The Roundup 5 is officially moving forward, with the record-breaking franchise lining up a new face to take on Ma Dong Seok.
According to industry insiders, the fifth installment has entered pre-production after a roughly two-year hiatus, with plans to begin filming later this year under director Heo Myung Haeng.
The series’ most buzz-worthy role—the villain—has reportedly gone to actor Kim Jae Young. Kim is said to be finalizing scheduling and is expected to join the project barring any last-minute changes. If confirmed, he will become the fifth major antagonist in the franchise, following memorable turns by Yoon Kye Sang, Son Suk Ku, Lee Jun Hyuk, and Kim Mu Yeol.
A model-turned-actor who debuted in 2011, Kim Jae Young has built a solid TV résumé through dramas like 100 Days My Prince, Reflection of You, Love in Contract, and The Judge from Hell. He is currently appearing in ENA’s I DOL I, where his performance has helped grow a dedicated fanbase.
Despite only brief film appearances so far—including Derailed, Golden Slumber, and Money—his casting signals a major screen breakthrough. Expectations are high for how the The Roundup team, led by star-producer Ma Dong Seok, will reshape his image as a full-scale villain.
Since its 2017 debut, the The Roundup series has become Korea’s first franchise to surpass 40 million total admissions, powered by Ma Dong Seok’s bare-knuckle cop and a lineup of standout antagonists inspired by real-world crimes. With story plans already mapped out through a potential eighth film, The Roundup 5 marks the beginning of the franchise’s next chapter.
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