Twelve blends East Asian zodiac lore with superhero-style battles, led by Ma Dong Seok’s commanding tiger angel. The actors real-life bond enhances their performances as celestial warriors who’ve fought together for centuries. Park Hyung Sik’s Ogui isn’t just a dark force, he’s a complex antagonist intertwined with the angels’ fate.
The upcoming action-fantasy drama Twelve is already generating buzz, not just for its unique premise but for the undeniable camaraderie among its star-studded cast. Inspired by the 12 zodiac animals of East Asian mythology, the series follows a group of celestial beings who take human form to protect the Korean Peninsula from resurging evil forces.
With Ma Dong Seok leading the pack as the fierce tiger angel Tae San, Seo In Guk embodying the playful monkey spirit Won Seung, and Park Hyung Sik transforming into the enigmatic villain Ogui, the drama promises high-octane action, deep emotional stakes, and a refreshing take on the superhero genre.
One of Twelve’s biggest strengths lies in the organic chemistry between its actors. The drama features eight of the twelve zodiac angels—Tae San (Ma Dong Seok), Won Seung (Seo In Guk), Mir (Lee Joo Bin), Do Ni (Go Kyu Pil), Gang Ji (Kang Mina), Jwi Dol (Sung Yoo Bin), Mal Sook (Ahn Ji Hye), and Bang Wool (Regina Lei), who have lived among humans for centuries, forging an unbreakable bond.
Source: Soompi
The cast didn’t just act like a family, they became one off-screen too. Seo In Guk shared,
“We quickly became close with each other. Everyone worked hard, so we were able to sync up fast. There was never a shortage of laughter throughout the shoot.”
Lee Joo Bin echoed this sentiment, saying, “Everyone was kind and energetic, so we never lost our smiles and approached the work with passion. It was a warm, cheerful set.”
Kang Mina, who plays the dog angel Gang Ji, emphasized how their real-life bond translated on-screen:
“Our chemistry was great, of course. Since the angels have spent thousands of years together, we had to look like a family. Trust is key to pulling off the action scenes, and that naturally brought us closer. It really feels like we became a family.”
Ma Dong Seok’s Vision of an Asian Superhero
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Ma Dong Seok, known for his powerhouse performances in films like The Roundup, steps into a role he’s long envisioned, a superhero with distinctly Asian roots.
“I’ve long wanted to try creating a superhero story with an Asian touch,” he revealed.
His character, Tae San, is the leader of the zodiac angels, a tiger-powered warrior burdened by the loss of his comrades in an ancient battle.
To embody Tae San’s commanding presence, Ma Dong Seok meticulously crafted every detail, from his tiger-print costumes to his fighting style, which mimics a tiger’s powerful yet agile strikes.
“I focus on respecting each angel’s individuality and abilities, along with drawing out their hidden potential as we fight together,” he explained.
His dedication shines in the newly released poster, where he stands poised for battle, flames erupting from his fists, a visual testament to his character’s supernatural strength.
Seo In Guk’s Playful Yet Ambitious Monkey Angel
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Seo In Guk brings a dynamic energy to Won Seung, the monkey angel with dreams of leadership. Unlike the brooding Tae San, Won Seung is agile, quick-witted, and fiercely loyal.
“I was drawn by the drama’s captivating premise. I put a lot of thought into how to express Won Seung’s naturally cheerful personality,” Seo In Guk admitted.
Seo In Guk trained extensively in parkour to perfect Won Seung’s acrobatic combat style, and his dual role as co-music director for the drama further highlights his deep investment in the project.
The angels’ unity will be tested when Ogui (Park Hyung Sik), a crow-powered antagonist sealed away centuries ago, reawakens. Park Hyung Sik, known for his charming roles, undergoes a sinister transformation, embodying a villain whose motives remain shrouded in mystery.
“Crows are very intelligent animals, but what interested me is that we cannot see what they are thinking on the inside. I approached the role with the idea of giving Ogui similar unclear, unknowable qualities,” he said.
Twelve blends mythology, action, and deep character bonds into a narrative that feels both epic and intimate. With its August 23 premiere fast approaching, the drama is poised to deliver not just thrilling battles but a story about legacy, loyalty, and what it means to protect humanity.
Whether it’s Ma Dong Seok’s commanding presence, Seo In Guk’s infectious energy, or Park Hyung Sik’s chilling villainy, Twelve is shaping up to be a must-watch, a series where the cast’s real-life friendship amplifies the magic on-screen.
Source: Soompi
After his iconic role in The Roundup, this is gonna be epic!
Already preparing tissues for when they inevitably sacrifice someone heroic..
Might even screen the premiere at the pub, special discount on soju for anyone who ugly-cries during the angel backstories. Who’s in?
But if you’re serving soju during the premiere, you better stock up on tissues too, I heard the tiger angel’s backstory is brutal. (And make sure the subtitles are big enough for old folks to read!)
Wonder if any Thai idol will join future seasons?
but he really took on an acting challenge in this drama 
