The highly anticipated fourth film in the Korean blockbuster franchise, The Roundup: Punishment, has made a groundbreaking achievement in its home market. With over 834,000 ticket reservations as of Wednesday morning, the film has set a new all-time opening day presales record, accounting for 95.5% of all sales. This surpasses the previous best presales record held by the franchise itself, with 640K for the 2023 film The Roundup: No Way Out and even exceeds the presales for 2018’s Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days. The success of Punishment demonstrates the continued popularity and growth of the franchise among Korean audiences.
Prior to its official release, The Roundup: Punishment was already making waves in the Korean box office. During preview screenings, the film earned $341K on just 17 screens, showing a strong performance and generating buzz among moviegoers. This positive reception in previews bodes well for the film’s overall box office success and indicates a promising trajectory for its theatrical run.
The success of The Roundup: Punishment is not only a win for the franchise but also a boost for the Korean box office as a whole. Following a record-breaking March fueled by the success of horror film Exhuma, the Korean film industry is experiencing a resurgence after a period of sluggishness due to the pandemic. The performance of Punishment further solidifies Korea’s position as a major player in the global film market and showcases the talent and creativity of its filmmakers.
Directed by Heo Myeong-haeng, The Roundup: Punishment has received praise for its thrilling storyline and stylish execution. Reviewer Stephanie Bunbury notes that the film delivers on expectations with its exciting action sequences and well-crafted narrative. The standout performance by lead actor Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee, is highlighted as a key factor in the film’s excellence. His portrayal of Detective Ma Seok-do adds depth and charisma to the character, drawing audiences into the story and keeping them engaged throughout.
The Roundup: Punishment’s achievement in the Korean box office is a testament to the creativity and talent of the filmmakers involved. With its record-breaking presales, strong showing in previews, and critical acclaim, the film has solidified its position as a standout success in the Korean film industry. As audiences continue to flock to theaters to experience the thrills and entertainment of Punishment, it is clear that the franchise has struck a chord with viewers and is set to dominate the box office for the foreseeable future.
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