From left, actors Lee Dong-hwi and Kim Moo-yul, director Heo Myeong-haeng and actors Ma Dong-seok and Park Ji-hwan pose during a press conference for the film "The Roundup: Punishment," held at Megabox COEX in Gangnam District, Seoul. Courtesy of ABO Entertainment

The latest installment of actor Ma Dong-seok's hit film series, "The Roundup," is finally scheduled to premiere in local theaters on April 24, carrying with it considerable anticipation to continue the franchise's success.

Titled "The Roundup: Punishment," the comedy action follows bulky detective Ma Seok-do (Ma, also known as Don Lee) and his team investigating an illegal gambling cartel. While investigating a drug-trafficking app, the team discovers a connection between the program's developer and an illegal gambling operation in the Philippines, led by ex-special forces agent Baek Chang-gi (Kim Moo-yul).

Ma and the team join hands with a cybercrime squad to track down Baek and his partner and the cartel's mastermind, IT genius Chang Dong-cheol (Lee Dong-hwi).

"Seok-do is a former boxer so we created (action sequences) based on that. In the third series, he fights in real-life boxing style, while keeping it satisfying. (This movie) combines the slugger style boxing from the first two installments and inside and outside styles of boxing from the third one," Ma said during the press conference for the upcoming film at Megabox COEX in Gangnam District, Seoul, Monday.

"Given the strong tone of this installment's story, our approach aimed to capture a heavier and more solemn mood rather than opting for a lighthearted tone. We minimized the use of minor techniques and instead focused predominantly on delivering impactful punches in a more forceful and powerful boxing style."

A scene from the film "The Roundup: Punishment" / Courtesy of ABO Entertainment

The fourth installment is helmed by director Heo Myeong-haeng, making a transition from his previous role as stunt coordinator for the three preceding films.

Heo shared that he drew upon his previous experience with the franchise to distinguish the latest installment from its predecessors.

"Because I was the stunt coordinator in the previous series, I knew what parts the audience weren't fully satisfied with or what they wanted to see in the story," he said.

"In this installment, I enhanced the teamwork within the detective squad and intensified the actions of the villain. I aimed for Ma's struggle to apprehend the villain to be depicted in a notably different manner compared to the previous installments."

Baek demonstrates a swift and precise mercenary style of action, predominantly utilizing knives. The director emphasized that the specially trained villain will heighten the excitement of the film's action sequences.

"I focused on developing Baek Chang-gi's character and action. While he retains the mindset and greed for self-fulfillment typical of previous villains, I felt that portraying him solely as a character driven by evil instincts would lack depth. Therefore, I transformed him into a highly-skilled special agent, adding complexity to his character," he said.

"With this as a basis, I believe we can build anticipation for the one-on-one fight scene between him and Ma Seok-do."

Kim Moo-yul plays the role of Baek Chang-gi in the film "The Roundup: Punishment." Courtesy of ABO Entertainment

Actors Ma and Kim are teaming up for the second time following their collaboration in the 2019 action film "The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil." Impressed by Kim's performance in their previous project, Ma personally approached him to take on the role of Baek.

"We did a lot of action sequences together (in the previous film). Kim was very flexible and awesome. His proficiency in action sequences stemmed from his extensive experience in sports," he said.

"I've been eager to collaborate with him once more, and as I delved into the script for this film, I couldn't envision anyone else portraying Baek, a character depicted with such formidable combat skills."

Ma, the driving force behind the creation of the franchise, underscored that he does not trivialize the crimes depicted in the films, despite their action-packed nature meant for entertainment.

"I'm the actor but as someone who writes, produces, and coordinates (the franchise), 'The Roundup' has several points to consider. You need to think about the victims, and criminals and showing the good-beats-evil with justice. A number of people are engaged in this process, approaching it with profound contemplation and dedication," he said.

"However, at the core of all our efforts lies the foundation and purpose of providing entertainment. Therefore, we intentionally refrain from delving too deeply into the subject matter. Nevertheless, I hope this can raise awareness of heinous crimes while the audience enjoys watching the movie."