Actor Ma Dong-seok does not stop. Through "Twelve" he once again challenged a new genre and expanded his limits. The irreplaceable action and powerful presence showcased in "Twelve," which aired simultaneously on KBS 2TV and Disney+, carried significance beyond the numbers of ratings. Since his debut Ma Dong-seok has appeared in numerous works, constantly taking on challenges and expanding genres to keep moving as an actor.
Twelve, which ended on the 14th, was a meaningful attempt in which Ma Dong-seok challenged a new realm as a fantasy action hero. He played the angel "Taesan," who returns to the fight to protect humans, and led the story firmly with irreplaceable action, showing the diversity and potential of Korean action. Although some say it was somewhat disappointing in terms of results and craftsmanship, it had enough value as content that could not have been made without Ma Dong-seok.
Prior to this, Holy Night: Demon Hunters, released earlier, was a so-called warehouse film shot immediately after Crime City 2 five years ago, combining occult and action genres to offer audiences fresh entertainment. Even after its theatrical release it received much love from the public on OTT platforms such as Netflix and in secondary markets.
After that, Ma Dong-seok consecutively delivered box-office hits with Crime City 3 and Crime City 4, setting a remarkable total of 40 million for the Crime City series. Crime City 4 proved the series' strength again with explosive success surpassing its predecessor, and the Netflix original Wilderness ranked No. 1 in the global top 10 for three consecutive weeks after its release, demonstrating the global influence of Ma Dong-seok–style action. It was the film that debuted action director Heo Myung-haeng, who had worked with him for 20 years, and he has since pioneered new paths directing works such as Crime City 4 and the Disney Plus Polaris.
Ma Dong-seok is steadily expanding his realm without being swayed by results. He continuously experiments and researches new stories and genres through beloved characters to show variations. His evolution of a unique action world is a good example both as an actor and a producer. In addition, he continues to produce low-budget independent films and discovers new directors, bringing diversity to the Korean film industry.
Ma Dong-seok, an actor whose future is more anticipated than his present, does not hesitate at new challenges. He will show a more evolved universe and action through the action thriller Pig Village with Hollywood actors. Also, based on his deep affection for boxing, he is producing the global blockbuster boxing variety show "IM Boxer" with CJ and Disney+, challenging a new area. Projects that will capture the public's heart, including Crime City 5, are also planned. Ma Dong-seok's "MCU" remains an ongoing project, as it has been for decades.
[Photo] Big Punch Entertainment
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