▲ From L: Actor Ma Dong-seok and the main cast for the fifth installment of action franchise film "The Roundup" is provided by ABO Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 27 (Yonhap) -- Actor Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee in the U.S., will return to the big screen with the fifth installment of the hit crime action franchise "The Roundup."

Distributor ABO Entertainment said Wednesday that the filming for "The Roundup 5" began March 24.

The film follows detective Ma Seok-do, played by Ma Dong-seok, who has been promoted to head of the violent crimes unit, as he confronts Lee Kang-tae, a criminal who embarks on his worst crimes after years of waiting.

▲ This photo of actors Ma Dong-seok (L) and Kim Jae-young, starring in the fifth installment of action franchise film "The Roundup," is provided by ABO Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

Actor Kim Jae-young has been cast as villain Lee Kang-tae, following previous antagonists Jang Chen from the first film, Kang Hae-sang from the second, Joo Sung-chul from the third and Baek Chang-ki from the fourth installment.

Kim Jae-young previously appeared in the film "Money" and dramas "The Judge from Hell" and "Idol Eye."

Ma Dong-seok is again participating in the screenplay and production of the film following the previous installment.

Actors Seo Hyun-woo, Lee Hak-joo, Baek Hyun-jin and Kim Min-ho have also joined the cast.

Director Heo Myeong-haeng, who helmed the fourth installment, will direct the new film as well.

"The Roundup" series, which follows detective Ma Seok-do cracking down on violent crime, has become one of Korea's most successful film franchises.

The first film drew more than 6.8 million moviegoers, while the second through fourth installments each surpassed 10 million admissions, making it the first Korean film series to achieve three consecutive 10 million-ticket blockbusters.

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