12 Zodiac Gods, Assemble! 'Twelve' and Other New OTT Releases for the Fourth Week of August 2025 (8/21~8/27)

Taylor Content Editor Hong Seon

The fourth week of August brings a bountiful harvest of dramas on OTT platforms. Original series from each platform are pouring out, and new dramas are set to air around the same time on broadcasting stations. This weekend will feature works that explore the film production era of the 1980s, an action movie showcasing a chef with absolute taste and a Korean superhero, and a mid-series dealing with a global espionage war taking place in Korea.

Eama – Turning the Era of Objectification Upside Down

Streaming: Netflix

Release Date: August 22 (Friday) / Not suitable for minors

Running Time: 6 episodes

Cast: Lee Ha-nee, Bang Hyo-rin, Jin Sun-kyu, Jo Hyun-cheol, and others

#KoreanDrama #NetflixOriginal #PeriodDrama #Comedy #Ero

The Netflix original series 〈Eama〉 that turns the era of objectification upside down will be released this week. It tells the story of top star Hee-ran and rookie actress Joo-ae bravely confronting the dark reality hidden behind the glamorous spotlight during the birth of erotic films that swept Korea in the 1980s, presented in a 6-episode format. Directed by Lee Hae-young, known for his humanistic perspectives in various genre films like 〈The Queen's Umbrella〉 and 〈The Drug King〉, this is his first series direction, raising expectations even higher.

〈Eama〉 shines with the bickering chemistry between top star Hee-ran and rookie actress Joo-ae, who are competing for the top spot. Lee Ha-nee, who showcases a strong presence in every work, takes on the role of top star Hee-ran from the 1980s, leading the story with her unique charisma. Bang Hyo-rin, who showed unexpected depth in 〈Hellbound〉, appears as the new face Joo-ae, threatening Hee-ran's position and adding richness to the drama. The portrayal of the light and shadow of 1980s film production by Jin Sun-kyu and Jo Hyun-cheol is expected to bring satirical laughter. 〈Eama〉, which adds interesting imagination to the stories surrounding the filming of the sensational work 〈The Lady of Eama〉, invites viewers to meet the delightful and exhilarating alliance of the two main characters.

Twelve – 12 Zodiac Gods, Assemble

Streaming: Disney+

Release Date: August 23 (Saturday) / Suitable for ages 15 and up

Running Time: 8 episodes

Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Sung Dong-il, Lee Joo-bin, Ko Gyu-pil, Kang Mina, Sung Yu-bin, Ahn Ji-hye, Regina Ray

#KoreanDrama #Fantasy #Action #Comedy #KBSDrama #Mythology

The series 〈Twelve〉, inspired by the Eastern 12 Zodiac Gods, depicts a battle against evil forces by 12 angels living in human form to protect humanity. It will thrillingly showcase the confrontation between the angels led by Taesan (Ma Dong-seok) and the evil forces gathered around Ogui (Park Hyung-sik). Directed by Kang Dae-kyu, who directed 〈Harmony〉 and 〈Collateral〉, it promises to depict a new chapter of K-heroes like never before.

Ma Dong-seok, who has become a brand beyond an actor with 〈The Outlaws〉, returns to drama after a long time. He plays the role of the angel leader, Tiger Taesan, showcasing both witty dialogue and impactful action. With powerful one-punch action that highlights the characteristics of a tiger, he continues the thrill of 〈The Outlaws〉 on both television and OTT. Additionally, Seo In-guk, Lee Joo-bin, Ko Gyu-pil, Kang Mina, and Sung Yu-bin appear as the 12 Zodiac Gods, each showcasing their unique personalities to enhance the drama's fun. Park Hyung-sik's appearance as the final villain also draws attention, as he plays the leader of evil, Ogui, exuding an irresistible yet captivating charisma. 〈Twelve〉 promises a fantasy action that transcends ancient and modern worlds, set to air on KBS 2TV on August 23 (Saturday) at 9:20 PM, followed by its release on Disney+.

The Chef of the Tyrant – A Dish That Will Captivate the King!

Streaming: Tving, Netflix

Release Date: August 23 (Saturday) / Suitable for ages 15 and up

Running Time: 12 episodes

Cast: Lim Yoon-a, Lee Chae-min, Kang Han-na, Choi Gwi-hwa, and others

#KoreanDrama #tvNDrama #Historical #AlternateHistory #TimeSlip #Cooking #Romance #Fantasy

What if there is a dish that even a tyrant would admire? The drama 〈The Chef of the Tyrant〉, airing on tvN on August 23, blends this imagination with alternate history and delicious storytelling, depicting the story of a tyrant king with absolute taste meeting a chef from the future. The king imposes a condition that if his taste is not satisfied, the chef will face severe punishment, forcing the chef to showcase extreme culinary skills to survive. This work is a genre buffet that combines elements of alternate history fantasy, time travel, and survival, where failing to pass the given mission means instant elimination.

Lim Yoon-a, who recently delivered a stellar performance in the film 〈The Devil's Deal〉, takes on the role of chef Yeon Ji-young, who will present dishes that even a tyrant would admire. She shows her passion by attending a culinary academy for the role, captivating viewers with her positive energy as she pursues her dreams despite difficult realities. Lee Chae-min, who has showcased stunning visuals and acting in 〈Hierarchy〉 and 〈Bunny and Brothers〉, appears as the tyrant king Yeon Hee-gun, who possesses absolute taste. Behind his cold charisma lies a sincere passion for food, adding a dual charm that enhances the immersion in the work. From French cuisine to extravagant royal dishes, the feast of food that even the king cannot resist is a unique viewing point that can only be experienced in this work.

Butterfly – A Global Espionage War Unfolding in Korea

Streaming: Tving

Release Date: August 22 (Friday) / -

Running Time: 6 episodes

#AmericanDrama #KoreanBackground #Action #Spy #Thriller #Family

〈Butterfly〉 tells the story of David Jung, a former U.S. intelligence officer shrouded in mystery, and Rebecca, an active agent sent to kill him, in a cat-and-mouse chase. Starring Daniel Dae Kim, who is active in Hollywood, not only as the lead but also as an executive producer, the work is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Arash Amel.

What stands out about 〈Butterfly〉 is the Korean background and the significant presence of Korean actors. Action scenes with realistic shock and explosions unfold at a Hollywood blockbuster level in familiar locations, capturing attention. Additionally, Kim Ji-hoon, Park Hae-soo, and Kim Tae-hee appear as key characters entangled in a complex relationship with David Jung, heightening expectations. 〈Butterfly〉 promises to depict the spectacle of global espionage and the complicated emotions among family members with solid drama, airing on tvN starting August 22 at 10:40 PM as a Friday-Saturday drama, and will be available on Tving thereafter.