A bold programming shake-up starts with star-studded hero drama 'Twelve' and continues with Lee Young-ae's chilling comeback.
KBS is making a major move to reclaim its title as a drama powerhouse. On June 30, a KBS rep confirmed that the network will shift its traditional Wednesday–Thursday mini-series lineup to a new Saturday–Sunday primetime slot.
📺 Introducing the New 'Drama ZONE'
The revamped programming block, branded as the Drama ZONE, aims to solidify KBS's weekend viewership by pairing its flagship family dramas with tentpole mini-series. These high-budget, star-studded shows will now air on weekend nights to reach a broader audience, including the 2049 demographic.
🔥 Kicking Things Off: 'Twelve' Starring Ma Dong-seok
The first series to anchor this new lineup is Twelve (written by Kim Bong-han, directed by Kang Dae-gyu), set to premiere on August 23 at 9:20 PM KST.
The series boasts a powerhouse cast including Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Sung Dong-il, and Lee Joo-bin.
Twelve is a Korean-style superhero saga centered around twelve celestial guardians who descend to Earth to battle evil forces. Drawing on Eastern mythology, the show builds a rich, immersive world of good versus evil.
🕵️♀️ Next in Line: Lee Young-ae's Return in 'Eunsoo's Good Day'
Following Twelve is Eunsoo's Good Day, a high-stakes thriller starring Lee Young-ae and Kim Young-kwang.
The story follows an ordinary mom (Lee Young-ae as Eunsoo) who enters a dangerous partnership with a mysterious teacher (Kim Young-kwang as Lee Kyung).
Labeled a "well-made crime thriller," the show was a standout from its early planning stages.
🎯 KBS's Ambitious Target
A KBS spokesperson explained the move aims to capture both loyal weekend viewers and the younger 20–49 demographic:
"We're expanding from traditional family dramas to thrillers, hero epics, and more to create a diverse, must-watch weekend lineup."
The drama shift also marks a symbolic return: Ma Dong-seok's highly anticipated small-screen lead and Lee Young-ae's comeback to KBS after 26 years.
