Top 10 Coolest Things About Ma Dong-seok

Ma Dong-seok—also known internationally as Don Lee—has built a one-of-a-kind career that blends bruising action with easygoing charm, turning supporting turns into global breakouts and original characters into a full-blown franchise. Below, we spotlight his coolest, most concrete achievements on screen first, followed by a couple of essential behind-the-scenes and biographical facts that help explain how he does what he does.

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

As Sang-hwa, he delivered a physically imposing yet deeply human performance that anchored some of the film’s most intense set-pieces. His close-quarters fighting—often using improvised tools inside cramped train cars—showcased practical choreography over flashy effects. The role helped the film travel far beyond Korea, introducing him to audiences worldwide. It also cemented his reputation for balancing explosive action with clear, motivated character choices.

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

He headlined as a relentless, plain-spoken detective taking on ruthless gangsters in Seoul’s Garibong district. The film blended procedural stakes with bone-crunching brawls, making his no-nonsense cop an instant crowd-pleaser. It became a sleeper smash at home, drawing millions to theaters. The movie’s success laid the groundwork for a long-running crime-action saga anchored by his lead character.

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

Returning as Ma Seok-do, he led a sequel that turned into a domestic phenomenon, surpassing the ten-million-admissions milestone. The film revitalized local moviegoing when audiences were still returning to theaters. It scaled up the scope—bigger manhunts, bolder locations—without losing the grounded hand-to-hand feel. His character’s dry humor and decisive takedowns became the franchise’s signature rhythm.

‘Eternals’ (2021) – Marvel debut as Gilgamesh

He joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Gilgamesh, a cosmic warrior known for devastating punches and protective loyalty. The role placed him in a global ensemble and introduced his physicality and timing to mainstream superhero fans. He trained to integrate boxing-style mechanics into the character’s energy-based gauntlets and strikes. The casting also marked a meaningful crossover moment for a Korean action star in a major studio tentpole.

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

His turn as a fearsome mob boss forced into an uneasy alliance with the police drew attention in Cannes’ Midnight section. The film’s hook—criminal and cop tracking a serial predator—spotlighted his range beyond straight-arrow heroes. He also produced, helping shepherd the project from concept to international discovery. A planned English-language remake was announced with him expected to reprise his role, underscoring the story’s exportable appeal.

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

He fronted a stripped-down action vehicle about an everyman tearing through a kidnapping ring to save his wife. The movie emphasized practical stunts, car chases, and thudding brawls that leverage his real-world power. Its pacing keeps the focus on pursuit, interrogation, and escalation rather than gadgetry. The result proved he can shoulder a lean star-driven thriller without franchise scaffolding.

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

On television, he joined a special task force that recruits convicts to take down worse criminals. The series gave him space to blend menace and warmth within an ensemble framework. Episodes hinge on tactical takedowns, interrogation gambits, and shifting loyalties, all of which suit his presence. It also broadened his fanbase to viewers who discovered him first on the small screen.

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

In this large-scale catastrophe film, he shared the screen with a lineup of A-list talent in a race to avert volcanic devastation. His role required coordinating with military and demolition specialists within the story, adding technical texture to the action. The production mixed practical pyrotechnics with large-format effects to stage collapses and convoy set-pieces. It highlighted how comfortably he fits into high-budget ensembles without losing individuality.

Building the franchise: creator, producer, and credited writer

Beyond starring, he has been hands-on shaping the crime-action series launched by ‘The Outlaws’. He took on producer duties to steer tone, casting, and action design across sequels under his own banner. He earned story and writing credits on later entries, refining Ma Seok-do’s methods and moral code. By controlling development, he ensured continuity of character, escalating stakes, and a consistent, punchy fight grammar.

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

Before acting full-time, he worked as a trainer with mixed-martial-arts athletes in the United States, including championship-level fighters. That background informs his screen technique—tight guards, body shots, and leverage-based grappling that read as functional, not flashy. He is Korean-American and has worked under the name Don Lee, which helps with international collaborations and English-language production. The combination of real combat literacy and cross-border industry fluency feeds directly into his on-screen credibility.

If you’re a fan of Ma Dong-seok’s work, tell us which performance hit you the hardest—and why—in the comments!