When Disney+ announced Twelve k-drama, excitement was off the charts. Imagine this: the legendary Ma Dong-seok finally returning to K-drama after nearly a decade, teamed up with fan favorites like Park Hyung-sik and Seo In-guk. Add the promise of a fantasy plot rooted in the Eastern zodiac, and expectations practically wrote themselves.
Fans worldwide circled the premiere date, memes were already spreading on Reddit, and Korean entertainment outlets hyped it as the next big K-hero drama. For many viewers, Twelve was supposed to be Moving 2.0, a perfect mix of mythology, action, and emotion.
But when the first two episodes aired? Let’s just say the hype balloon deflated faster than you could say “guardian angels to the rescue.” 🪽
📖 Story at a Glance: Angels Meet the Zodiac
The drama introduces 12 angels inspired by the Eastern zodiac, who sealed away great evil centuries ago. Now, that evil stirs again, and the angels must reclaim their powers to protect humanity.
At the center is Tae-san (Ma Dong-seok), the tiger of the group, who leads with brute strength and charisma. Opposing him is O-gwi (Park Hyung-sik), resurrected as the main antagonist through a ritual of blood. On paper, it’s a compelling mythos that could rival any global fantasy franchise.
But the execution leaves much to be desired.
👀 What Went Wrong? (And Why Viewers Noticed Immediately)
Let’s break down the biggest shortcomings:
1. Clumsy CGI and Visuals
The villain’s resurrection scene should have been the drama’s first big moment. Instead, poor special effects and awkward staging left many viewers laughing rather than gasping. Korean critics compared it to “children’s programming” rather than a prime-time blockbuster.
2. Predictable Plot
The story rarely strays from the expected. Angels versus evil forces should offer space for twists, betrayals, or moral dilemmas. Instead, the narrative moves in a straight line, with little tension or surprise.
3. Flat Dialogue and Tone
Lines intended to be profound often land as forced or melodramatic. Characters explain plot points in unnatural ways, undermining immersion.
4. Repetitive Action
Ma Dong-seok’s punches are iconic, but the choreography feels lazy. Villains attack one by one, fall easily, and rarely pose a genuine threat. Compared to the kinetic, high-stakes fights of Moving, Twelve’s battles lack weight.
5. No Shocking Turns
In 2025, audiences expect dramas to surprise them. Whether it’s Queen of Tears blending melodrama with satire or Sweet Home reinventing monster horror, successful shows innovate. Twelve so far has not.
💔 Audience Reactions: From Buzz to Backlash
The numbers paint a clear picture:
- Episode 1 drew 8.1% nationwide ratings (Nielsen Korea).
- By Episode 2, ratings had dropped to 5.9%, a steep decline in just 24 hours.
In Korea, critics noted the “old-fashioned directing” and “awkward CG,” while international fans voiced disappointment on Reddit:
“The cast chemistry between Ma Dong-seok and Seo In-guk is fire—I was hyped for that. But the plot direction? It cheapens everything.”
Another comment summed it up bluntly:
“We’ve seen this fight scene a thousand times. Nothing new, nothing exciting.”
It’s not that viewers didn’t want to love it. In fact, many still hold out hope. But as one fan put it: “In 2025, safe storytelling just isn’t enough.”
🌸 Silver Linings: Why Twelve K-drama Isn’t a Lost Cause
Despite its rocky start, Twelve still has redeeming qualities:
- A Star-Studded Cast
Ma Dong-seok dominates every frame, Park Hyung-sik brings fresh intensity as a villain, and Seo In-guk remains a charismatic presence. Their collective power is undeniable. - Unique Cultural Mythology
Blending Eastern zodiac lore with modern fantasy is still an underused concept. International fans are intrigued, and that cultural freshness could become a strength. - Global K-Culture Momentum
With K-pop Demon Hunters and other hybrid K-content gaining traction, Twelve benefits from the broader curiosity around Korean genre storytelling. - Strong Production Team
Director Kang Dae-gyu (Harmony, Pawn) and writer Kim Bong-han have solid backgrounds. With mid-season adjustments, the show could stabilize.
🔮 The Path Forward: How Twelve Can Recover
For Twelve to win back its audience, it needs bold changes:
- Improve Visual Effects – Invest in tighter, more polished CGI and avoid over-reliance on poor green-screen work.
- Deepen Character Arcs – Give each angel unique traits and conflicts, rather than surface-level archetypes.
- Surprise the Audience – Introduce unexpected twists, hidden betrayals, or layered antagonists.
- Upgrade Fight Choreography – Show teamwork, strategy, and danger—make fights feel like battles, not rehearsals.
- Balance Myth and Emotion – Explore the angels’ humanity alongside their powers to build emotional depth.
💌 Conclusion: A Fallen Angel, or Just a Late Bloomer?
Twelve promised a mythic fantasy, but so far, it delivers an uneven mix of spectacle and cliché. Korean audiences have responded with skepticism, and early ratings confirm their disappointment.
Yet the drama still carries undeniable assets: a powerhouse cast, a culturally unique premise, and the global momentum of K-content. If the creators lean into these strengths and refine their storytelling, Twelve may yet rise from a misstep to a memorable chapter in the 2025 K-drama lineup.
✨ What about you? Did Twelve disappoint, or are you still rooting for it to spread its wings? Share your thoughts—I’ll be watching with cautious hope (and maybe popcorn 🍿).
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FAQs
Where can I watch Twelve?
On Disney+ (in selected regions) and KBS2 in South Korea.
Is Twelve worth watching?
For the cast and concept, yes. But go in with measured expectations—its execution so far is underwhelming.
Who stars in Twelve?
Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Lee Joo-bin, Kang Mi-na, and others.
Why did ratings fall?
Weak CGI, predictable storytelling, and uninspired action caused viewers to tune out.
Could it get better?
Absolutely. With the right creative adjustments, later episodes could still surprise fans.