On April 24, 2024, the South Korean cinema landscape was rocked by the explosive release of "The Roundup: Punishment," the fourth installment of the highly acclaimed crime-action franchise. This latest chapter has not only captivated a massive audience but also shattered box office records, establishing itself as a monumental success in the history of Korean film. Inside the Storyline of ‘The Roundup: Punishment’ Set in the bustling metropolis of Seoul, the narrative of "The Roundup: Punishment" unwinds around Lieutenant Ma Seok-do, portrayed by the charismatic Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee internationally. Ma Seok-do is a figure driven by a deep-seated desire for justice, his life entwined with the dark underbelly of the city's criminal enterprises. The film introduces Baek Chang-gi, a menacing antagonist with a complex past. Once a member of the Korean special forces, Baek, played by Kim Mu-yeol, has since become the tyrannical leader of an illicit online gambling ring. His character is intricately crafted, presenting a formidable challenge to Ma's quest for justice. Read more: May 2024 Amazon Prime Originals: Most-Hyped Shows, Web Series, and Movies Adding to the complexity of the villainous cadre, Lee Dong-hwi delivers a chilling performance as Jang Dong-cheol, an IT prodigy and the young CEO of a thriving cryptocurrency company. His genius is overshadowed by his malevolent ambitions, making him a pivotal figure in the unfolding drama. Park Ji-hwan reprises his role as Jang Yi-soo, infusing the film with both heart and humor. As a secondary hero, his character’s evolution brings a deeper, more textured layer to the climax, enhancing the narrative’s richness. The Visionaries Behind the Film The genius behind the camera is director Heo Myung-haeng, whose background as a seasoned stunt choreographer, including notable work on "Train to Busan," infuses the film with authenticity and visceral thrill. His direction ensures that each scene is meticulously crafted to maintain tension and drive the story forward. Read more: Reality Show ‘Shark Tank Bangladesh’ makes its debut in Bangladesh The dual role of Ma Dong-seok as both lead actor and co-producer allows him to shape the film’s narrative and thematic elements. His deep understanding of the genre and character dynamics enriches the film’s authenticity and appeal. Screenwriter Oh Sang-ho crafts a tightly woven plot that balances intense action with emotional depth. Cinematographer Lee Sung-je captures the gritty aesthetics of Seoul’s urban landscape, while editor Kim Sun-min ensures the film’s pace maintains its gripping momentum. Complementing these visuals, the soundtrack by Yoon Il-sang not only enhances the scenes but also deepens the viewer's immersion into the film's dramatic world. Record-Breaking Box Office Performance Upon its release, "The Roundup: Punishment" immediately claimed the number one spot at the South Korean box office. It attracted 821,631 viewers on its opening day, generating a revenue of USD 4,911,392. This achievement set a new record for the highest opening of any film in 2024 within South Korea, surpassing the opening numbers of its predecessors and signaling a new era of dominance for the franchise. Read more: Most Hyped South Indian Movies Releasing in May 2024

Over the past decade and a half, this migrant worker from Bangladesh has mesmerised the audience in South Korea with his prowess on the screen. Yet Bangladesh-born Korean superstar Mahbub Alam, also known as Mahbub Lee, holds the distinction of being unknown to many in his own land of birth. For Mahbub, it was a long journey and rarely an easy one. When he migrated to South Korea in 1999 to fund his ailing mother's treatment in Bangladesh, little did this alumnus of Government Tolaram College in Narayanganj know what lay in store for him. Also read: Forbes Asia's 100 Digital Stars features Bangladeshi actress pori moni. Thanks to his elder brother who was in Korea then, he got a job in a garment factory. Seven months later, his mother passed away in Bangladesh. While his elder brother returned to his home country, Mahbub chose to stay back. And his urge to protect fellow garment factory workers from exploitation in Korea prompted him to participate in social movements. “I first came to Korea in 1999 and I worked in a textiles and garment factory, where my job involved pressing film covering onto the fabrics. It was hard work, using a lot of industrial chemicals,” Mahbub said in an interview with AsiaRights. "At first, I wasn’t involved in any activism, but after about three years I started to do voluntary work in the Bangladeshi migrant community, taking up issues like industrial accidents and non-payment of wages. Many migrant workers in Korea work in very small firms, and their bosses sometimes cheat them out of their wages," he said. Also read: How a Bangladeshi woman scripted a success story in vermi venture. "I became secretary of the Bangladesh Mutual Association, which dealt with these sorts of social problems. Then in 2002, the Migrant Workers Trade Union was established. It was organised under the umbrella of the Korean Confederation Trade Union. We started going to rallies, and I became busy in the Union, writing publicity material for them and so on.” But Mahbub was quick to realise that stories of unjust treatment of garment workers in the South Korean apparel industry must surface in the mainstream media in order to drive a lasting change for them. So, he decided to test his luck at something new -- making documentary films on the plight of workers in the Korean garment industry.