This is not your ordinary crime saga. “The Roundup” (also known as “Crime City”) introduced the world to a seismic clash of titans that redefined the Korean action genre. Get ready for a deep dive into the film that started it all.
🎬 The Unlikely Hero & The Unstoppable Villain
At the heart of Seoul’s gritty underworld stands Detective Ma Seok-do (played by the formidable Ma Dong-seok), a cop known less for his police procedure and more for his “iron fist” that can clear an entire district of thugs in a single day. His unconventional methods are put to the ultimate test when a terrifying new force erupts in the city.
From Harbin, China, emerges Jang Chen (Yoon Kye-sang), the ruthless leader of the notorious “Black Dragon” gang. Composed of ethnic Korean migrants and overstayers, this organization launches a full-scale invasion of Seoul in 2004, aiming to dominate the Korean underworld through sheer, unadulterated brutality. Chen’s reputation for violence sends shockwaves through the established local gangs, plunging the city into a mafia panic.
🔥 A Brutal, Grounded Conflict
What sets this film apart is its raw, bone-crunching realism. Based on real police operations in Seoul’s Garibong-dong district, the action favors brutal, close-quarters combat over stylized gunplay. It’s a primal showdown where Detective Ma’s raw power meets the savage cunning of the invaders.
The film masterfully blends this intense violence with a streak of dark humor, creating a uniquely entertaining and cathartic experience. Detective Ma, for all his intimidating presence, carries a surprising charm and a fierce sense of justice for the innocent.
🚨 A Cinematic Phenomenon is Born
Upon its release, “The Roundup” was a runaway hit, becoming one of the highest-grossing R-rated films in Korean history. It launched a blockbuster franchise that continues to dominate box offices, with sequels pitting Ma Dong-seok against villains from across Asia. The character of Detective Ma has become a cultural icon—Korea’s own “one-punch超人” and a symbol of righteous force.
Witness the birth of a legend. Watch the full review to see why this clash between a monster cop and a hellish gang remains an unforgettable cinematic punch.
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