About Twelve
Twelve (Korean title Teurwelbeu, also styled 12) is a 2025 South Korean fantasy-action series that imagines the twelve animals of the Eastern zodiac as immortal guardian-angels sworn to protect humanity. Long ago, these heavenly beings sealed away a powerful demonic entity that threatened the human world, a victory that cost the lives of four of their own. In the present day they walk among the people of modern Seoul, hiding their celestial nature while standing watch over the Korean Peninsula. The series was co-written by Kim Bong-han and lead actor Ma Dong-seok, directed by Kang Dae-gyu and Han Yun-seon, and premiered in August 2025.
Ma Dong-seok, also credited internationally as Don Lee, leads the ensemble as Tae-san, the Tiger guardian and commander of the Twelve. Around him assembles a found-family of protectors, each embodying a different zodiac animal and a distinct fighting style and personality, from the playful Monkey to the swift Dog and the quick-thinking Rat. The story is set in motion when the long-sealed evil reawakens in the form of O-gwi, a vengeful spirit tied to the crow, forcing the scattered guardians to reunite, recover lost powers, and confront the consequences of the sacrifice that bound the demon centuries earlier.
Stylish and effects-driven, Twelve blends Korean zodiac mythology with modern superhero spectacle, framing its heroics around duty, sacrifice, and the bonds between immortal companions who have protected humanity across generations. The supernatural battles are presented in a heightened, fantastical register, emphasizing the guardians' powers and the sweep of their mission rather than graphic violence. The series ran as a single season of eight episodes, airing on South Korea's KBS2 and streaming on Disney+ in select regions, and drew attention for its star-studded cast and its ambitious, mythology-rich premise. Details on this recent release should be verified against official sources.