Twelve, the big budget KBS2 fantasy action drama starring Ma Dong Seok, has finished its run with a record low viewership rating of 2.4%. This marks a dramatic fall from its strong start just weeks earlier. The show premiered on August 23, 2025, to a promising 8.1% nationwide rating, winning its time slot. However, by its second episode, ratings had dropped to 5.9%, and the decline continued steadily with each new episode. The drama failed to recover, entering the 2% range for its final episodes. This result is surprising given the star power of lead actor Ma Dong Seok, who is a major box office draw in Korean cinema.
The drama was Ma Dong Seok’s return to television after nine years. He last appeared in the 2016 OCN series Squad 38. Twelve also featured a well-known cast including Park Hyung Sik and Seo In Guk. The project was created by LG Uplus’ Studio X+U and was released on both the KBS2 network and the Disney+ streaming platform. Despite the high-profile names involved, the show could not keep its audience.
Viewer Criticism and Production Issues
Many viewers pointed to specific problems that led to the rating drop. A common criticism was the quality of the show’s special effects. The computer graphics used for the fantasy elements were often mentioned as a weak point. The overall execution of the fantasy action concept did not meet expectations for many people. The story involves twelve angels who take human form to battle evil forces. They are led by Ma Dong Seok’s character, Tae-San, who symbolizes the tiger. Park Hyung Sik played the main antagonist, O-Gwi.
Some critics noted that the action, while a signature element of Ma Dong Seok’s projects, felt repetitive. They said it lacked the excitement and freshness needed for a new series. The familiar style of action did not translate well to the fantasy genre for some viewers. The production was also noted for having a number of actors who have frequently appeared in other projects associated with Ma Dong Seok. This led to comments about a lack of new faces, which may have contributed to a sense of repetition for the audience.
Ma Dong Seok said at the press conference: “It’s a drama featuring the chemistry and characters of twelve angels, along with the resulting action. Thrilling fantasy action like this hasn’t really been seen on TV, I think. I’m not really focused on ratings, but I hope people watch it enjoyably.”
Comparison to Other Dramas
The performance of Twelve is especially noticeable when compared to other shows. The tvN weekend drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty premiered around the same time. It started with a 4.9% rating and saw its viewership grow steadily. By its sixth episode, it reached an average of 12.7%, setting new records. This contrast highlights the challenges Twelve faced in a competitive television landscape. The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix has also changed viewer habits. Audiences now have more choices and can quickly move away from content they find lacking.
Future of the Series
Twelve was conceived with plans for future seasons. It was intended to be the start of a new series. However, the very low ratings of the first season make the future uncertain. It will be difficult for producers to justify continuing the story after such a weak audience response. The final episode aired on September 14, 2025, and there has been no official announcement about the planned second season since the show ended.
The drama’s struggle shows that a famous cast is not always enough to guarantee success. Viewers now expect high quality and original stories. They have many options and will not continue watching a show that does not meet their standards. For Ma Dong Seok, the project is a rare misstep in a career filled with blockbuster films. His movie series The Roundup has been a huge success, with some installments attracting over ten million viewers in Korea. The difference in success between his films and this drama is significant.
Also Read: Twelve Ending Explained: Does O-gwi Find Peace with Mirr?
