“The Roundup: Punishment,” the latest installment in the Don Lee-starring crime action franchise, has smashed box office records in South Korea, earning a staggering $20.8 million between Friday and Sunday. Directed by Heo Myeong-haeng, the film follows a tough cop on a mission to take down gangsters involved in drugs, cryptocurrencies, and online gambling.
The film’s stellar performance marks the biggest opening of the year in South Korea, surpassing February’s “Exhuma,” which earned $14.5 million in its first weekend. With a crushing 94% market share, “Punishment” collected its weekend haul from 2.92 million ticket sales, solidifying its position as the undisputed champion at the box office.
Even on a global scale, “Punishment” made waves, earning $770,000 from just 24 screens in Imax theaters, marking the third highest opening of all time for a local title in Korea. The film’s success also lifted the South Korean box office to its second-highest weekend performance of the year, totaling $22.1 million.
This latest installment in the franchise, which began with “The Outlaws” in 2017, is part of a planned series of eight movies initiated and produced by Don Lee, also known as Ma Dong-seok. Co-starring Kim Moo-yeol and Lee Dong-hwi as menacing criminals, “Punishment” continues the action-packed legacy of its predecessors.
While “Punishment” slightly trails behind its franchise predecessor, “The Roundup: No Way Out,” in terms of opening weekend performance, its impressive box office numbers indicate the enduring popularity of the series. With its gripping storyline and dynamic performances, “Punishment” has captivated audiences and solidified its place as a powerhouse in South Korean cinema.
As other films, like “Kung Fu Panda 4” and “Exhuma,” vie for attention at the box office, “The Roundup: Punishment” stands tall as the reigning champion, delivering thrills and excitement to audiences across South Korea. With its record-breaking opening, the film sets a new standard for success in the country’s film industry and leaves audiences eagerly anticipating the next installment in the franchise.