If there’s one thing K-dramas know how to do, it’s keeping us on the edge of our seats. Just when you think you’ve seen it all—rom-coms with swoony leads, thrillers that make your heart pound, fantasy worlds that feel too real—here comes a show that decides to throw everything in the pot and turn the heat all the way up. That’s exactly what Twelve is serving.
From its first teaser, fans already knew this wasn’t going to be your run-of-the-mill action series. Angels, zodiac signs, ancient battles, jaw-dropping CGI, and a cast so stacked you’ll need to pause and double-check the credits—this drama screams epic. And trust me, the premiere proved it.
A Story Rooted in Myth and Fantasy
Let’s start with the plot. Twelve takes us way back, weaving a story that feels both mythological and cinematic. Long ago, twelve zodiac angels fought tirelessly against evil spirits, sacrificing themselves to seal darkness behind the gates of Hell. Humanity lived in peace thanks to them.
But peace never lasts forever in dramaland. Evil claws its way back, threatening chaos and destruction. And this time, it’s up to the twelve zodiac angels, led by Tae San (Ma Dong Seok), to take up arms again.
Tae San, representing the Tiger, is no ordinary leader. He’s fierce, grounded, and the kind of warrior you’d follow into battle without a second thought. However, standing in his way is O Gwi (Park Hyung Sik), a fallen figure who emerges as the central villain. Watching these two powerhouses collide is the kind of cinematic spectacle that’ll make you forget to blink.
Ma Dong Seok Leads the Charge
If you’ve ever watched Ma Dong Seok (Don Lee for Hollywood fans) in Train to Busan or The Outlaws, you already know he was born for roles like this. The man doesn’t just act—he dominates the screen. As Tae San, he carries the weight of leadership with that signature mix of strength and heart.
The premiere wastes no time reminding us why he’s considered Korea’s action king. From the very first battle sequence, his presence commands attention. He’s the kind of character who punches through walls (literally and metaphorically) but still makes you tear up when he talks about protecting humanity.
Park Hyung Sik as You’ve Never Seen Him Before
Now here’s where things get juicy. Park Hyung Sik, usually known for melting hearts in rom-coms (Strong Woman Do Bong Soon still has me in a chokehold), completely flips his image here. As O Gwi, he dives headfirst into villain territory, and honestly? He’s terrifying.
It’s refreshing to see him step out of the charming leading man role into something darker and more complex. His smirk alone sends chills down your spine. It’s proof that Hyung Sik isn’t just a pretty face—he’s got serious range. And seeing him square off against Ma Dong Seok? That’s the kind of casting choice fans will be talking about for years.
A Twelve Cast That Feels Like a Dream Lineup
Honestly, the cast list reads like a wish-fulfillment fan thread. Alongside Ma Dong Seok and Park Hyung Sik, you’ve got Seo In Guk, Sung Dong Il, Lee Joo Bin, Kang Mi Na, Ko Kyu Pil, Sung Yoo Bin, Ahn Ji Hye, and Regina Lei.
Each actor represents one of the zodiac angels, and even though the first two episodes only scratched the surface of their stories, you can already feel the individuality in their performances.
- Seo In Guk brings his signature intensity, hinting at deeper layers that we’ll probably uncover later.
- Sung Dong Il (everyone’s favorite K-drama dad) adds warmth but also mystery, making you wonder if his character knows more than he lets on.
- Kang Mi Na and Lee Joo Bin balance the heavy action with grounded emotional beats, reminding us that these aren’t just warriors—they’re people with hopes, fears, and bonds.
It’s like watching The Avengers assemble, but with a distinctly Korean flair.
Visuals That Raise the Bar
Let’s talk about the production. If you’ve seen the teasers, you already know this drama is a visual feast. From the sweeping battlefields to the haunting design of the evil spirits, every frame feels cinematic. The CGI is polished, the editing sharp, and the fight choreography? Chef’s kiss.
Sometimes action-heavy dramas can feel overwhelming, but Twelve balances spectacle with storytelling. Instead of endless fight scenes, the battles feel purposeful. You’re invested not just in who wins but in what’s at stake.
And yes, the opening episodes are filled with jaw-dropping moments that’ll have you texting your friends, “Did you SEE that?”
Ratings Off to a Strong Start
Premiering on August 23, 2025, Twelve instantly caught viewers’ attention. The first episode pulled in ratings of 4.9%—a solid start for a fantasy-action drama. By the second episode, the buzz was undeniable. Social media was flooded with clips, memes, and fan theories.
The consensus? This show has all the ingredients for a hit. Strong characters, epic battles, and just enough mystery to keep us guessing.
Comedy Sprinkled Into the Chaos
Here’s something I didn’t expect: Twelve actually has moments of humor. In between the chaos of battling spirits and saving humanity, there are lighthearted exchanges that make the characters feel real.
It’s not slapstick or forced—it’s the kind of subtle humor that makes you chuckle at just the right moment. Think of it as a breather before the next wave of tension hits.
And honestly, that’s what keeps the drama engaging. It’s not just darkness and doom. It’s layered, textured, and human.
A Deeper Look at the Zodiac Angels
One of the most fascinating elements of Twelve is how it ties each angel to a zodiac animal. While Tae San represents the Tiger, the others bring unique strengths and personalities tied to their symbols.
This opens up endless possibilities for storytelling. Imagine the strategies, rivalries, and bonds that could emerge as the angels confront evil together. The writers have a goldmine to explore here, and fans are already buzzing with theories about which angel will steal the spotlight next.
Park Hyung Sik’s Villain Arc Is Already Iconic
I can’t stress this enough—Hyung Sik as O Gwi is a revelation. His transformation into a chilling antagonist is one of the boldest casting moves of the year. And it works.
Seeing him step into the shoes of a corrupted spirit-turned-villain feels both shocking and satisfying. He doesn’t just look the part; he embodies it. His scenes drip with menace, and you can tell he’s relishing the chance to play against type.
If the writers give his character the same depth as Tae San, we might be witnessing the birth of one of K-drama’s most memorable villains.
Why Twelve Stands Out in 2025
By now, you might be thinking: there are already so many fantasy and action dramas, so what makes Twelve different? Here’s the answer—it’s the scale.
This isn’t just about one hero saving the world. It’s about twelve distinct warriors, each tied to myth and symbol, coming together against evil. It’s about exploring bonds between characters who are more than just soldiers—they’re legends brought to life.
And with a cast this strong, there’s no weak link. Every episode has the potential to spotlight a different angel, giving the audience reasons to stay invested beyond just the central battle.
Where to Stream Twelve
For anyone already itching to dive in, Twelve is streaming on Disney+ with new episodes dropping every Saturday and Sunday. The season will have eight episodes in total, making it a fast but thrilling watch.
Pro tip: don’t watch it on an empty stomach. Some scenes are so intense you’ll need snacks on hand just to survive.
Twelve Delivers Action Packed Battles with a Star Studded Cast
Twelve is bold, ambitious, and already proving it has the power to captivate audiences worldwide. With Ma Dong Seok’s commanding presence, Park Hyung Sik’s shocking villain turn, and a cast packed with talent, it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting K-dramas of 2025.
If you’re a fan of epic battles, stunning visuals, and character-driven storytelling, this one’s going to be your weekend obsession. Trust me—you don’t want to miss it.