Did Lee Joon Hyuk Expect Box Office Success of ‘The Roundup: No Way Out’? Here’s What He Said
Lee Joon Hyuk gets honest as he speaks about the success of "The Roundup: No Way Out."
Playing the role of the new villain, the South Korean star joins Ma Dong Seok and Japanese actor Aoki Munetaka as they play as the leads of the highly-anticipated sequel.
For the film's third installment, the Korean-American actor returns as the "monster" detective Ma Suk Do with a new mission and team.
"The Roundup: No Way Up" focuses on how the metropolitan investigation team, led by the legendary detective, will crack down on drug crimes in Incheon.
However, he meets the new villain, Joo Sung Chul, played by Lee Joon Hyuk, along with Ricky, portrayed by Aoki Munetaka, who are the persons behind the city's drug organization.
Lee Joon Hyuk, Ma Dong Seok, More 'Expected' 'The Roundup: No Way Up' Success
As the action-crime movie continued to score positive reviews, Lee Joon Hyuk was asked about his thoughts regarding the film's achievement.
During his appearance on SBS Radio's "Love FM Heo Ji Woong Show," the actor was asked if he and the team, especially Ma Dong Seok, "expected" another record-breaking success.
He agreed, saying, "Of course, there's no way that it will not go well." He added that the whole team is "grateful" for the movie's achievement, considering that they experienced "crisis" at the time.
READ MORE: Lee Joon Hyuk's Health 'Got Worse' After Weight Gain For 'The Roundup: No Way Out'
Back in June 2022, as the pandemic restrictions started to ease up, officials confirmed the start of the sequel's production.
Directed by Lee Sang Yong and produced by Hong Film, Big Punch Pictures, and B.A. Entertainment, they started filming on July 20.
At the script reading, the director said that he was "delighted" to meet the returning cast and celebrities who would play new characters for the movie. As for Lee Joon Hyuk, he expressed how "happy and excited" he was to "do the next installment with such great actors and staff,"
Apart from the trio, a roster of talented stars joined the sequel. It includes Lee Beom Soo, Kim Min Jae, Jeon Suk Ho, and Go Kyu Pil.
After four months, officials announced the lineup for "The Roundup: Punishment," also known as "The Outlaws 4," and mentioned that they had started filming the scenes.
'The Roundup: No Way Out' Hits Over 5 Million Moviegoers Less Than 1 Week Since Premiere
Released on May 31, the movie reportedly scored 1 million viewers a day.
As cited by a news portal, "The Roundup: No Way Out" garnered over 5 million viewers on its sixth day, making it the first Korean movie of 2023 to hit the feat.
In addition, the third sequel also surpassed the success of 2022's "The Roundup" after it took 10 days to reach the same number of moviegoers.
IN CASE YOU MISSED: 'The Roundup: No Way Out': Lee Joon Hyuk Admits Being Intimidated by Ma Dong Seok's Fist
For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.
