'Twelve' actor Ma Dong-seok is returning to TV drama after 10 years.
On the morning of the 20th, a press conference for the new KBS2 weekend mini-series 'Twelve' was held at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Attendees included lead actors Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Lee Joo-bin, Ko Gyo-pil, Kang Mina, Sung Yoo-bin, Ahn Ji-hye, Regina Ray, director Kang Dae-kyu, and director Han Yoon-sun.
The series 'Twelve,' inspired by the 12 zodiac guardians of Tongyang (directors Kang Dae-kyu and Han Yoon-sun, planned and produced by STUDIO X+U, produced by Contents G, Big Punch Pictures, and Nova Film, co-produced by The Contents ON and Monster Union), depicts a battle against evil forces by 12 angels living in human form to protect humanity.
'Twelve' is expected to captivate not only local audiences but global viewers as well, with its appealing world view based on the 12 zodiac legends of Tongyang and a storytelling that combines universal themes that anyone can relate to and enjoy with fantastical elements. Furthermore, the cast, including Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Sung Dong-il, Lee Joo-bin, Ko Gyo-pil, Kang Mina, Sung Yoo-bin, Ahn Ji-hye, and Regina Ray, boasts the highest level of synchronization. Its diverse action scenes and perfect team play showcasing the distinct personalities and charm of the twelve zodiac heroes are being highlighted as a must-watch series this summer.
Ma Dong-seok performs passionately as Taesan, leading the eight-angel team with a strong presence and leadership. Park Hyung-sik plays the villain Ogui, plotting to cover the world in evil using a soul stone, thereby forming a rivalry with Ma Dong-seok. Seo In-guk fights against the forces of evil as Won Seung, Lee Joo-bin as Mir, Ko Gyo-pil as Doni, Kang Mina as Kang Ji, Sung Yoo-bin as Jwi-dol, Ahn Ji-hye as Mal-sook, and Regina Ray as Bang-ul, each promising captivating actions and teamwork that match their powers.
This project began as a result of Ma Dong-seok's planning, who noted, "It seems that it's similar to think about items that many people would find entertaining. I was suggested a project related to the 12 zodiac guardians and had also thought about it independently. Then, starting from the beginning, I decided to create a series inspired by the 12 zodiac guardians of Tongyang while exchanging ideas with the director as we wrote together." He added, "We aimed to create an action hero story where the 12 angels, who live in human form to protect humanity, battle the forces of evil."
He further stated, "I wanted to create a hero story imbued with Oriental colors for a long time. I thought the 12 zodiac guardians represented a unique material that encompasses Korean charms while being used in various Asian countries. I prepared it, thinking that if we created a superhero based on this, it could resonate with both Korean and global audiences, offering fresh entertainment."
Taesan is characterized by action and costumes reminiscent of a tiger's grandeur. "Tigers are known for their strong forelegs, so I thought my boxing actions would complement it well. I created the action while highlighting those characteristics," he said, adding, "We also tried to incorporate costumes suited to each animal. I wore a leopard-patterned outfit that everyone would recognize immediately. I've heard that the power of a tiger's foreleg is immense. I integrated that aspect into my punch action."
Regarding why he took part, Park Hyung-sik said, "It was intriguing and very fresh since it deals with the story of the 12 zodiac guardians. Moreover, actors who fit the 12 zodiac guardians were cast, and I really wanted to take on this challenge." Seo In-guk mentioned, "Being able to work with Ma Dong-seok after a long time since OCN's '38 Task Force' was significant. Also, I found an action project based on the 12 zodiac guardians interesting because the characters are in the form of animals, which I had not seen much before, and felt it was refreshing." Lee Joo-bin expressed, "I was most drawn to the story about the 12 zodiac guardians, and I usually enjoy fantasy hero stories, so I felt excited about the chance to shoot a Korean-style hero show. A significant reason was that Ma Dong-seok invited me to act with him, to which I said, 'yes,' so I was able to take part," showing deep trust in her co-star.
Seo In-guk learned parkour action separately, stating, "Each actor has a designated animal character, so I wanted to show an action in the shape of that animal. I went to a parkour action team to learn, but I couldn't learn too much. I wanted to create a unique action for the monkey character with reference videos we discussed with the drama action team. Afterward, I practiced the parkour action they choreographed for me. Generally, parkour is fresh, often used in chases, but in our work, it will be used more in battles as we need to eliminate the forces of evil. I aimed to utilize as much of the surrounding environment as possible."
Seo In-guk, who participated as a music director, said, "There is a main music director, and I am involved as well. I went to the director's studio to discuss the work, providing feedback like, 'this scene would work well,' and collaborating on the project. This time, both the music director and I wanted to try something together — since the contents of the 12 zodiac guardians have fun characters, I thought grand music and a fast-paced progression would suit well, feeling it could blend nicely with cyberpunk music. You will see various music genres combined with the drama."
Park Hyung-sik, who played the crow among the 12 zodiac guardians, remarked, "This is the first time I've spent so long looking into crows and magnifying their photos. While crows are clever, gazing into their deep black eyes gives a sense of profoundness and unpredictability about their actions, and I thought those aspects could enhance the character."
Ma Dong-seok returns to TV drama for the first time in 10 years since OCN's '38 Task Force,' which ended in 2016. "Back then, I didn't get much sleep and was filming intensely. But I enjoyed it. I'm also very glad to be working with In-guk again. I am excited to be doing a drama after a long time, but there is no priority between drama and film. I will take on a good project when it arises," he noted.
When asked about the target viewership ratings, Ma Dong-seok said, "I'm not sure, but I hope people will enjoy it," while Seo In-guk added, "I have a good feeling. During '38 Task Force,' I had a great feeling, and I wanted to re-experience that chemistry with my senior, but it took 10 years. I'm grateful that, after 10 years, we can show a work as a team. I believe viewers will enjoy it."
Commenting on the disappointing box office performance of his previous work, Ma Dong-seok said, "I reflect on the fact that the film didn't do well, and we need to create something more entertaining and well-made. When crafting such stories, I lose quite a bit of hair. Easy topics aren't simple, and difficult topics are even tougher. Both films and dramas are challenging. 'Twelve' is a superhero story that can be watched with family. I hope you will appreciate it positively."
'Twelve' is scheduled to premiere on the 23rd at 9:20 p.m. and will meet global audiences through Disney+.
[Photo] Reporter Min Kyung-hoon
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