South Korean actor Ma Dong-seok is set to showcase his signature action prowess in a new fantasy drama called "Twelve," where he transforms into a tiger-inspired celestial guardian. The upcoming series, a collaboration between KBS2 and Disney, reimagines the traditional Eastern zodiac as twelve divine protectors who assume human form to defend humanity against evil forces.
The drama is scheduled to premiere on September 21, 2025, bringing together an impressive ensemble cast for what promises to be Korea's most ambitious superhero production to date. At a press conference held at the Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung District on Wednesday, the show's creators and stars gathered to introduce this unique take on Korean mythology and heroism.
Directors Kang Dae-gyu and Han Yoon-sun joined the main cast members, including Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Lee Joo-bin, Kang Mi-na, Sung Yoo-bin, Ahn Ji-hye, and Taiwanese actress Regina Lei. The series follows twelve celestial guardians who draw their supernatural abilities from zodiac animal spirits to battle dark forces threatening the world.
Ma Dong-seok, who also contributed to the story development, explained the project's origins during the conference. "Director Han and I began writing together with the idea of guardian angels who live among humans and fight against dark forces," he said. "I've always wanted to bring an Eastern-flavored superhero story to life." The actor emphasized that "Twelve" represents heroes who don't wear capes or possess traditional superpowers, but instead are angels rooted in Korean mythology and spiritual imagination.
In the series, Ma portrays Tae San, the tiger guardian and leader of the celestial warriors. He combines his trademark physical presence with an otherworldly character that embodies both strength and humanity. "Since the series doesn't show literal transformations into animals, I wanted to capture the essence instead," Ma explained. "That's why I incorporated tiger-inspired details, like leopard print costumes, and infused my fight scenes with the raw power of a tiger's front paw."
The stellar cast features other top Korean stars taking on different zodiac guardian roles. Park Hyung-sik plays O Gwi, the rabbit guardian, while Seo In-guk portrays Won Seung, the monkey guardian. Kim Ji-won takes on the horse guardian role, and the ensemble is rounded out by Kim Woo-bin, Honey Lee, and others representing the complete zodiac lineup. Together, they face the monumental task of protecting humanity from chaos unleashed by malevolent forces.
Park Hyung-sik expressed his excitement about the project, calling it "a fantasy action hero series unlike anything seen before in Korea." He added, "I hope viewers will give it lots of love and attention." Meanwhile, Seo In-guk, who plays the monkey guardian, underwent specialized training to authentically portray his character's agility. "I wanted unique movement that matched the animal's nature, so I worked with a parkour team to build action sequences around cityscapes and obstacles," he revealed.
The production team emphasized that "Twelve" goes beyond typical fantasy storytelling by offering a distinctly Korean reinterpretation of the superhero genre. Director Kang Dae-gyu stressed the importance of grounding the mythological elements in a believable structure, while co-director Han Yoon-sun noted their goal to "balance fast-paced action with the warmth of a family-like ensemble."
The collaboration between KBS and Disney signals the drama's potential for global reach, reflecting the growing international demand for K-dramas that blend local storytelling with universal appeal. Disney's involvement underscores the rising profile of Korean content in the international entertainment market and the company's commitment to diverse storytelling.
During production, the cast developed strong bonds that enhanced their on-screen chemistry. Ma Dong-seok praised his fellow actors, saying, "The cast are not only talented but wonderful people, which made even the toughest shoots enjoyable." Seo In-guk echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to rekindle his on-screen partnership with Ma from their previous collaboration. Taiwanese actress Regina Lei, who impressed attendees by conducting her interview in Korean, called it "an honor to film with such incredible colleagues."
The series promises high production values with action sequences that blend intensive choreography with CGI-enhanced fantasy elements. The teaser trailer has already generated significant buzz, showcasing Ma's transformation into a mythic warrior adorned with tiger motifs and wielding formidable power. The large-scale production represents a significant investment in bringing Korean mythology to life through modern storytelling techniques.
Ma Dong-seok, internationally recognized for his roles in "Train to Busan" and "The Roundup" series, saw "Twelve" as an opportunity to expand the boundaries of K-drama heroic narratives. "Through 'Twelve,' we hope audiences will feel both exhilarated by the action and touched by the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring battle between good and evil," he concluded. The series aims to deliver both spectacular entertainment and meaningful storytelling that resonates with viewers across cultures.
