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A New Chapter in Korea’s Popular Crime Action Franchise
Korean crime action film The Roundup: No Way Out (Korean title: Crime City 3) reached more than 10 million theatergoers, becoming another major box office success in South Korea. Directed by Lee Sang-yong, the film was released on May 31, 2023, and recorded 10,673,784 cumulative viewers as of July 23, according to Korea’s integrated movie ticketing system.
The 105-minute film stars Ma Dong-seok, known internationally as Don Lee, returning as detective Ma Seok-do. The movie was produced by Big Punch Pictures, Hong Film and BA Entertainment, and distributed by ABO Entertainment and Megabox Plus M. It was rated for audiences aged 15 and older in South Korea.
Detective Ma Seok-do Faces a New Drug Investigation
The film follows Ma Seok-do after he transfers to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s regional investigation unit. Seven years after catching a kidnapping and murder suspect in Vietnam, Ma investigates a new homicide case that leads to a wider investigation involving a synthetic drug operation.
The case expands as suspected mastermind Joo Seong-cheol, played by Lee Joon-hyuk, continues to increase the scale of the criminal network. A Japanese organization involved in drug distribution also enters the story, with Munetaka Aoki portraying Riki, a key figure connected to the group.
New Cast Members Join the Franchise
The Roundup: No Way Out introduced several new faces while changing the lineup from the previous installment. Lee Beom-soo, Kim Min-jae, Lee Ji-hoon and Kim Do-geon appear as members of Ma Seok-do’s investigation team.
Several actors from The Roundup 2, including Choi Gwi-hwa, Heo Dong-won, Ha Jun and Jung Jae-kwang, do not appear in this installment. Park Ji-hwan, who played Jang Yi-soo in the previous film, appears only in a post-credits scene. Japanese actor Jun Kunimura makes a special appearance as Ichijo, chairman of the Ichijo-gumi yakuza group.
Box Office Success Brings Awards Recognition
The film’s commercial performance also led to industry recognition. The Roundup: No Way Out received the Audience Choice Award for the film with the highest attendance at the 44th Blue Dragon Film Awards and won the Focus Asia Audience Award at the 56th Sitges Film Festival.
The film is the third entry in the Crime City series, continuing the action-driven style built around Ma Dong-seok’s portrayal of a tough but determined detective character.
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