Ma Dong Seok, Son Seok Koo’s ‘The Roundup’ Sets Highest Opening Since ‘Parasite’
"The Roundup," which stars Ma Dong Seok, Son Seok Koo, and Choi Gwi Hwa, has been breaking new records since premiere. The sequel to the blockbuster movie "The Outlaws" is continuing its streak at the box office.
Ma Dong Seok, Son Seok Koo's 'The Roundup' Sets New Korean Box Office Record
As noted by Star News, the Film Promotion Committee's integrated computer network for movie theater admissions recorded 288,3602 viewers on its first day.
Moreover, the media outlet also cited that "The Roundup" sets the highest opening of a Korean film since the 2019 award-winning movie "'Parasite."
Released on May 18, the much-awaited sequel now exceeds 4 million moviegoers, dominating the box office for seven days straight.
The committee also predicts that Ma Dong Seok and Son Seok Koo's new movie will surpass Lee Jung Jae's "Deliver Us From Evil" and "The Man Standing Next," starring Lee Byung Hun which is the highest-grossing film of 2020.
After successfully hitting the 3 million mark, "The Roundup" stars Ma Dong Seok, Heo Dong Won, Choi Gwi Hwa, Ha Jun, Park Ji Hwan, Kim Chan Hyung, and Cha Woo Jin commemorate the movie's achievement by having a celebratory photo.
"Thank you for 3 million hearts on the 5th day," the caption reads as posted by the film's distributor ABO Entertainment.
READ MORE: Son Seok Koo Wants to Be Remembered as Mr. Gu Than His Role in 'The Roundup'
Unfortunately, Son Seok Koo couldn't join the team as he is currently filming his new K-drama "Casino" in the Philippines.
Is 'The Roundup' Worth the Hype?
As mentioned, "The Roundup" is a sequel to the 2017 hit movie "The Outlaws," which continues the mission four years after wiping out gangs at Garibong-dong.
Ma Dong Seok, who is also the producer of the movie, reprised his role as the monster detective Ma Suk Do.
Interestingly, this time, his Geumcheonseo team is set to carry out a solid mission to eradicate crime against the new villain Gang Hae Sang, played by Son Seok Koo, who has taken over Vietnam.
'The Roundup" Director Express Gratitude to Millions of Viewers who Watched the Sequel
As united by iMBC, "The Roundup" director Lee Sang Yong said that he couldn't believe the support of the public for the movie's second installment.
"I am very nervous and unrealistic because of your interest so much. Thank you very much. I didn't think it would turn out this well, but I still can't believe it," he said, as obtained by the outlet.
He admitted that he feels pressure given that the 2017 movie was a huge hit, adding that he "didn't even think of going beyond the box office performance" on the first day.
He added, "I tried to make it as good as possible until the very end with the thought of not being insulted," he said as "the Roundup" made its debut.
To recall, Lee Sang Yong was the first assistant director in "The Outlaws" but was given an opportunity by director Kang Yoon Sung to join him in creating the second installment.
