Ma Dong-seok Unleashes His Inner Tiger in 'Twelve': Fierce Character Posters and Action-Packed Teasers Revealed

The upcoming KBS/Disney+ fantasy action drama Twelve has released dynamic character posters and stills, showcasing Ma Dong-seok (also known as Don Lee) in his new role as a tiger-powered Zodiac guardian.

Inspired by the East Asian legend of the 12 Zodiac Guardians, known in Korea as the 12 Jisin, Twelve is an action-packed hero series that follows twelve celestial beings who take on human form to protect humanity, battling against the forces of evil.

Ma Dong-seok, the box office powerhouse behind the record-breaking 'The Outlaws' franchise—Korea's first to surpass 30 million cumulative viewers—returns as the irreplaceable icon of action. This time, he transforms into a Zodiac hero, set to deliver a refreshing punch to the sweltering end of summer.

Taking on the role of Taesan, the leader of the twelve angels and a character who embodies the power of the tiger, Ma Dong-seok shared, "I've always wanted to be part of a hero story with a distinctly Eastern flair." He expressed his excitement about bringing to life a uniquely Korean and differentiated universe inspired by the Zodiac legend.

Taesan is a character who, after losing his close comrades in a long-ago battle against evil, now lives quietly among humans, carrying deep pain beneath a strong exterior. Ma Dong-seok skillfully portrays Taesan's inner conflict—torn between his immense strength and the weight of past wounds, as well as his sense of duty to protect the human world—drawing viewers deeper into the story.




To amplify Taesan's commanding presence and identity, Ma Dong-seok personally suggested a range of action ideas—from his tiger-striped outfits and powerful, agile punches reminiscent of a tiger's forepaw, to his distinctive walk—all ideas he personally suggested and incorporated into filming.

To convincingly portray Taesan's superhuman strength, the production focused on realistic, impactful action sequences. The addition of fiery visual effects to his punches promises to deliver an even more exhilarating and cathartic viewing experience.

Ma Dong-seok commented, "I focused on respecting each angel's individuality and abilities, drawing out their potential so we could fight together." His affection and trust for his fellow angels shine through, raising anticipation for his leadership and dynamic chemistry in the series.

The newly released character posters and stills capture Taesan's iconic identity and his unshakeable aura, ready to stand tall against overwhelming evil.

In the poster, the Chinese character 'In' (寅), symbolizing the tiger, is boldly emblazoned behind Ma Dong-seok, surrounded by vivid tiger stripes—powerfully underscoring his formidable strength and symbolism. As Taesan and his fellow angels face off against the forces of darkness, viewers can expect a spectacular clash that will set hearts racing this summer.

'Twelve' will premiere on the 23rd at 9:20 p.m. KST as a KBS 2TV weekend miniseries, and will also be available to global audiences on Disney+ immediately after broadcast.

Photo Credit: STUDIO X+U

This article is a translated version of the original Korean article published by Xportsnews, originally written by Yoon Hyeonji. This article was translated from Korean using AI-assisted tools and human review to deliver an accurate and culturally appropriate version for international readers.