When I initially heard of 트웰브, I couldn’t contain my excitement. A fantasy tale of zodiac angels battling evil spirits was the perfect sort of supernatural kdrama I tend to become enamoured with. Then, toss in an all-star cast comprised of Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Sung Dong-il, and Lee Joo-bin, and anticipation went through the roof. Personally speaking, how could one possibly be anything but thrilled with a cast like that? I assumed I’d discovered the next big hit amongst Kdramas Like Twelve.
But the reality? A disaster from beginning to end. The show is a cringeworthy reminder that, however stellar the star cast may be, absolutely nothing can rescue a production from poor writing, cringeworthy costume choices, and shoddily done special effects. I held my hopes up each time a new episode aired, thinking it would somehow click at long last, but lo and behold, I ended up befuddled by hurried storytelling, unnecessary flashbacks, and superficial character arcs. Even the fighting choreography was a letdown and left me wondering if anyone in the pipeline had a cohesive vision.
And it wasn’t limited to me. Various viewers were disappointed in the show’s inability to utilize its capable cast effectively. Seo In-guk wasn’t given much screen time at all, Park Hyung-sik’s character seemed like a waste, and the entire cast wasn’t developed. At one time or another, I even thought the editors were doing their best to make it worse with the odd shots and smoke filters. So, instead of dwelling on the mess, I would like to turn our attention to fantasy Kdramas such as Twelve, but truly worth watching. These productions are not only true to the supernatural promise but are also a reminder of why, done properly, this genre is so compelling.
Fantasy Kdramas Like Twelve That Are Way Better
The Uncanny Counter
If you wanted to see an epic fight between humans and evil spirits but were let down by Teuwelbeu, The Uncanny Counter is exactly what you should be watching instead. The series stars Cho Byeong-kyu, Yoo Joon-sang, Kim Se-jeong, and Yeom Hye-ran as “Counters” who hunt down demons disguised as humans. With a smart blend of action, comedy, and heartfelt moments, the drama delivers what a Korean drama like Twelve should have been: fast-paced, entertaining, and packed with supernatural thrills.
What I enjoyed about The Uncanny Counter was how it perfectly balanced a fantasy world with real human problems. The characters each had unique personalities and heartbreaking backstories, so it’s very easy to become an ally to them. Contrary to the superficial team relationships in Twelve, in this show, you absolutely feel the connection with the Counters as they battle together. The action scenes are nicely choreographed, the emotional moments hit perfect notes, and it’s the sort of show to absolutely engross from beginning to end.
Island
Island brings us to Jeju Island, where centuries-old evil forces are reawakening and posing a deadly threat to the survival of mankind. Starring Kim Nam-gil, Lee Da-hee, and Cha Eun-woo, the series combines folklore and exorcism with non-stop action sequences. Much like in Kdramas Similar Twelve, it is commonplace to involve the age-old struggle of good vs. evil, but here the story is developed with deeper mythology and characters to boot.
This drama stands out with its stunning visuals and dark, immersive tone. The show doesn’t shy away from exploring moral dilemmas, and each character is layered with flaws and humanity. I especially enjoyed how it drew from Korean legends while still keeping a modern touch. If Twelve frustrated you with its messy execution, Island is the exact opposite: an atmospheric, supernatural kdrama that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
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Black
If mysteries embedded in supernatural themes are your thing, another rousing recommendation is Black. With Song Seung-heon starring as a grim reaper and Go Ara playing a woman whose Sight allows her to perceive death shadows, the series combines crime, fantasy, and romance in an engrossing story. Central to Black is the process of searching for the truth behind a series of deaths while struggling with fate, destiny, and morality. It’s a fantasy kdrama like Twelve inasmuch as it combines mythology with present-day strife, but accomplishes so in a much clearer and more compelling manner.
Black’s narration is rich and compelling. It is the type of show in which every episode will leave you questioning, but will pay off in answers down the road. The leads truly do have great chemistry, and the balance of suspense and sentiment carried me through to the conclusion. If you have been craving a supernatural story that takes risks and follows through on them, then Black succeeds where Twelve did not.
Alchemy of Souls
As large ensemble fantasy dramas go, Alchemy of Souls is a case of it done right. Starring Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Go Yoon-jung, and Hwang Min-hyun, the show revolves around mages whose destinies are tied by forbidden magic. Just as Kdrama Similar to Twelve attempted at having an epic mythological world to exist in, so too does this show create an elaborate world, with genuine thought towards character and world-building.
What I wasn’t expecting was how engrossing and reliable the storytelling was. The romances and mentor/pupil relationships were well-crafted and evolved naturally over the course of time. The fight scenes were well done, the special effects added to the story rather than taking away from it, and each episode seemed fine-tuned. If Twelve left a sour taste in your mouth, Alchemy of Souls will renew your faith in high-concept Korean fantasy dramas.
Death’s Game
Death’s Game is another supernatural drama that’s hard to ignore. With Seo In-guk and Park So-dam leading the cast, it follows a man who gets multiple chances at life after making a desperate decision. Each reincarnation tests his choices and reveals how fate can change in unexpected ways. The premise itself makes it a strong supernatural kdrama, but unlike Twelve, it makes every second count.
Death’s Game is so compelling because it is emotionally rich. The series is able to juxtapose fantasy and real human themes like regret, redemption, and do-overs. I was impressed at how it crafted several interconnected storylines but never forgot to invest in developing the lead. If you’re looking for Korean drama similar to Twelve but with storylines that truly linger, then watch this.
Do let us know your thoughts on the drama Twelve, and if you have any other recommendations for us, feel free to comment.
