Ma Dong-seok Dominates Box Office and Prepares for TV Return with Twelve

Korean superstar Ma Dong-seok, also known internationally as Don Lee, is proving once again why he is one of Asia’s most bankable action icons. From breaking records at the box office to preparing for a return to the small screen, Ma’s career momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

The Roundup: Punishment Becomes a Box Office Phenomenon

Released in April 2024, The Roundup: Punishment became an instant sensation. Within just 22 days, the film attracted over 10 million admissions, securing its place as one of Korea’s most successful movies of the year. The fourth installment in the franchise carried on the gritty action and justice-driven storytelling that audiences have come to expect, cementing Detective Ma Seok-do as a cultural icon.

Before hitting Korean cinemas, the film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it drew strong international interest. Critics praised the high-octane fight sequences and Ma Dong-seok’s magnetic performance, further boosting the film’s global profile.

Future Plans: More Roundup Sequels on the Way

Following the massive success of the franchise, Ma revealed that scripts for parts five, six, seven, and eight are already in development. Each sequel promises new villains, bigger scale, and fresh narratives, ensuring the series continues to captivate audiences both in Korea and worldwide.

The long-term roadmap demonstrates Ma’s vision of turning The Roundup into a lasting franchise, much like Hollywood’s biggest action series.

TV Comeback: Twelve Set to Premiere in August 2025

While Ma has conquered the big screen, he is now preparing to make waves on television. His upcoming drama Twelve will premiere on August 23, 2025, airing on KBS2 in Korea and streaming worldwide on Disney+.

The series is a fantasy-action drama inspired by East Asian zodiac mythology. Ma plays Tae-san, the tiger warrior and leader of twelve angels living in secret among humans. When an ancient evil reawakens, Tae-san must lead his team into battle once again.

Joining Ma is a star-studded cast including Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Sung Dong-il, Lee Joo-bin, Kang Mi-na, and Regina Lei. The drama promises spectacular visuals, large-scale battles, and supernatural storytelling, with Ma’s powerful screen presence at its core.

New Film Projects: Holy Night: Demon Hunters and Beyond

Ma is also set to headline Holy Night: Demon Hunters, a supernatural action thriller in which he faces dark occult forces. Scheduled for international release in 2025, the film will give fans outside Korea another chance to see his signature action style in a fresh setting.

In addition, he is working on a new global project set along the U.S.–Mexico border, expanding his reach further into international markets with stories that highlight his trademark mix of intensity and charisma.

Personal Life: A Belated Celebration

Amid his busy career, Ma also marked a personal milestone. After legally registering their marriage in 2021, Ma and his longtime partner Ye Jung-hwa held their long-awaited wedding ceremony in Seoul in May 2024. The private yet star-studded event was a touching moment that celebrated their years together.

A Bright Future Ahead

From his blockbuster franchise to ambitious TV projects and international collaborations, Ma Dong-seok’s career trajectory continues upward. He has successfully balanced domestic popularity with global recognition, proving himself not just as Korea’s action king but also as an actor with worldwide appeal.

With **The Roundup sequels in motion, Twelve on the horizon, and more films in development, Ma Dong-seok’s next few years are shaping up to be his busiest—and most exciting—yet.

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