What if Hochi from the beloved animation The Naughty Guardians came to life as a human? The answer might just be Don Lee in his newest role in Twelve.
The king of Korean action returns in KBS 2TV’s Twelve, embodying tiger energy as Taesan — the indomitable leader of the 12 angels — in high-octane hero drama inspired by the Eastern zodiac.
A household name for his powerhouse performances in the record-breaking The Outlaws franchise, Don Lee once again proves why fans say, “Ma Dong-seok is the genre.” This time, he trades in the gritty streets for a supernatural battlefield, delivering a uniquely Korean take on the superhero mythos. Twelve tells the story of twelve angels living as humans, each linked to a zodiac animal, who unite to protect humanity from looming evil forces.
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Taesan, Don Lee’s character, wields the strength and spirit of the tiger. Once, he fought valiantly against darkness — only to lose a comrade he considered family. The wound runs deep, shaping his quiet life among humans. But when danger resurfaces, Taesan’s calm facade gives way to the fierce leader within, driven by justice, loyalty, and the need to shield humanity from destruction. He promises to bring nuance to this larger-than-life figure, showing not only the raw power of the tiger but also the vulnerability of a man who carries immeasurable loss.
His dedication to the role went beyond acting. Ma personally suggested elements to capture Taesan’s identity — from his grounded yet imposing gait, to the leopard-print accents of his costume, to the signature punches that hit with both power and agility, echoing a tiger’s strike. His input shaped the film’s action sequences, ensuring they felt both exhilarating and believable. The fiery visuals, flames igniting from Taesan’s fists, aim to deliver an adrenaline rush that will leave audiences grinning.
Don Lee also shared his respect for the other angels in the story: “I focus on bringing out each angel’s unique abilities while fighting alongside them. There’s a trust and camaraderie that I hope viewers will feel.” That ensemble chemistry is expected to add heart to the film’s explosive battles, contrasting Taesan’s formidable presence with moments of connection and teamwork.
The newly released character poster captures Taesan’s commanding essence. Don Lee stands ready for battle, framed by the Chinese character “寅” (tiger), its strokes textured like tiger fur — a visual symbol of strength, courage, and unyielding resolve. Stills show him in both intense confrontations and quiet moments, underscoring the duality of a warrior who can stand against the greatest evils yet still be haunted by the past.
Promising an electrifying mix of Korean sensibilities, Eastern mythology, and pulse-racing action, Twelve is poised to heat up the summer.
The drama premieres August 23 at 9:20 PM on KBS 2TV and will be available worldwide on Disney+ immediately after broadcast. With Taesan leading the charge, audiences can expect a roaring spectacle — one that proves the tiger’s strength lies not just in its claws, but in its heart.
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