Twelve: Disney+ bets on zodiac angels and Park Hyung Sik as a charismatic villain in new K-drama

A special kind of magic unfolds when a K-drama blends ancient mythology with sleek and modern storytelling, and that is precisely what Twelve, Disney+’s bold new fantasy-action series, is promising.

Scheduled to premiere on August 23, it invites us into a luminous battlefield where Korea’s twelve zodiac angels walk among us, each one of them carrying centuries of power and spiritual depth.

Park Hyung Sik, celebrated for his gentle and approachable charm, steps into a role that is set to transform his entire screen presence. As the dark spirit O-gwi, he radiates a sharp, magnetic allure that already fuels intense excitement.

Surrounding him, a group of stellar and beloved actors and emerging talents comes together to create a realm both timeless and vibrant. Twelve is set to emerge as a vibrant indication of celestial conflicts, spiritual resonances, and an exploration of the legends that define the very cultural essence of Korea.

Park Hyung Sik embraces the dark side

Park Hyung Sik established himself as the quintessential gentle protagonist, the type of performer who brightens the screen with kindness and tenderness. In Twelve, he is supposed to make a transition into an entirely different dimension.

As O-gwi, a shadowy spirit linked to the crow, he embodies the essence of a formidable power that confronts the heavenly protectors and evaluates their cohesion. His aura holds a magnetic energy, merging sophistication and threat in a manner crafted to captivate onlookers.

The initial responses are already filled with intense enthusiasm, as fans proclaim this marks the start of his “villain era.” He represents a persona that straddles the boundary between allure and ruin, demonstrating that even a known individual can hide an unstable tempest beneath the exterior.

This transition represents a crucial moment in his career, enabling him to explore depth, appeal, and power in a cohesive display. Rather than simply turning malevolent, he evolves into an emblem of cosmic rebellion, a figure set to inspire fear and fascination in everyone who meets him. His shift to villainy signifies more than a mere visual alteration; it indicates a bold artistic progression.

Park Hyung Sik seems ready to make use of all of his natural charm, turning it into something captivating and risky. Admirers who valued his kindness now prepare for a dark transformation, where tenderness shifts to allure and empathy becomes a trap. This allure of a captivating, multi-dimensional adversary transforms O-gwi from a mere villain into a natural force poised to consume the surrounding light.

The zodiac mythology behind Twelve

While Saint Seiya made Western astrology warriors famous with signs like Aries and Taurus, Twelve is grounded in the Eastern zodiac, known in Korea as Sibiji (십이지), a system comprised of twelve animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. In it, each animal represents a year in the cycle and embodies symbolic traits passed down through generations of stories, customs, and cultural legacy.

The Eastern zodiac fosters a stronger link to natural cycles and shared history instead of emphasizing far-off star formations. Each creature represents a specific character, an individual fate, and a universal obligation that connects humans to both earthly and spiritual realms.

These archetypes influence not only personal character but also shared imagination, intertwining notions of luck, fate, and moral equilibrium. In Twelve, every angel represents one of these creatures, harnessing ancient forces and bearing a purpose to shield humanity from emerging threats.

Twelve will introduce us viewers to these guardians as living symbols of courage, cunning, loyalty, and transformation. From the fierce tiger leader to the clever monkey strategist and the watchful dragon, each character represents not only a combat style but also an emotional philosophy.

By weaving these zodiac archetypes into an action-fantasy narrative, Twelve invites audiences to reconnect with an old mythology in a way that feels immediate and exhilarating. The show promises to turn these traditional animals into new icons for modern fans, blending cosmic legacy with thrilling adventure.

A constellation of stars ready to captivate

Together with Park Hyung Sik, the upcoming drama gathers an extraordinary ensemble that exudes strength and character. Ma Dong-seok portrays Tae-san, the strong tiger leader who combines raw power with profound loyalty.

Seo In Guk portrays Won-seung, the astute monkey angel who employs clever tactics and charisma to navigate the team through celestial battles. Lee Joo-bin gives life to Mir, the dragon, with a noble aura and subtle intensity.

The blend of renowned leaders and emerging talents forms a vibrant realm that appears both grand and personal. The cast operates as a genuine collective, with every character radiating their own unique emotional intensity. These angels carry celestial weapons and vulnerable hearts, and it turns their battles into something more than just flashy fight scenes.

Every encounter promises layered relationships, secret alliances, and personal sacrifices. This emotional architecture is set to make this drama stand as more than an action showcase. It transforms the series into a living mythology where each performer embodies a legend in motion, inviting us to choose favorites and invest in every small victory or quiet heartbreak.

Why Twelve stands out among 2025 K-dramas

Twelve comes at an ideal time when worldwide audiences seek adventurous narratives that resonate universally while being firmly grounded in distinct cultural heritages. The series provides more than just exciting action or shiny visuals. It seeks to provide a spiritual experience via the perspective of ancient Korean mythology, presenting audiences with cosmic protectors that reflect human wants and imperfections.

Park Hyung Sik’s evolution into a captivating antagonist is set to establish the emotional essence, transforming his usual charm into a menacing, irresistible power. His performance invites an exploration of darkness, allure, and defiance, enriching a narrative already abundant with symbolic strength. Disney+ reinforces its dedication to Korean original programming by supporting a project as ambitious as Twelve.

With its August 23 premiere approaching fast, the anticipation grows each day. Fans prepare to meet twelve new icons and follow a story that teases explosive battles and intimate emotional arcs.

Twelve stands poised to become more than a fantasy series. It feels like an event, a cultural conversation starter, and a reminder that ancient myths still pulse beneath modern city lights.

Twelve beyond the stars: when and where to watch

Twelve debuts on August 23, 2025, available on Disney+, broadcast on KBS2, and accessible to mobile users via U+ Mobile TV. The series will span eight episodes, welcoming viewers to weekend traditions rich with cosmic battles and spiritual reverberations.

Under the direction of Kang Dae-gyu, the drama assembles an impressive cast: Park Hyung Sik will embody the mysterious O-gwi, Ma Dong-seok will portray the fierce tiger leader Tae-san, Seo In Guk navigates destiny as the witty monkey Won-seung, and Lee Joo-bin shines as the vigilant dragon Mir. Each frame offers a combination of powerful action and mythical verse, merging Korea’s traditional zodiac with dynamic, modern energy.

Twelve stands ready to redefine what a fantasy K-drama can feel like when it dares to look beyond the stars.

A new constellation waiting to be claimed

By transforming Korea’s zodiac mythology into a vivid fantasy battlefield, Twelve offers more than a spectacle. It opens a cosmic doorway where ancient animals rise as guardians, warriors, and living symbols of resilience and passion.

Park Hyung Sik is set to lead the dark side with a presence that commands both fear and fascination, while Ma Dong-seok and the other angels will embody strength, loyalty, and quiet grace. Together, they create a universe where viewers can find echoes of their own struggles and hopes.

Twelve feels like an invitation to choose a protector, to step beyond ordinary life, and to believe that somewhere above, the stars move with purpose. In this shimmering space, each character becomes a new constellation waiting to be claimed, a legend waiting to be lived.