A Korean-style action hero series inspired by the zodiac has arrived with Twelve, where 12 angels embody the traits of tiger, dragon, monkey, pig, dog, rat, horse, and snake to protect humanity.
Epic World-Building and Human-Angel Duality
The story spans thousands of years, with eight angels safeguarding humans from ancient times to the present. They live ordinary lives as company CEOs, employees, doctors, nurses, museum curators, and detectives—until the revival of a sealed evil forces them to reveal their true powers and confront dark forces.
Press Showcase in Seoul
The Twelve press showcase took place at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jangchung-dong, Seoul. Attendees included Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Lee Joo-bin, Go Kyu-pil, Kang Mina, Sung Yoo-bin, Ahn Ji-hye, Regina Lei, and directors Kang Kyu-dae and Han Yoon-sun.
Ma Dong-seok's Vision
Ma Dong-seok participated in planning and producing, stating, "I wanted to create a hero story with an Eastern aesthetic. It's a unique concept. I collaborated with Director Han from the early stages, exchanging ideas and scripts."
Action and Character Balance
The series emphasizes long-form storytelling, integrating action with character development. Director Kang Kyu-dae explained, "We aimed to give the mythical setting credibility, carefully building relationships and balancing the angels' action sequences." Actors portrayed characters with animal-inspired powers, personalities, and abilities with high fidelity.
Notable Characters and Cast
- Tiger, Taesan: Ma Dong-seok embodies the tiger's strength, reflected in powerful punch-based action.
- Monkey, Wonseung: Seo In-guk plays the agile and playful monkey, aspiring to be the next leader. He performed acrobatic movements using environmental props.
- Horse, Malsuk: Ahn Ji-hye, a trained athlete, showcases unmatched energy and sword skills.
- Rat, Judol: Sung Yoo-bin portrays the intelligent and analytical rat, adept with machines and weapons.
- Snake, Bangul: Taiwanese actress Regina Lei brings snake-like grace and combat style.
- Dragon, Mir: Lee Joo-bin's character wields prophetic dreams and wind manipulation.
- Dog, Kangji: Kang Mina portrays a dog angel, protective and human-friendly.
- Pig, Donnie: Go Kyu-pil (absent from showcase) embodies power and unexpected agility, capable of reading animal minds.
- Deer, Marok: Sung Dong-il plays the caretaker of the angels, providing warmth, guidance, and decisive action.
- Crow, Ogui: Park Hyung-sik plays a former aspiring zodiac member who sides with evil but eventually confronts the angels.
Action and Team Chemistry
The series highlights the synergy among the 12 angels. Ma Dong-seok emphasized, "The drama features unique characters with exciting action sequences rarely seen on TV." Ahn Ji-hye added, "The angels display their full powers to protect humans, offering cathartic action, with each character dynamically evolving throughout the story."
Twelve blends mythology, superhero action, and character-driven storytelling, promising a visually striking and emotionally engaging K-drama experience.