The latest installment in the blockbuster Korean franchise, The Roundup: Punishment, has shattered records with its all-time opening day presales in the domestic market. Starring and executive produced by Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee, the crime actioner has generated over 834,000 ticket reservations as of Wednesday morning, representing an impressive 95.5% of all sales. This surpasses the franchise’s previous best presales of 640K for The Roundup: No Way Out in 2023, which went on to gross $76.4M in the market. Additionally, it outperforms 2018’s Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days, which achieved 646K in presales and held the record until now.
The success of The Roundup: Punishment is not only evident in its presales but also in its performance at the box office. The film took in $341K in previews on just 17 screens, indicating a strong start for its theatrical run. This achievement is especially significant given the challenges faced by the Korean film industry during the pandemic. The record-breaking opening day presales and strong preview numbers are poised to inject new life into the Korean box office, following the record-breaking success of horror film Exhuma, which grossed $83.4M since its release.
Directed by Heo Myeong-haeng, The Roundup: Punishment has garnered praise for its thrilling narrative, stylish presentation, and compelling performances. In a review for Deadline, Stephanie Bunbury commended the film for delivering on audience expectations with its captivating storyline and engaging action sequences. The movie’s ability to balance intricacy and entertainment sets it apart from other films in its genre, establishing it as a standout in Korean cinema. Moreover, the central performance of Don Lee as Detective Ma Seok-do has been lauded as a driving force behind the film’s success, highlighting his talent and star power.
As The Roundup: Punishment continues its theatrical run, its impact on the Korean film industry is likely to be significant. The film’s strong opening and positive reception suggest that it has the potential to become a commercial and critical success, further boosting the country’s box office performance. With its blend of action, suspense, and stellar performances, The Roundup: Punishment is poised to make a lasting impression on audiences and reinforce the global appeal of Korean cinema.