Ma Dong-seok and the Future of Action Films with The Roundup 5

Ma Dong-seok returns with The Roundup 5 and Pig Village.
Fans split between excitement and fatigue over his projects.
Global buzz rises with his casting in Physint game.

Actor Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee, is once again in the spotlight. After dominating the Korean box office with the The Roundup franchise, he now faces a dilemma: stick to the familiar action formula that has defined his career, or take a bold step toward transformation. Public opinion is divided between fatigue and loyal support, especially with the announcement of his upcoming projects, including The Roundup 5 and the international film Pig Village.

The Roundup 5 and Pig Village Ready for Release

Avio Entertainment has confirmed two major projects for Ma Dong-seok. The first is Pig Village, an English-language action film set along the US-Mexico border. Produced entirely by a Korean team but targeting the Hollywood market, the film is directed by Lee Sang-yong, who previously helmed The Roundup 2 and 3. The cast includes international names such as Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy), Colin Woodell (Beat), Lisette Olivera, and Ali Ahn, all alongside Don Lee. This project is being touted as his big step into global cinema.

The second is The Roundup 5, slated for release in 2027. The franchise has already drawn over 40 million cumulative viewers, making it the biggest action series in Korea. The fourth installment was sold to 164 countries, including North America, but critics pointed out repetitive plots, lackluster villains, and Don Lee’s predictable fight sequences. Expectations for the fifth film are high, with fans eager to see if it will bring something new or remain trapped in the same pattern.

While Don Lee’s films remain strong in international pre-sales, domestic response hasn’t always been positive. The Holy Night: Demon Hunters, heavily promoted as an original occult action film, turned out to be a box office flop, attracting only 770,000 viewers from a break-even target of 2 million. Meanwhile, the fantasy-action drama Twelve, marking his return to the small screen after five years, sank with a final rating of 2.4% due to poor CGI and a messy storyline.

Critical voices have been loud. One Instagram user wrote:

“Better stick to films instead of dramas 😭”

Another mentioned disappointment after watching Twelve, saying Don Lee’s signature action was almost nowhere to be found. Still, some defended him, pointing out his solid performance in the drama Bad Guys, which is still remembered fondly.

International fans, on the other hand, were more supportive. One user on X wrote:

“Ma Dong-seok aka Don Lee fans rejoice… one of the best action franchises returns with soul-crushing haymakers!!”

Another gushed with praise:

“Ma Dong-seok my f*ing goat dude.”

Adding to the buzz was the surprising news of Don Lee’s involvement in the cinematic video game Physint, alongside Charlee Fraser and Minami Hamabe. Popular gaming account Wario64 confirmed the casting on X, sparking excitement worldwide. One fan exclaimed:

“CHARLIE FRASER AND MA DONG SEOK ON PHYSINT HOLY GOAT CAST!!!”

Timeline of Upcoming Projects

To better understand Ma Dong-seok’s packed schedule, here’s a highlight of his upcoming works:

• Pig Village (expected 2026) → His first English-language film targeting the Hollywood market.
  
• The Roundup 5 (2027) → The highly anticipated return of Korea’s biggest action franchise.
  
• Physint (TBA) → A cinematic video game project alongside Charlee Fraser and Minami Hamabe, expanding his influence beyond film into interactive entertainment.
  

This timeline reflects both the diversity and the risks of Don Lee’s choices. On one hand, he is pushing for international recognition and new formats. On the other, he risks being criticized for repeating old formulas if his projects don’t evolve.

It’s clear that Don Lee stands at a critical crossroads. He has a strong global fanbase, proven ability to build franchises, and a recognizable name that sells internationally. However, the criticism of his stagnant action formula can’t be ignored.

Both The Roundup 5 and Pig Village will serve as crucial tests. If they only recycle the same punch-heavy formula, audience fatigue may grow even stronger. But if he manages to blend his signature style with fresh storytelling and innovation, this could be the moment that elevates him from a domestic action icon to a true global star.

Now, all eyes are on him: will Don Lee stick to the familiar path that risks losing relevance, or will he finally open a new chapter that matches the fast-changing tastes of the global audience?

Sources: Avio Entertainment, ACFM, Screen Daily, Ma Dong Seok’s Official Account, Chosun