'Park Hyung-sik vs Don Lee' This New K-drama Could Rewrite Korean TV History

In celebration of its 52nd anniversary, South Korea’s national broadcaster KBS has unveiled its ambitious new lineup for 2025—and it's already creating serious buzz.

Among the exciting slate of variety shows and dramas designed to boost KBS's competitiveness, one title in particular is stealing the spotlight: the fantasy action blockbuster 'Twelve', starring Park Hyung-sik and Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee).

With an impressive supporting cast including Seo In-guk, Lee Ju-been, Kang Mi-na, Sung Yoo-bin, and seasoned actor Sung Dong-il, 'Twelve' is already sparking massive excitement and anticipation. Even before its August 2025 premiere, industry watchers predict this series may shatter previous KBS ratings records.

'Twelve' uniquely blends mythology and action, drawing inspiration from the East Asian Zodiac, known as the 12 animal guardians. Park Hyung-sik makes a dramatic transformation as a fearsome evil spirit, facing off against Ma Dong-seok, who portrays the powerful leader of the guardian heroes. Audiences can expect an electrifying chemistry and explosive tension between these two charismatic stars.

The storyline revolves around twelve celestial guardians, who descend to Earth in human form to protect humanity against destructive demonic forces determined to unleash chaos. At the heart of the narrative is an epic battle between good and evil, with Ma Dong-seok—a beloved icon renowned for his tough-guy charisma and formidable action chops—leading the charge. Add in Park Hyung-sik's chilling portrayal of a villain and a star-studded ensemble cast, and expectations soar even higher.

'Twelve' boldly stands apart from familiar Western superhero narratives by tapping into distinctly Korean sensibilities. Set on the Korean peninsula, the drama showcases heroes inspired by the zodiac animals—rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig—as they fight to defend the land from a sinister enemy. This fresh take, rich with traditional Korean mythology and cultural heritage, promises a uniquely captivating experience for audiences worldwide.

The East Asian Zodiac, deeply embedded in Korean culture and tradition, has long been associated with measuring time, marking years, and even predicting personal fortunes and personalities. Integrating these historical concepts with modern storytelling techniques, 'Twelve' crafts an original narrative landscape that has never before appeared in mainstream superhero dramas.

With 'Twelve', KBS aims to expand the horizons of the Korean drama industry, branching out beyond familiar genres like romance and historical epics. By offering an innovative fusion of fantasy, mythology, and blockbuster action, the series is set to resonate with both domestic viewers and global audiences alike.

Slated for an August premiere, 'Twelve' is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for KBS—marking a fresh leap forward in K-drama storytelling and potentially setting new records in the network’s history. As anticipation builds worldwide, all eyes are on whether this ambitious drama can deliver on its promise and break new ground for Korean television.