Don Lee's 'The Roundup: Punishment 5' and 'Pig Village' Garner Global Interest Ahead of ACFM Sales

ABO Entertainment, the investor and distributor behind the hit 'The Roundup' franchise, is generating significant buzz both domestically and internationally for its upcoming projects, 'Pig Village' and 'The Roundup: Punishment 5'.

Both films are set to embark on global pre-sales at the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM), which kicks off on September 20th. As Asia's largest content business platform, ACFM will see ABO Entertainment showcasing its major lineup, heightening anticipation.

'Pig Village' boasts a unique narrative set against the backdrop of the US-Mexico border. The project stars and is produced by Don Lee, a key figure in 'The Roundup' series, and is directed by Lee Sang-yong, who helmed 'The Roundup 2' and 'The Roundup 3'. The film further bolsters its global appeal with a cast including Hollywood actors such as Michael Rooker of the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' series and Colin Whedon from the Netflix series 'Heartstopper'. Its distinction as a Hollywood film produced entirely in South Korea is expected to capture the attention of international buyers.

Pre-sale news for 'The Roundup: Punishment 5', the next installment in the successful franchise, is also creating a stir. Having already been reported by leading overseas media, it underscores the franchise's established influence and popularity. The 'The Roundup' series has surpassed a cumulative audience of 40 million viewers in Korea and has achieved the remarkable feat of having three consecutive films surpass the 10 million viewer mark, solidifying its status as Korea's most beloved film series. Following the successful pre-sales of 'The Roundup: Punishment 4' in 164 countries, including North America, expectations are high for 'The Roundup: Punishment 5'. The film is slated for a 2027 release, with filming scheduled to commence next year.

ABO Entertainment has established itself as a rising force in Korean film investment and distribution, with a string of box office successes including 'No Escape' (2021), 'The Roundup 2' (2022), 'The Roundup 3' (2023), and 'The Roundup 4' (2024). Since its establishment in 2019, the company has secured intellectual property rights for major hits like 'The Outlaws' (2017) and 'The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil' (2019), and has expanded its business scope beyond investment and distribution to encompass planning and production. Notably, their collaboration on Don Lee's signature works, which are loved globally, has garnered significant industry attention. The upcoming lineup to be unveiled at ACFM is anticipated to showcase this growing influence, further amplified by the involvement of global star Don Lee.

Don Lee is actively engaged not only as an actor but also as a producer, driving the global expansion of Korean cinema. His unique characters and action sequences have earned him widespread adoration from fans worldwide. His new projects consistently generate high expectations and achieve box office success.