In the current global wave of Hallyu, Ma Dong Seok – the action star with the nickname “The Korean Rock” – has firmly established his reputation among international audiences. With the recent release of the action film Holy Night: Demon Hunters (Đêm Thánh: Hội Săn Quỷ) in Vietnam, we revisit five outstanding films that have defined Ma Dong Seok’s career.
1. Train to Busan – Chuyến Tàu Sinh Tử (2016)
If we had to choose one film to represent Ma Dong Seok to the global audience, it would undoubtedly be Train to Busan – a masterpiece of the zombie genre that made waves at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016. Playing the role of Sang Hwa – a strong yet emotionally rich character, Ma Dong Seok crafted a “heroic figure” who was both tough and humane.
The ability to blend intense action with emotional depth made his character one of the most beloved in the film, even being referred to by Screen Rant as “the breakout character of Train to Busan.” Sang Hwa’s sacrifice was noted by The Guardian as one of the most impactful moments throughout the entire film.
With global box office earnings exceeding $98 million, this film not only expanded the influence of Korean cinema but also opened the door to Hollywood for Ma Dong Seok.
2. The Outlaws – Ngoài Vòng Pháp Luật (2017)
A significant turning point in Ma Dong Seok’s career came with The Outlaws, where he embodied the character Ma Seok Do, a police officer who became a symbol of the new wave of action films in South Korea. With a unique investigative style that combines brute force with moments of humor, this character quickly captured the audience’s affection.
The film grossed over $52 million in South Korea, ranking among the top five highest-grossing films of 2017. Variety praised it as a performance that “perfectly balances intense action with entertainment.”
The success of The Outlaws not only reinforced Ma Dong Seok’s status but also birthed the sequel series The Roundup – a franchise considered Ma Dong Seok’s “unique cinematic universe.”
3. Unstoppable – Găng Tơ Tái Xuất (2018)
In Unstoppable, Ma Dong Seok takes on a unique role: a regular worker who must fight back against criminals to protect his loved ones. Although the storyline follows familiar tropes, the strength and charisma of Ma Dong Seok’s performance create a “Korean version of Taken” that captivates viewers.
Without needing the police or superpowers, his character, portrayed by Ma Dong Seok, impresses audiences with his overwhelming determination and strength. Asian Movie Pulse described the film as “an effective, decisive, and uncompromising action performance.”
4. The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil – Trùm, Cớm và Ác Quỷ (2019)
Ma Dong Seok truly made an impact on the international film community with his role in The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil – a thrilling action film selected for screening at the Cannes Film Festival 2019 (under the Midnight Screening section).
In the film, he plays the character Jang Dong Soo, a gangster who collaborates with the police to catch a serial killer. This character is both dangerous and deeply complex, showcasing Ma Dong Seok’s versatile acting abilities.
Notably, the film’s rights were later acquired by Sylvester Stallone for a Hollywood remake, with Ma Dong Seok reprising his role. IndieWire emphasized that this film marked a significant milestone, establishing Ma Dong Seok as a prominent figure in the Asian action film market on a global scale.
5. The Roundup: Punishment – Vây Hảm: Kẻ Trừng Phạt (2024)
In the third installment of the popular The Outlaws franchise, Ma Dong Seok returns as Inspector Ma Seok Do – a symbol of justice amid high-tech crime and corruption. The Roundup: Punishment continues the successful legacy of its predecessors while enhancing its scale, technical quality, and character depth.
Unlike previous installments that focused solely on traditional crime pursuits, the 2024 film explores high-tech crime and illegal transactions involving digital currency, making it fast-paced, modern, and timely. As a producer, Ma Dong Seok continues to demonstrate his strategic vision by combining action heroism with contemporary legal themes.
The film quickly broke box office records in South Korea shortly after its release, receiving enthusiastic responses from Vietnamese audiences. Yonhap News noted, “Ma Dong Seok has turned The Roundup into a national action brand, and Punishment is the most anticipated film in the franchise so far.”
Ma Dong Seok: More than Just an Action Star
Unlike the typical “hero” or “bad boy” archetypes prevalent in Korean cinema, Ma Dong Seok has built a unique brand: masculine, powerful, yet approachable without sacrificing charm. He is not just an action star; he is a strategic producer who knows how to shape characters, personal brands, and career paths.
His role in Holy Night: Demon Hunters – an action film combining elements of the supernatural, religion, and fantasy – is proof of his unwavering ambition to reach global audiences.
From box office hits in his home country to making an impact in Hollywood, Ma Dong Seok has risen to become a symbol of contemporary Korean cinema – a figure who not only creates memorable performances on screen but also leaves a lasting impression on audiences around the world.
