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Comedy thriller

The Roundup: No Way Out (2023): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

The Roundup: No Way Out (2023) movie poster

The Roundup: No Way Out is a 2023 comedy thriller directed by Lee Sang-yong, starring Lee Sang-won as Detective, Han Ki-jang and Don Lee. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes and earned $83.4 million worldwide. Its Echo Score is 74/100.

worldwide gross
$83.4M
Echo Score
74
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The Roundup: No Way Out (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 45m (105 min)
Director
Lee Sang-yong
Genres
Comedy , Crime , Action , Drama
Original language
Korean
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Roundup: No Way Out About?

The premise of The Roundup: No Way Out without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Detective Ma Seok‑do transfers from the Geumcheon Police Station to the Metropolitan Investigation Team to take down a wave of Japanese gangsters operating in Korea, launching a relentless pursuit to eliminate the criminals responsible for brutal offenses.

The Roundup: No Way Out Themes & Keywords

· 7 tags
  • yakuza
  • corrupt cop
  • other
  • third part
  • drugs
  • murder
  • martial arts action
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Cast & crew

The Roundup: No Way Out Cast & Characters

Lee Sang-won leads the cast as Detective, with Han Ki-jang as Police and Don Lee as Ma Seok-do. Directed by Lee Sang-yong; 41 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Roundup: No Way Out

· 37 more
Show all 41 cast members
From the director

More from Lee Sang-yong

One more film directed by Lee Sang-yong: The Roundup.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Roundup: No Way Out Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 74/100, strongest in sensory experience (88) and weakest in story & flow (60).

74 /100

The Roundup: No Way Out Echo Score Breakdown

The Roundup: No Way Out delivers consistent high‑octane action and a charismatic central performance, which sustain viewer engagement despite a formulaic narrative. Visual execution, including crisp cinematography and kinetic fight choreography, is frequently praised, while the story suffers from repetitive beats and underdeveloped antagonists. Supporting characters receive limited depth, contributing to a mixed emotional impact. Overall, the film succeeds as an entertaining genre entry but falls short of advancing the series creatively.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of direction and visual craft, reviewers highlight sharp cinematography, effective night‑shot lighting, and dynamic editing that accentuate the film's kinetic energy. The action sequences are noted for their clear choreography and impactful punch‑visualization. Although some cite repetitive pacing, the overall technical execution is viewed as a strong asset, reinforcing the movie's high‑energy tone.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    When evaluating character work, Ma Dong‑sek's performance is praised for charisma and physical presence, yet the ensemble suffers from limited development. Critics observe a lack of depth for supporting roles and a generic villain who fails to pose a credible threat. The imbalance between a compelling lead and thin secondary characters yields a mixed impression of the film's emotional resonance.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The narrative is described as straightforward and serviceable, delivering familiar procedural beats and occasional twists. However, many reviewers criticize the plot for being repetitive, overly convoluted, and lacking originality. The pacing remains brisk, but the story's reliance on formulaic tropes diminishes its overall engagement, positioning it as a functional but unremarkable entry.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    Sensory elements receive strong commendation, with reviewers noting a well‑balanced soundtrack, crisp sound design, and striking visual style that enhances the impact of fight scenes. The tonal mix of humor and intensity is supported by consistent audio cues, and the film's visual polish is repeatedly cited as a highlight of the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Rewatch potential is considered moderate to high, particularly for fans of the franchise who enjoy the familiar action‑comedy formula. While the film's entertainment value and end‑credit cameo encourage repeat viewings, the repetitive plot and limited character evolution may reduce its lasting appeal for broader audiences.

Plot

The Roundup: No Way Out Plot Summary

What happens in The Roundup: No Way Out from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Detective Ma Seok-do, Don Lee, and his team are promoted to the Metropolitan Investigation Unit, plunging into a high-stakes case that opens with the mysterious death of a woman named Go Sun-hee. The investigation quickly pivots on the autopsy, which reveals Sun-hee had been using a dangerous drug called Hiper, hinting at a larger network of narcotics rather than a simple homicide. The team dives into the city’s nightlife and criminal underworld, tracing the drug’s origins and the people who move it.

Full summary

The whole story of The Roundup: No Way Out, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

The Roundup: No Way Out Box Office

The Roundup: No Way Out grossed $83.4 million worldwide. $909,411 came from the US and Canada and $82.5 million (99%) from the rest of the world.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$83.4M

US & Canada
$909.4K
International
$82.5M
US & Canada 1% Rest of the world 99%
Videos

The Roundup: No Way Out Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 3 trailers.

[Official] THE ROUNDUP : NO WAY OUT | Launch Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer [Subtitled]
  • Trailer Trailer [Dubbed]
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Roundup: No Way Out?

9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 9

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered

Which police unit is Detective Ma Seok-do promoted to at the start of the film?

Seen The Roundup: No Way Out?

FAQ

The Roundup: No Way Out FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of The Roundup: No Way Out, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Roundup: No Way Out?

The Roundup: No Way Out runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).

When was The Roundup: No Way Out released?

The Roundup: No Way Out was released on May 31, 2023.

Who directed The Roundup: No Way Out?

The Roundup: No Way Out was directed by Lee Sang-yong.

More films by Lee Sang-yong

Who is in the cast of The Roundup: No Way Out?

The Roundup: No Way Out stars Lee Sang-won as Detective, Han Ki-jang as Police and Don Lee as Ma Seok-do, among 41 credited actors.

How much did The Roundup: No Way Out make at the box office?

The Roundup: No Way Out grossed $83.4 million worldwide ($909,411 domestic, $82.5 million international).

Does The Roundup: No Way Out have a post-credit scene?

No. The Roundup: No Way Out has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is The Roundup: No Way Out in?

The original language of The Roundup: No Way Out is Korean.

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