by Hazel Jung, May 17, 2023
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The Roundup: No Way Out   (directed by Lee Sang Yong, distributed by AB&Entertainment・Plus M Entertainment, produced by Big Punch Pictures・Hong Film・BA Entertainment) is the first installment to feature two villains. Among them, Joo Sung Cheol (played by Lee Joon Hyuk), who represents Korea and is the mastermind behind a drug case, had four character stills unveiled on the 17th.

The character stills of Joo Sung Cheol released today create anticipation for Lee Joon Hyuk's new appearance and pique curiosity about the character, who is shrouded in mystery. Above all, Joo Sung Cheol's ruthless charm stands out, as he remains composed in any situation and shows no hesitation in committing merciless crimes for his own benefit.

Regarding the character of Joo Sung Cheol, Lee Joon Hyuk previously stated that he is "a character who remains confident even when facing the protagonist for the first time in the series." This statement has generated curiosity about the intense confrontation between Lee Joon Hyuk and Ma Suk Do (played by Ma Dong Seok).

On another note, Lee Joon Hyuk is a veteran actor with an 18-year career, having built a wide spectrum of acting skills in various genres through dramas such as the 'Stranger' series, 'Designated Survivor: 60 Days,' and the 'Along with the Gods' film series. In The Roundup: No Way Out, he took on the most intense transformation in his filmography, portraying a character, unlike his previous roles. He underwent rigorous training to achieve the physical transformation, including gaining over 20kg of weight and bulking up.

Particularly, through the external change achieved by the significant increase in body weight and bulking up, he completes a presence that stands up to the confrontation with the monstrous detective Ma Suk Do.
Lee Joon Hyuk stated, "I believe the process of changing my physique and exercising is also the process of internalizing the character," revealing that he immersed himself in the character of Joo Sung Cheol through the external transformation. In addition to voice training, he also underwent a radical style transformation to fully embody the role of Joo Sung Cheol.

The Roundup: No Way Out depicts the thrilling operation to eradicate the drug crimes orchestrated by Joo Sung Cheol, the mastermind behind the new drug case, and another villain involved in the drug case, Ricky (played by Aoki Munetaka), after the irreplaceable monstrous detective Ma Suk Do transfers to the Seoul regional investigation team. The film is set to be released in theaters on May 31st (Wednesday).

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