The Roundup

The Roundup

Year: 2022

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: Korean

Director: Lee Sang-yong

Echo Score: 87

Budget: $7.6M

CrimeActionAdventureThrillerCrime

The relentless ‘Beast Cop’ Ma Seok-do is dispatched overseas to bring a suspect back for trial. Upon arrival, he finds himself embroiled in a series of unsettling murder cases, uncovering a pattern of crimes targeting tourists. A dangerous killer has been operating in the country for years, and Ma Seok-do must track them down and bring them to justice while navigating unfamiliar territory and cultural differences.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Roundup (2022)

Trace every key event in The Roundup (2022) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City for Yoo Jong-hoon extradition

Ma Seok-do and Captain Jeon Il-man travel from Korea to Ho Chi Minh City to extradite Yoo Jong-hoon. The mission takes place four years after the Garibong-dong operation. They begin by meeting Koreans living in Vietnam and gathering intel as their investigation starts.

Four years after the Garibong-dong operation Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2

Interrogation of Jong-hoon and lead to Jong-du's hideout

Jong-hoon is interrogated and admits he turned himself in because Lee Jong-du attempted to kill him. His confession redirects the focus to Jong-du's hideout and hints at a darker operator behind the violence. The investigators prepare to push deeper into the Vietnamese underworld.

shortly after arrival Ho Chi Minh City interrogation room
3

Discovery of Jong-du dead; Kang Hae-sang connected to victims

They reach Jong-du's hideout only to discover Jong-du is dead. The scene reveals that Kang Hae-sang has kidnapped and killed Koreans in exchange for money, with Choi Yong-gi among the victims. This ties Kang to a larger criminal network.

soon after the interrogation Jong-du's hideout, Ho Chi Minh City
4

Garden search uncovers Choi Yong-gi's body

Ma and Il-man dig in a garden and uncover Choi Yong-gi's body. Local police warn Ma and Il-man to halt the investigation, raising the stakes and friction with authorities. The case seems increasingly entangled with powerful interests.

same day Garden, Ho Chi Minh City
5

Gambling den interrogation reveals mercenaries

At a Ho Chi Minh City gambling den, they interrogate a Korean thug named Raku who points to mercenaries working for Kang's operation. The clues indicate that Choon-baek, a wealthy businessman, is paying to eliminate Kang's rivals. The pursuit widens beyond Vietnam.

same trip Gambling den, Ho Chi Minh City
6

Kang attacks and escapes; investigators deported

Kang arrives at a house and kills the hired killers, then overpowers Ma as he intervenes. Kang escapes, leaving Ma and Il-man frustrated. The pair are deported back to Korea to continue the pursuit from home.

same trip Choon-baek's house, Vietnam
7

Kang smuggled back to Korea to meet Choon-baek

Back in Korea, Ma and Il-man learn Kang has smuggled himself into the country to meet Choon-baek. They realize the case is far from closed and that the money trail is crossing borders. The investigation resumes on domestic soil.

during deportation Korea
8

CCTV confirms Kang's arrival; Jang I-soo's intel

Ma interrogates Jang I-soo, who is alive and running an export service, and learns about a recently arrived smuggling boat tied to Kang. CCTV footage from Gongping port confirms Kang's arrival and intensifies the hunt. A week-long deadline to catch him is established.

after landing in Korea Korea; Gongping port area
9

Choon-baek's bounty and pursuit deadline

Choon-baek publicly offers a hefty reward to bring Kang alive, prompting Ma to mobilize resources. The authorities set a one-week deadline to close the case, heightening pressure to trap Kang before he can act again. The team tightens the noose around Kang's operations.

within a week after the port confirmation Korea
10

Kang abducts Choon-baek at Choi's funeral

Kang arrives at Choi Yong-gi's funeral and abducts Choon-baek, killing his bodyguard in the process. He then calls Choon-baek's wife In-sook and demands money in exchange for Choon-baek's safe release. Tension rises as a high-stakes ransom unfolds.

shortly after the return Choi Yong-gi's funeral, Korea
11

In-sook teams with Ma; Dong-gyun rescues Choon-baek but is stabbed

In-sook enlists Ma's help, while Jang I-soo accompanies them disguised as her driver. Meanwhile, Dong-gyun locates Kang's hideout and rescues Choon-baek, but is stabbed by Kang and the operation stalls. The plan to arrest Kang proceeds despite the violence.

during the ongoing operation Korea; deal location and Kang's hideout
12

Final bus pursuit and Kang's arrest

Acting on a tip from Jang I-soo, Ma stops a bus that Kang plans to use for escape and confronts him directly. After a tense confrontation, Ma defeats Kang and has him arrested. The team celebrates solving the case as order returns.

final confrontation Bus at a highway/traffic area, Korea

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 at 00:47

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These movies are grouped by their shared DNA: a focus on action-driven crime-solving, a physically capable and determined lead character, a tense and gritty mood, and a narrative that prioritizes forward momentum and visceral satisfaction over complex themes or emotional weight.

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The Roundup Summary

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The Roundup Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Roundup

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Roundup

The Roundup Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Roundup Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Roundup

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