2
28
This review may contain spoilers
Twelve, was it that bad?
Edit: After all, it seems it didn't do so bad on Disney. Production and broadcast of Season 2 planned in 2026! Sometimes you have to realize that MDL isn't reliable, I myself know several people who like it.
Twelve is a tribute to a vintage, nostalgic style reminiscent of traditional series, fighting games, and especially Power Rangers, which originated from tokusatsu. The first season was meant to lay the groundwork for three more, which gives a lot of meaning to its structure. The ending & cliffhanger were amazing! It better get a Season 2...
The angels were meant to look like ordinary humans while still remaining unique. Their activites, the loss of the other angels (explaining why it's not as "colorful" as some expected), the tired “father” figure—Taesan, who has lost faith in humanity—the contrast between the Crow Ogwi (my favorite) and the Tiger Taesan, as well as the presence of the main villain, the priest. And lastly, the Korean "Romeo & Juliet" between Ogwi and Mireu, or Zeref and Mavis (Fairy Tail).
Regarding the twelve zodiac signs, the characters are well thought-out (the symbolic of the healer Snake, the quiet geeky Rat, the solitary Dragon who is key to the story, the slightly goofy Monkey, the loyalty and sense of duty of the Dog and the Horse, the grumpy, epicurean and protective Pig) and the human chosen for the angels highlights the more vicious aspects of humanity. From their first look, I found them perfect. I'll add a comment about their names in the comments too.
To me, the acting, the music and the visuals were all strong points. However, the reception was disastrous, so I’ve almost lost hope. And to be honest, Disney didn't help at all because of the poor release (not available in many countries). As for the TV ratings, Bon Appétit Your Majesty aired at the exact same time, and it's not surprising it quickly took the spot (I myself love this drama, Lee Chae Min is my favorite actor).
It’s a shame, because it would only have improved, and the drama deserved recognition. Critics may say it was slow and weak despite its touching subtext (example the old shopkeeper who acts as Taesan’s emotional support) but this drama isn’t meant to be watched superficially—the style simply didn’t find its audience. We all know KBS isn’t known for massive budgets, yet I personally find this drama beautiful.
In the end, I enjoyed the action and the story. It was a fun time and I got attached to these characters, so if you think this drama might resonate with you, give it a chance. I really wish Disney would release it where I am so I can support it but it's always the same for those dramas. If it was just me, I would give it a 10/10, but I've learned that on this site I need to restrain myself to look credible.
Quote from Ma Dong Seok:
“In Twelve, besides myself, the angels who appear in the form of the twelve zodiac signs each display actions that reflect their own characteristics. They all have distinct traits. Rather than carrying the burden of the action alone, I tried to harmonize everything and find balance with them, so I ask for your generous support.”
The actor also revealed the effort invested in creating this K-drama:
“Even a simple story is difficult in its own way, but building the universe of a more complex narrative is even harder. I spent months staying up late working on it, to the point that my hair was falling out in clumps. The diverse and interesting character stories, along with the action, are the drama’s strengths.”
A small detail: The drama even had merchandise! You can find the drama's account on Twitter if you type Twelve Drama.
Twelve is a tribute to a vintage, nostalgic style reminiscent of traditional series, fighting games, and especially Power Rangers, which originated from tokusatsu. The first season was meant to lay the groundwork for three more, which gives a lot of meaning to its structure. The ending & cliffhanger were amazing! It better get a Season 2...
The angels were meant to look like ordinary humans while still remaining unique. Their activites, the loss of the other angels (explaining why it's not as "colorful" as some expected), the tired “father” figure—Taesan, who has lost faith in humanity—the contrast between the Crow Ogwi (my favorite) and the Tiger Taesan, as well as the presence of the main villain, the priest. And lastly, the Korean "Romeo & Juliet" between Ogwi and Mireu, or Zeref and Mavis (Fairy Tail).
Regarding the twelve zodiac signs, the characters are well thought-out (the symbolic of the healer Snake, the quiet geeky Rat, the solitary Dragon who is key to the story, the slightly goofy Monkey, the loyalty and sense of duty of the Dog and the Horse, the grumpy, epicurean and protective Pig) and the human chosen for the angels highlights the more vicious aspects of humanity. From their first look, I found them perfect. I'll add a comment about their names in the comments too.
To me, the acting, the music and the visuals were all strong points. However, the reception was disastrous, so I’ve almost lost hope. And to be honest, Disney didn't help at all because of the poor release (not available in many countries). As for the TV ratings, Bon Appétit Your Majesty aired at the exact same time, and it's not surprising it quickly took the spot (I myself love this drama, Lee Chae Min is my favorite actor).
It’s a shame, because it would only have improved, and the drama deserved recognition. Critics may say it was slow and weak despite its touching subtext (example the old shopkeeper who acts as Taesan’s emotional support) but this drama isn’t meant to be watched superficially—the style simply didn’t find its audience. We all know KBS isn’t known for massive budgets, yet I personally find this drama beautiful.
In the end, I enjoyed the action and the story. It was a fun time and I got attached to these characters, so if you think this drama might resonate with you, give it a chance. I really wish Disney would release it where I am so I can support it but it's always the same for those dramas. If it was just me, I would give it a 10/10, but I've learned that on this site I need to restrain myself to look credible.
Quote from Ma Dong Seok:
“In Twelve, besides myself, the angels who appear in the form of the twelve zodiac signs each display actions that reflect their own characteristics. They all have distinct traits. Rather than carrying the burden of the action alone, I tried to harmonize everything and find balance with them, so I ask for your generous support.”
The actor also revealed the effort invested in creating this K-drama:
“Even a simple story is difficult in its own way, but building the universe of a more complex narrative is even harder. I spent months staying up late working on it, to the point that my hair was falling out in clumps. The diverse and interesting character stories, along with the action, are the drama’s strengths.”
A small detail: The drama even had merchandise! You can find the drama's account on Twitter if you type Twelve Drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
