The latest addition to the Korean franchise, The Roundup: Punishment, has made history by setting a new all-time opening day presales record in its home market. With over 834,000 ticket reservations as of Wednesday morning local time, the film accounted for a striking 95.5% of all sales. This milestone surpasses the franchise’s previous best presales of 640K for 2023’s The Roundup: No Way Out and even outperforms 2018’s Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days, which held the record before. This success highlights the popularity of the franchise and its ability to captivate audiences in South Korea.
As The Roundup: Punishment hit theaters, it generated $341K in previews on just 17 screens, indicating a promising start. This achievement is significant not only for the film itself but also for the overall Korean box office, which has been experiencing a resurgence following a record-breaking March driven by the success of horror film Exhuma. The performance of Punishment adds to the positive momentum in the market, showcasing the potential for Korean cinema to thrive both locally and internationally.
Directed by Heo Myeong-haeng, The Roundup: Punishment follows the journey of Detective Ma Seok-do as he joins the Cyber Investigation Team to track down a ruthless kingpin and a cryptocurrency entrepreneur operating through online casinos. The film has been praised for its thrilling storyline, stylish packaging, and engaging entertainment value. Reviewer Stephanie Bunbury described it as a carefully crafted series that distinguishes itself in a genre filled with complex plot details. The success of Punishment can be attributed to the talent and charisma of its lead actor, Don Lee, who plays a central role in driving the film’s excellence.
With its record-breaking opening day and positive reception from audiences and critics alike, The Roundup: Punishment is poised to make a significant impact on the Korean film industry. As the franchise continues to captivate viewers with its blend of action, suspense, and entertainment, it sets a high standard for future releases. The success of Punishment reinforces the global appeal of Korean cinema and highlights the potential for continued growth and innovation in storytelling. As audiences eagerly await the next installment in the series, it is clear that the impact of Punishment will resonate far beyond the confines of the box office.