest addition to the Korean franchise, has made history by setting a new all-time opening day presales record in its home market. The crime action film, led by Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee), garnered an impressive 834,000 ticket reservations, representing 95.5% of all sales as of Wednesday morning local time. This surpasses the franchise’s previous best presales of 640,000 for “The Roundup: No Way Out” in 2023, which went on to amass $76.4 million in total box office revenue. Moreover, it outperformed “Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days” from 2018, which had 646,000 in presales, thus claiming the new record for the franchise.
Market Dominance and Hollywood Comparison
The overwhelming success of “The Roundup: Punishment” in the Korean market is evident not only in its presales but also in its opening day performance. The film grossed $341,000 on just 17 screens during previews on Wednesday, signaling a strong start for its theatrical run. Additionally, the film’s presales outshine the opening day figures of Hollywood titles released in the market this year. This highlights the growing dominance of Korean cinema and the local audience’s enthusiasm for homegrown productions.
The success of “The Roundup: Punishment” comes at a crucial time for the Korean box office, which has been experiencing a resurgence following a sluggish period during the pandemic. The record-breaking performance of horror film “Exhuma,” which grossed $83.4 million since its release in February, had already set a positive trend for the industry. “The Roundup: Punishment” further fuels this momentum, offering audiences a thrilling crime actioner that delivers on both entertainment and narrative complexity.
Directed by Heo Myeong-haeng, “The Roundup: Punishment” made its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival to critical acclaim. The film follows Ma Dong-seok’s Detective Ma Seok-do as he navigates the world of cybercrime to take down a ruthless kingpin. Stephanie Bunbury’s review for Deadline praises the film’s stylish packaging, engaging storyline, and Don Lee’s charismatic performance, underscoring the star’s pivotal role in the franchise’s success. Lee’s involvement as both a lead actor and executive producer further cements his status as a box office draw and a key figure in Korean cinema.
“The Roundup: Punishment” is not just a record-breaking blockbuster but a symbol of the Korean film industry’s resilience and creativity. With its blend of thrilling action, intricate storytelling, and charismatic performances, the film has captured the hearts of audiences and revitalized the local box office. As Korean cinema continues to make its mark on the global stage, films like “The Roundup: Punishment” serve as a testament to the industry’s ongoing success and innovation.