Actors Ma Dong-seok, center, Lee David, left, and Seohyun star in the upcoming occult film "Holy Night: Demon Hunters." Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment

Actor-producer Ma Dong-seok is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest venture into the occult genre with "Holy Night: Demon Hunters," which will hit theaters on April 30.

After achieving consecutive box office success postpandemic, eyes are on whether Ma, also known as Don Lee globally, can revive the slumping Korean film scene with his unique brand of action.

Directed by Lim Dae-hee, "Holy Night: Demon Hunters" plunges viewers into a chaotic city consumed by a cult that worships evil. In this world, a team of dark heroes, "Holy Night," embarks on a mission to eradicate evils. The team is comprised of Bau (Ma), Sharon (Seohyun) and Kim Gun (Lee David).

Behind the film is Big Punch Pictures, Ma's production company, further highlighting his multifaceted involvement as a lead actor and producer.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Ma has been a pivotal force in the Korean box office. His film "The Roundup" (2022), a sequel to the 2017 hit "The Outlaws," drew 12.69 million viewers, even before the pandemic officially ended. By toning down the violence and infusing comedy, "The Roundup" successfully broadened its audience reach, establishing a winning formula for the franchise.

"The Roundup" has since released a new installment annually. "The Roundup: No Way Out" (2023) and "The Roundup: Punishment" (2024) defied expectations, attracting 10.68 million and 11.5 million viewers, respectively.

The success of the franchise lies in its well-crafted universe and the charismatic protagonist, Ma Seok-do, portrayed by Ma. Audiences are enthralled by Ma's humorous yet powerful action sequences, where he delivers justice with a single punch.

In line with the cinematic formula he has perfected, "Holy Night: Demon Hunters" is also expected to cater to audiences' desire for his signature action-packed performances.

The main trailer for the upcoming occult movie, showing Ma battling supernatural forces, has already garnered significant attention, surpassing 110,000 views on YouTube within two days of its release.

To further expand the film's universe, a prequel online comic, "Holy Night: The Zero," is being serialized on Naver Webtoon, a strategic move that helps viewers learn more about the cinematic universe.