KBS2’s supernatural action drama “Twelve” delivers an explosive start with episodes 1-2, introducing viewers to a world where zodiac angels protect humanity from evil spirits. Starring Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, and Seo In-guk, this mythology-driven series combines Korean folklore with modern superhero action.
Table of Contents
The Twelve Zodiac Angels: Guardians of Korea
Long ago, the angels barely managed to seal the forces of evil in the gates of hell through their sacrifice, bringing peace. However, with the evil spirits awakening, chaos returns to the Korean Peninsula, forcing the twelve zodiac angels to emerge from hiding.
Main Characters and Their Zodiac Roles
| Character | Actor | Zodiac Animal | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tae-San | Ma Dong-seok | Tiger | Leader of the Angels |
| O-Gwi | Park Hyung-sik | – | Main Antagonist (Evil Spirit) |
| – | Seo In-guk | – | Zodiac Angel |
| – | Lee Joo-bin | – | Zodiac Angel |
| – | Sung Dong-il | – | Zodiac Angel |
Source: Official KBS2 Drama Information
Episode 1: The Evil Awakens
The opening episode establishes the mythology behind the twelve angels who live among humans in human form to protect the Korean Peninsula from evil spirits. The K-drama Twelve offers a unique mix of action, humor, and mythology, with a focus on 12 angels who have been protecting the world for decades.
Setting Up the Conflict
The episode reveals how the evil forces were previously sealed in the gate of Hell thanks to the sacrifice of the angels. This hard-won peace maintained balance for generations until the dark forces begin stirring once again.
Tae-San’s Leadership
Against a group of evil beings, including O-Gwi (Park Hyung-sik), the 12 zodiac angels, led by Tae-San (Ma Dong-seok), who symbolizes the tiger, enter into an epic battle. Ma Dong-seok’s commanding presence immediately establishes him as the natural leader among the angels.
Episode 2: Powers Revealed and Battle Lines Drawn
The second episode delves deeper into each angel’s unique abilities tied to their zodiac animal. The evil rises while the angels have no superpower initially, creating tension as they must rediscover their divine abilities to face the mounting threat.
Character Development
The new stills highlight the angels’ distinctive personalities and commanding presence. Each zodiac angel brings different strengths and approaches to protecting humanity, creating diverse team dynamics.
O-Gwi’s Threat Level
Park Hyung-sik’s portrayal of O-Gwi presents a formidable antagonist whose evil power threatens to overwhelm the separated angels. His character serves as the primary catalyst forcing the angels to reunite and remember their true purpose.
How O-Gwi Gets Sealed at Hell’s Gate
The mythology reveals that O-Gwi was previously sealed through the collective sacrifice of the twelve angels. This sealing process required immense power and unity among the zodiac guardians, demonstrating the magnitude of O-Gwi’s threat.
The Sealing Process
The original sealing involved:
- Collective Angel Power: All twelve angels combining their zodiac abilities
- Sacrificial Magic: Angels giving up aspects of their divine nature
- Hell Gate Binding: Creating a mystical prison at the gate of Hell
- Maintaining the Seal: Continuous vigilance to prevent evil’s return
Zodiac Angel Powers and Abilities
Inspired by the 12 zodiac animals of the East, each angel possesses unique abilities reflecting their animal spirit. The series explores how these ancient powers adapt to modern threats while maintaining their traditional essence.
Power Categories
Elemental Control: Angels manipulating natural forces tied to their zodiac signs Enhanced Combat: Physical abilities amplified beyond human limits
Spiritual Awareness: Detecting and combating supernatural threats Protective Barriers: Shielding innocent humans from evil influence
For comprehensive K-drama fantasy analysis, explore our supernatural K-drama guide.
Production Quality and Visual Effects
The series showcases impressive production values with elaborate action sequences and mythology-based visual effects. The zodiac transformations and supernatural battles receive cinematic treatment that elevates the viewing experience.
Cast Performance Highlights
Ma Dong-seok: Brings gravitas and leadership authority to Tae-San Park Hyung-sik: Transforms into a convincing supernatural antagonist Ensemble Cast: Each zodiac angel actor embodies their animal spirit effectively
Mythology and Cultural Elements
“Twelve” draws heavily from Eastern zodiac traditions while creating original mythology around angel guardians. This cultural foundation provides rich storytelling opportunities that resonate with Korean audiences while remaining accessible to international viewers.
Korean Peninsula Protection Theme
The focus on protecting specifically the Korean Peninsula adds patriotic elements that distinguish this series from generic supernatural action dramas.
Stay updated with our action K-drama reviews for similar superhero content.
What Makes Twelve Stand Out
Unlike typical superhero stories, “Twelve” grounds its mythology in established Eastern zodiac traditions. The combination of Ma Dong-seok’s action credentials with Park Hyung-sik’s dramatic range creates compelling hero-villain dynamics.
Unique Elements
- Zodiac-Based Powers: Twelve distinct ability sets tied to traditional animals
- Mythology Integration: Seamless blend of folklore with modern action
- Ensemble Focus: Multiple protagonists rather than single hero narrative
- Korean Cultural Identity: Strong connection to Peninsula-specific themes
Looking Ahead: Battle Escalation
Episodes 1-2 establish the foundation for an epic supernatural war. With O-Gwi’s power growing and the angels rediscovering their abilities, future episodes promise escalating battles and deeper character development.
The series airs every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 (KST) on KBS2, with streaming availability on Disney+ in select regions.
Conclusion: Mythology Meets Modern Action
“Twelve” successfully launches its supernatural premise with strong character introductions and impressive world-building. The combination of zodiac mythology, stellar cast performances, and high production values creates a compelling start to this action-fantasy series.
For official updates and streaming information, visit KBS2’s drama section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who are the 12 zodiac angels and what animals do they represent?
While the full roster hasn’t been completely revealed in episodes 1-2, we know Tae-San (Ma Dong-seok) represents the tiger and serves as the leader. The series is inspired by the 12 zodiac animals of the East: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each angel possesses unique abilities tied to their zodiac animal’s characteristics, with the full team gradually being revealed as the series progresses.
Q2: How did Park Hyung-sik’s O-Gwi originally get sealed at Hell’s Gate?
O-Gwi was sealed through the collective sacrifice of all twelve zodiac angels long ago. The angels combined their divine powers to create a mystical binding that trapped the evil forces, including O-Gwi, in the gates of hell. This sealing required the angels to give up aspects of their divine nature, allowing them to live among humans afterward. The seal maintained peace for generations until evil spirits began awakening again, forcing the angels to reunite and face the threat of O-Gwi’s potential return.
