"The Roundup: Punishment", the latest installment in a series of Korean action thrillers, sees the return of Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee, reprising his role as Seok-do, an unforgettable character in the franchise. Initially introduced in “The Outlaws” in 2017, Seok-do quickly established himself as a powerful force who unfalteringly faces and overpowers his enemies.
However, over the series, the films have relied heavily on Lee's presence while neglecting to explore his acting prowess fully. In the recent chapter, despite his fight against cyber criminals running an illicit online casino, Lee’s comedic talent remains under-utilized.
Playing his role in an otherwise undistinguished team of law enforcement officers, Seok-do holds the storyline strong. The narratives are often villain-centric when Lee is off the screen. In this episode, the main antagonist is Baek Chang-ki (Kim Mu-yeol), an ex-mercenary managing an online gambling platform in the Philippines. A series of gruesome murders put Seok-do against Baek, adding an intense layer to the storyline.
Despite the potential for the plot to be more compelling, the film fails to highlight the emotional connection between Seok-do and those he strives to protect. The scenes lack depth, often serving as fillers between the chase and action segments. Moreover, the action scenes fail to recreate the exhilarating energy Lee demonstrated in his initial performances.
Deserves better dialogue and opportunities to display his comedic abilities, Lee continues to serve as a strong pillar for the franchise, which may need to reassess its emphasis on formulaic action sequences over character development to maintain its appeal. Regardless, Lee’s performance continues to be a reason for viewers to anticipate future entries in the "The Roundup" series, showcasing his potential as both an action and comedic actor.
