The Roundup: Punishment

Baek Chang-gi, a former Special Forces operative turned criminal mastermind, commits a shocking murder when he brutally kills his employee Jo Sung-jae. This violent act is a desperate response to Jo's attempt to flee, highlighting Baek's ruthless nature and the perilous world of online gambling.

Casino administrator Chang Dong-cheol strikes a deal with Baek, promising to close down a rival casino in exchange for a larger cut. However, Chang betrays Baek, leading to feelings of deception and betrayal, escalating the conflict between them.

In retaliation for Chang's betrayal, Baek violently attacks the rival casino's server, stealing sensitive data and the member roster. This act of aggression solidifies his dominance but also signals the escalation of a brewing war in the gambling underworld.

Detective Ma Seok-do is assigned to investigate a money laundering case linked to Jo's murder. As Ma digs deeper, he uncovers evidence that suggests Jo's death is part of a larger conspiracy, prompting him to revisit the details of the case.

The autopsy of Jo reveals a complex network of deceit involving gambling operations. Ma's investigation leads him to map out Jo's employment history, uncovering a vital backup data trail that connects to a money laundering scheme.

Ma Seok-do's investigation introduces him to Jang Yi-soo, a former online gambler turned entrepreneur, who recounts the ruthless actions of the Emperor's Casino. This meeting reveals the wider implications of the gambling syndicate's reach and influence in the industry.

Baek learns that Chang has established QM Holdings, a cryptocurrency operation. Under Chang's orders, Baek is sent to bribe an exchange representative, showcasing the corrupt dealings that continue to entangle him in the world of crime.

Baek's impatience leads to the murder of his accomplice, Ko, during a bribery attempt. This violent act underscores Baek's increasingly erratic behavior as he further distances himself from any semblance of morality.

The police, under Ma's direction, scramble to prevent further bloodshed after Baek disposes of a potential witness. The mounting tension signals a significant shift in the investigation's pace as they try to mitigate the violence surrounding Baek and Chang's operations.

Ma Seok-do attempts to infiltrate Chang's cryptocurrency launch event to gather evidence against QM Holdings. However, he finds himself ambushed by Baek and his associates, leading to a chaotic confrontation that underscores the perilous nature of his investigation.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, the police chief disbands Ma's team, stifling their investigation. However, Ma manages to convince the police agency commissioner to allow his pursuit of the case to continue, demonstrating his determination to seek justice.

With new authority, Ma's team devises a bold plan to set up a fake casino, aiming to lure Emperor's Casino into raiding them. This strategy proves successful as it opens doors to access the criminal organization’s server, advancing their investigation.

In a brutal turn of events, Baek kills Chang and steals crucial server data from a hidden villa. This violent ascendance in power leaves Kwon to deal with the aftermath, showcasing Baek's callousness and ambition within the crime world.

The tense confrontation between Detective Ma and Baek culminates in a fierce struggle. Ultimately, Ma bravely brings Baek into custody, signaling a significant victory in their ongoing battle against the corruption in the gambling underworld.

In an emotional conclusion, Ma's team holds a memorial for Jo and his mother, paying tribute to the lives lost in the conflict. Meanwhile, Jang faces his own consequences, getting arrested for impersonating a police officer, tying up loose ends in this high-stakes narrative.