While the Hallyu wave continues to conquer the global phase, but Dong-Seok has cemented its place in the heart of the international public. We look back five of the most iconic and unmissable films of Ma Dong-Seok.
1. Train to busan (2016)
If there is a film that has risen to the stars but Dong-Seok to global fame, it is a train for Busan, the thriller of zombies who have stunned the audience at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. Interpreting Sang-Hwa, a muscular but warm husband, but has created an archetype of public heroes that was both powerfully and human heroes.
His combination of raw physicality and emotional depth made him an extraordinary character, so much so that the screen nicknamed him “The character of Breakout of the train to Busan”.
With a global box office of over $ 98 million, the film not only expanded the global imprint of Korean cinema, but also opened the doors to Hollywood for but Dong-Seok.
2. The Outlaws (2017)
The turning point that defines the career of Ma Dong-Seok came with the outlaws, in which he played the detective but Seok-do, an icon of justice without frills that quickly became a favorite by the fans.
The film collected over 52 million dollars at national level and ranked among the first 5 Korean films with the greatest collection of 2017. Variety praised him as “a perfect balance between cold -blooded violence and pleasant entertainment on the crowd”.
The success of the outlaws confirmed the Star power of Ma Dong-Seok and laid the foundations for the RoundP franchise, now seen as his universe of the personal action film.
3. Unstoppable (2018)
In an unstoppable, but he took on a different role: an apparently normal husband forced to fight after his wife has been kidnapped by traffickers. While the plot could echo the thrillers of family revenge, the premiums of but and the intense combat scenes of but have made this a convincing “Korean version of Take”.
Without the police backup or superpowers, his character still offers satisfaction through pure strength and incessant determination. The Asian Pulse film described the film as “a lively, effective and uncompromising showcase of action”.
4. The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil (2019)
But Dong-Seok fascinated the international public in the gangster, the policeman, the devil, a crime film that was screened in the midnight screening section at the Cannes Film Festival 2019.
He played the boss of the Jang Dong-Soo crime, which unexpectedly joins the police to hunt a serial killer. The character, both dangerous and morally complex, has illuminated the range of but as an actor.
The film attracted the attention of Sylvester Stallone, who acquired the remake rights, with but by resuming his role in the US version. Indiewire called it “a milestone, which marks but dong-seke as an Asian action figure increasing on the global phase”.
5. The RoundP: Punishment (2024)
In the fourth episode of the successful Outlaws series, but he returns as but Seok-do, now taking on high-tech computer criminals in the collection: punishment. This chapter is not only based on the moment of the franchise box office, but also increases the ante in terms of scale, technical quality and character development.
Unlike the previous voices focused on the traditional breaking of the bands, this sequel to 2024 faces cyber crime and crypto fraud, making the film faster and more relevant. As a producer, but Dong-Seok once again shows a strategic foresight by combining the successful action with timely messages on justice in the digital era.
The film beat the box office records in Korea a few days after the release and was warmly welcomed by the public. Yonhap News wrote: “But Dong-Seok has transformed the National Action Cart Cart and Punishment is its most complete episode”.
But Dong-Seok: more than a simple action star
Unlike the typical Korean archetype “Rubacuori” or “bad boy”, but Dong-Seok cut out a unique brand: masculina, powerful, recognizable, but charismatic. It is not only an actor linked to the muscles, but a strategic producer who knows how to build characters, personal brand and career direction.
His return to Holy Night: Demon Hunters – a supernatural fantasy action film with religious shades – more demonstrates his commitment for innovation in the captivating global audience.
From domestic strokes to a powerful Hollywood debut, but Dong-Seok has consolidated its place as a modern icon of Korean cinema, not only affected punches, but an unforgettable impact on the screen.
