For nearly a decade, the Crime City franchise—known in Korean as 범죄도시—has been a box office juggernaut, redefining what an action series can achieve in South Korea. Now, as of May 27, 2026, the fifth installment, Crime City 5 (범죄도시5), is officially underway, with filming having started on May 24. This new chapter promises not only to build on the franchise’s legendary status but also to usher in a new era, both in story and in ambition.
The announcement, confirmed by ABO Entertainment and widely reported by outlets such as Yonhap News, Herald Economy, and YTN, set off a wave of anticipation. Leading the charge is Ma Dong-seok, the series’ immovable anchor, who returns as the formidable detective Ma Seok-do. This time, his character has been promoted to team leader of the Gwangsu Police Unit, signaling both a narrative evolution and a nod to his enduring popularity. Ma Dong-seok’s involvement goes well beyond acting—he’s once again credited as a scriptwriter and producer, helping steer the creative direction of the film.
“If parts one through four were the first act, then parts five through eight will be the second act,” Ma Dong-seok previously remarked, according to Wikitree. He added, “The new stories will be more contemporary and global, featuring surprises and a broader scope.” This vision is already taking shape, as Crime City 5 is being described as a turning point for the franchise, with a modernized plot and a revamped supporting cast.
At the heart of the new film is a classic confrontation: Ma Seok-do faces off against a new villain, Lee Kang-tae, portrayed by Kim Jae-young. Known for his intense performances in dramas such as Idol’s Child and Judge From Hell, Kim Jae-young’s casting as the “fifth-generation villain” has sparked both curiosity and excitement. His character is described as ruthless, goal-driven, and willing to use any means necessary—a fresh challenge for Ma Seok-do and, by extension, for the audience.
Kim Jae-young’s addition is just one of several major casting changes. The supporting lineup includes Seo Hyun-woo as detective Go Young-min, Lee Hak-joo as Lee Kang-tae’s accomplice Han Sang-gu, Baek Hyun-jin as the Gwangsu unit chief Kim Min-cheol, and Kim Min-ho as the comically nicknamed ‘Buldak.’ This near-total overhaul of the supporting cast, aside from Ma Dong-seok, is expected to inject new energy and unpredictability into the series. Fans of previous entries may miss familiar faces like Jang Tae-soo (Lee Beom-soo) and Kim Man-jae (Kim Min-jae), but the creative team is betting on this fresh start to keep the franchise vibrant.
Returning to direct is Heo Myeong-haeng, who helmed the fourth film and has long been responsible for the series’ signature action choreography. According to OSEN and YTN, Heo’s return ensures that the intense, bone-crunching action sequences that fans have come to expect will remain front and center, even as the story expands in scale and ambition.
But what truly sets the Crime City franchise apart is its extraordinary box office record. The series began in 2017, with the original film pulling in 6.88 million viewers despite a restrictive rating that barred younger audiences. Its gritty action and memorable lines (“Do you know who I am?”) quickly became part of Korean pop culture. The second film, released in 2022, soared even higher, attracting 12.69 million viewers, followed by the third and fourth installments, which drew 10.68 million and 11.5 million viewers respectively. This achievement made Crime City the first Korean film series to surpass 10 million viewers with three consecutive films—a feat previously matched only by international franchises like The Avengers in Korea.
All told, the franchise has now amassed a cumulative audience of over 40 million, cementing its status as the most popular film series in Korean cinema history. As Wikitree and Yonhap both note, this “triple ten-million” milestone is unprecedented for a domestic series, and the anticipation surrounding the fifth film is palpable. Industry watchers are already speculating: can Crime City 5 extend this record and notch a fourth consecutive 10-million-ticket run?
The international film community has taken notice as well. According to Screen Daily (as cited by YTN), Crime City 5 was pre-sold to overseas buyers during the Asia Contents & Film Market at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in 2025. Foreign media have highlighted the franchise’s ability to escalate the stakes with each new villain, and the expectation is that Kim Jae-young’s Lee Kang-tae will bring a level of tension and unpredictability not seen before.
Much of the franchise’s appeal lies in its ability to blend high-octane action with evolving, timely stories. While earlier films focused on local crime rings and gritty street-level justice, the new installment promises to tackle more contemporary, even global, criminal threats. Ma Dong-seok hinted at this in his comments about a “more modern and global” storyline, suggesting that the series will not only entertain but also reflect broader societal changes and concerns.
As for the film’s release, no official date has been set. Industry insiders, as reported by Herald Economy and Wikitree, expect Crime City 5 to hit theaters in late 2026 or possibly in 2027, depending on the pace of filming and post-production. This timeline gives the team ample opportunity to perfect the film and meet the sky-high expectations of fans both at home and abroad.
With a fresh villain, a dynamic new supporting cast, and a creative team determined to push boundaries, Crime City 5 stands poised to continue the franchise’s remarkable run. Whether it can break its own records remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the city’s most relentless detective isn’t hanging up his badge just yet.