KBS is doing something different this August. They’re changing how weekend dramas work. For the first time, their big miniseries will air on Saturdays and Sundays. And leading this change is actor Ma Dong-seok.
This move isn’t small. KBS wants to turn weekend nights into a drama zone. Right after their usual family weekend shows, they’re adding back-to-back action or thriller dramas. The idea is to keep viewers on the same channel for longer. Instead of jumping around, people might just stick with KBS all weekend.
This mirrors global trends like NBC’s ‘SNL Vintage’ blocks or the BBC’s themed weekend slots, where networks counter streaming fragmentation by creating appointment viewing. For KBS, DramaZONE could retain older demographics while attracting younger viewers seeking event-style content.
This setup is called DramaZONE. It’s KBS’s new project to keep people watching their content for hours. By bringing strong actors like Ma Dong-seok and Lee Young-ae into the lineup, they’re trying to make sure these shows actually work.
The first drama in this new slot is called ‘Twelve’. It starts on August 23 at 9:20 PM on KBS2. It’s an eight-episode series and airs every Saturday and Sunday. It’s a mix of action, fantasy, and Korean culture. And it’s loud, fast, and full of symbolism.
A New Kind of Hero Drama
‘Twelve’ is about twelve heroes, each one tied to the 12 zodiac signs. They’re not just random characters. Each of them stands for a trait or strength based on old zodiac meanings. These aren’t just myths, though. In this story, they’re real people with powers. And their job? Stop dark forces from attacking the Korean peninsula.
- Ma Dong-seok plays Tae-san, the Tiger. He’s strong, bold, and leads the group. His style is rough, but he gets things done. He’s not new to action roles, and this part fits him perfectly.Ma Dong-seok’s casting is no accident. He’s known globally for his roles in Train to Busan and The Outlaws series, where his screen presence alone carried scenes. Bringing him to network television is a strategic move. Viewers who usually avoid traditional TV dramas might tune in just to see him, especially international fans familiar with his work.
- Park Hyung-sik switches things up as Oh-Gwi. He’s not a hero. He plays the villain — the Crow. It’s a darker role, and it gives him more space to show range. He’s calm, dangerous, and has a twisted backstory. Casting Park Hyung-sik (From Strong Girl Bong-soon) as the villain is a savvy subversion. His 13M+ Instagram followers (mostly women 18-34) could draw new audiences to KBS—a demographic previously lost to streaming rom-coms.

Other Cast Members
- Seo In-guk is Won-seung, the Monkey. He’s clever and fast. The kind of person who thinks before everyone else. Viewers who liked his past roles may enjoy his mix of charm and strategy here.
- Other zodiac characters include Lee Joo-bin as the Dragon, Sung Yoo-bin as the Mouse, and Kang Mi-na as the Dog. Each one has a defined role. They don’t blend into each other. The drama seems to take time to shape their personalities, powers, and struggles.


The human in the group is Marok, played by Sung Dong-il. He’s the manager of the team. But not just in name — he’s wise and powerful in his own way. He was chosen by a divine force and acts as the group’s guide.
Taiwanese actress Regina Lei also joins the cast. She plays Bang-wool, the Snake. She’s one of the mystery pieces in the plot. No one fully knows what she’s planning or hiding. Including Regina Lei signals something bigger. KBS is clearly eyeing the pan-Asian market. This isn’t just a local drama — it’s a soft power export. With a Taiwanese actress in a key role and themes tied to shared Asian mythology, the show opens itself up to more than just domestic ratings.
Where To Watch K-Drama “Twelve”?
Episode Schedule:
- Episode 1 – August 23, 2025 (Saturday)
- Episode 2 – August 24, 2025 (Sunday)
- Episode 3 – August 30, 2025 (Saturday)
- Episode 4 – August 31, 2025 (Sunday)
- Episode 5 – September 6, 2025 (Saturday)
- Episode 6 – September 7, 2025 (Sunday)
- Episode 7 – September 13, 2025 (Saturday)
- Episode 8 – September 14, 2025 (Sunday)
Schedule Timings
The drama will be released at 9:20 PM KST on KBS2. Here's when it airs in your part of the world:
💡 Tip: KST is 9 hours ahead of GMT. Use this to estimate future air times!
Can K-Drama ‘Twelve’ Save KBS Weekend Dramas?
KBS hasn’t had the best luck lately with their dramas. ‘Holy Night’ didn’t do well. Ratings dropped. People lost interest fast. That failure hit hard, and many are now looking at K-Drama ‘Twelve’ to turn things around. This show isn’t a safe pick. It’s full of genre-mixing. It blends action, fantasy, and Korean tradition. The risk is big. But the cast is packed with known names. That might help with the buzz.
What’s interesting is the timing and strategy. Most dramas play during weekdays. But KBS is breaking that rule. By putting ‘Twelve’ on weekends, they’re targeting viewers who watch TV as a group — families, couples, or solo binge-watchers.
This drama isn’t just a fight between good and evil. The zodiac concept isn’t just for flash. In East Asian belief systems, zodiac signs reflect personality, destiny, and even moral alignment. ‘Twelve’ plays with that idea, suggesting that fate can empower or curse. If done well, the show could explore deeper questions about belief, identity, and cultural heritage through a modern lens.
Takeaway
It seems to ask real questions. Can people with powers stay human? Does fate control who we are? What happens when legends mix with the real world? These are small ideas hiding behind big action scenes. But it might not be for everyone. The fantasy tone, the zodiac theme, and the hero-villain setup — not all viewers will connect with it. Some might find the plot too stylized or far from reality. Others may think it’s finally something fresh.
Still, it feels like KBS is trying to build something bigger. If K-Drama ‘Twelve’ works, they’ll have a blueprint for more Saturday-Sunday shows. And other networks might copy this format. If it flops, it’ll be just another failed bet.
The first episode of K-drama ‘Twelve’ will tell a lot. Whether it builds buzz or fades fast depends on writing, pacing, and viewer reaction. But it’s clear KBS is hoping this is more than just another drama. They want it to lead a change. For now, K-Drama ‘Twelve’ stands as a bold start to something different. Whether it becomes a hit or not, it’s definitely something people will talk about.
Countdown for Twelve
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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