Ma Dong-seok returns tough in new movie

The poster for Actor Ma Dong-seok's new movie “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil.” Courtesy of Ace Maker Movie Works

Actor Ma Dong-seok has carved out his own presence in the South Korean movie industry, with viewers mostly knowing him for his muscular arms, rock-solid build and rugged looks. But alongside his tough exterior, he exhibits a friendly demeanor that has earned him the nickname "Mavely," a combination of his surname, "Ma," and "lovely.”

In the action-adventure film "

The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil

," to be released next week, movie fans may find themselves in unfamiliar territory with Ma as he plays a character that largely emphasizes his masculinity.

"I chose this movie because of its uniqueness that stands out among crime action flicks," Ma said in a recent interview with Yonhap News Agency ahead of the film's release. "I was interested in a plot where evil people join hands to catch a criminal."

The movie is about a gang boss collaborating with a police officer to catch a serial killer who is trying to kill him. Ma plays the boss, making full use of his physical strength to move almost anything out of his way, showing that his character is not a kind man at all.

It is unlike the lovely or cartoony action characters that Ma has played in previous movies, including the mega-hits "Train to Busan" and "Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days."

(From left) Director Lee Won-tae, Ma Dong-seok, Kim Moo-yul and Kim Sung-kyu at a press conference for the premiere of "The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil" at Seoul CGV Yongsan, May 7. News1

"I've played villains in the past, but I started to take parts playing characters who punish the wicked," said the 48-year old, who was once the personal trainer of prominent mixed martial artists, including Mark Coleman. "But director Lee Won-tae wanted a villainous Ma Dong-seok in this movie."

In the film, he tried to whittle down the "Mavely" image while increasing his rabid energy to embody the character's ingrained criminality. Still, his flashes of humor strike a groove that jazzes up the on-screen atmosphere.

"I like comedies. And I had to try a lot to hold back my desire to make the audience laugh," said Ma.

The Korean-American, who debuted in 2005 with the action-comedy "Heaven's Soldiers," has kept himself busy of late, making films over the last two years. This year, he has already been cast in three new films, including "The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil."

Two blockbusters ― "Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds" and "Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days" ― both of which attracted more than 10 million moviegoers, have made him one of the most bankable actors in South Korea.

Actor Ma Dong-seok, right, in "The Bros." Courtesy of Mega Box Plus M

Critics say that with Ma having so many projects on the go at the same time, he will face a challenge in creating fresh images as an actor.

"It's hard to play various roles in action movies," he said. "But I think I can create newer ones after experiencing as many action scenes as I can."

Thanks to his workaholic shtick, he has recently received many “love taps” from abroad.

"The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil" was included in the lineup for the Cannes Film Festival slated for next week. It is Ma's second invitation to Cannes following "Train to Busan" in 2016.

Actor Ma Dong-seok, center, plays a police officer in "The Outlaws." Courtesy of Mega Box

The film will be also remade by Hollywood studio Balboa Pictures, led by Sylvester Stallone, and Ma will play the same part in the U.S. edition.

He said the timing was good for him to star in a Hollywood movie.

"It didn't just happen unexpectedly one day," he said. "I've been in contact with U.S. parties even though they only offered me small roles. But I couldn't do them due to timing issues."

However, he remained cautious about recent news reports that he is in talks to appear in Marvel Studios' upcoming film "The Eternals."

"Marvel made the offer," he said. "We've discussed it, but nothing has been decided. I have to wait for the official announcement." (Yonhap)