The much-hyped fantasy action series Twelve, starring Ma Dong-seok, is struggling to live up to expectations. Despite strong initial ratings and a star-studded cast, the drama has drawn harsh criticism for its lackluster visual effects, sluggish pacing, and underwhelming action scenes.
High Hopes, Disappointing Execution
Premiering on August 23 on KBS2 and Disney+, Twelve follows a group of twelve guardian angels, based on the Eastern zodiac, who disguise themselves as humans to battle resurrected evil forces. Produced by STUDIO X+U, the drama was billed as a rare fantasy blockbuster for both KBS and Disney+.
Fans were eager to see Ma Dong-seok return to television after nine years, anticipating his trademark powerful action sequences. However, the premiere episode focused heavily on exposition—explaining mythology and character backstories—without delivering dramatic tension. Episode two continued the trend, relying on dialogue over spectacle, leaving many viewers frustrated.
Action Scenes and CGI Under Fire
For a drama built on the promise of action, Twelve has fallen short in choreography and impact. Viewers complained that the fight scenes felt sluggish, light, and lacking intensity—a surprising misstep for Ma Dong-seok, known as an action heavyweight.
The most scathing criticism has been reserved for the CGI effects. The villain summoning sequence, featuring Park Hyung-sik as the ominous O-Gwi, was particularly panned for looking cheap and unconvincing. Poor integration of sets, costumes, and VFX drew comparisons to outdated reenactment shows and even children’s programming. Online reactions included:
- It feels like a children’s drama.
- Like watching Shim Hyung-rae’s old hero film Ureme.
- Action master? The fights look sloppy.
Ratings: Strong Start, But Sharp Decline
Despite the backlash, the drama opened with 8.1% nationwide ratings, a strong debut for KBS. However, momentum quickly faltered. According to Nielsen Korea, episode two dropped to 5.9%, a sharp 2.2% decline in just one day.
This slump stands in stark contrast to its time-slot rival, tvN’s Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, which rose to 6.6% nationwide (peaking at 8.6%), securing the No.1 spot among cable and general programming channels.
With just six episodes remaining in its eight-part run, the pressure is mounting. Twelve was marketed as a high-budget fantasy epic featuring Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Sung Dong-il, and Lee Joo-bin, but early reviews suggest style has overshadowed substance.
Unless the drama improves in direction, pacing, and visual quality, it risks losing more of its audience—and becoming a cautionary tale of overhyped storytelling in the K-drama industry.
Sources: Nate
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