Top 10 Coolest Things About Ma Dong-seok

Ma Dong-seok, who many international fans know as Don Lee, has created a unique career by combining intense action roles with a naturally likable personality. He’s turned smaller parts into major successes and built entire movie franchises around his original characters. Here, we’ll highlight some of his most impressive on-screen accomplishments, followed by a few interesting facts about his life and work that explain how he’s achieved so much.

‘Train to Busan’ (2016) – the fan-favorite powerhouse protector

As Sang-hwa, he gave a powerful and relatable performance, especially in the film’s most thrilling action scenes. His fight choreography felt realistic and gritty, often taking place in the tight spaces of train cars, and avoided relying on overly flashy special effects. This role brought him international recognition, extending the film’s reach beyond Korea, and established him as an actor who can convincingly combine intense action with believable character motivations.

‘The Outlaws’ (2017) – the birth of Detective Ma Seok-do

He starred as a tough, direct detective battling dangerous criminals in Seoul’s Garibong neighborhood. The film combined realistic police work with intense fight scenes, and his straightforward character quickly won over audiences. It became a surprise hit in South Korea, attracting millions of moviegoers. The film’s success paved the way for a continuing series of crime thrillers centered around his character.

‘The Roundup’ (2022) – post-pandemic box-office juggernaut

Returning as the character Ma Seok-do, the sequel he starred in became a huge hit in Korea, selling over ten million tickets. The film helped bring audiences back to cinemas when they were starting to return after a slump. It featured larger-scale action – bigger chases and more impressive settings – but still kept the gritty, realistic fight scenes that fans loved. His character’s witty humor and effective fighting style became a defining feature of the series.

‘Eternals’ (2021) – Marvel debut as Gilgamesh

He became part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe playing Gilgamesh, a powerful cosmic warrior famous for his incredibly strong punches and unwavering loyalty. This role put him in front of a worldwide audience and showcased his physical abilities and precise movements to fans of superhero movies. He prepared for the part by learning boxing techniques and applying them to the character’s energy-powered gloves and attacks. His casting was also a significant step forward for Korean action stars, landing him a prominent role in a major blockbuster film.

‘The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil’ (2019) – Cannes buzz and a Hollywood remake in motion

His performance as a menacing crime boss, who reluctantly teams up with the police, gained recognition at the Cannes Film Festival. The film’s unique premise—a criminal and a police officer hunting a serial killer—showcased his ability to play complex characters beyond typical heroes. He was also a producer on the project, guiding it from its initial idea to international success. Plans are underway for an English-language version of the film, with him likely to return in his original role, demonstrating the story’s broad appeal.

‘Unstoppable’ (2018) – a no-frills rescue thriller built around him

The film centers on an ordinary man who takes on a dangerous kidnapping ring to rescue his wife. It’s a gritty, action-packed movie that relies on realistic stunts, exciting car chases, and hard-hitting fights, showcasing the actor’s physical abilities. The story moves quickly, focusing on the chase, investigations, and increasing tension, rather than relying on special effects or complex technology. Ultimately, the movie demonstrates that the actor can successfully lead an intense, character-focused thriller without needing a larger franchise to support it.

‘Bad Guys’ (2014) – TV showcase for his tough-but-team-player dynamic

I really got hooked on this show where he played a guy who worked with a special task force – they used convicts to catch even worse criminals. What I loved was how he could be both intimidating and surprisingly warm, especially working with the whole team. Each episode was packed with these clever, tactical operations, intense interrogations, and you never quite knew who you could trust. It was a smart move for him, honestly, because it brought in a whole new audience who first discovered him on TV, not just in movies.

‘Ashfall’ (2019) – disaster epic teamwork with top-tier co-stars

This disaster movie featured an impressive cast, and he played a key role in a desperate attempt to stop a volcano from erupting. His character worked with military and demolition experts, bringing a realistic feel to the action. The filmmakers used a combination of real explosions and visual effects to create spectacular scenes of destruction and large-scale chases. The film demonstrated his ability to shine in big-budget movies while still maintaining his unique presence.

Building the franchise: creator, producer, and credited writer

In addition to acting, he’s been deeply involved in creating ‘The Outlaws’ crime-action series. He became a producer to guide the overall feel, choose the actors, and design the action sequences for the sequels through his own production company. He also contributed to the storylines and scripts, developing the main character’s personality and values. By overseeing the entire process, he made sure the series maintained consistent characters, increasing tension, and exciting fight scenes.

Real-world grit: mixed-martial-arts trainer and U.S. experience

Before becoming a full-time actor, he trained mixed martial arts athletes in the US, including some champions. This experience greatly influences his acting – his fight scenes are realistic, focusing on practical techniques like strong defenses, body blows, and using leverage, rather than overly showy moves. Being Korean-American and working under the name Don Lee allows him to easily collaborate on international projects and English-language films. His genuine fighting knowledge combined with his understanding of the film industry across different countries makes his performances very believable.

If you enjoy Ma Dong-seok’s movies, let us know in the comments which performance was your favorite and what made it stand out!

2025-11-16 21:15