by Gripping, psychological, and gorgeously constructed, Nine Puzzles is Disney+ Korea’s standout crime drama of 2025.
With its haunting premise and a layered central performance by Kim Da-Mi, this 11-episode thriller expertly explores the long shadows cast by childhood trauma—and the dangerous act of remembering.
Profile of Nine Puzzles Kdrama 2025
- Title: Nine Puzzles (나인 퍼즐)
- Director: Yoon Jong-Bin, Kim Jung-Ho
- Writer: Lee Eun-Mi
- Network: Disney+
- Episodes: 11
- Release Date: May 21, 2025
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery, Psychological
Plot: Nine Puzzles
When she was just a child, Yoon E-Na (Kim Da-Mi) witnessed the brutal murder of her uncle—her guardian, protector, and only family. Worse, she was the prime suspect in the eyes of one man: detective Kim Han-Saem (Son Suk-Ku).
Now, ten years later, E-Na is a skilled criminal profiler working within the Seoul Metropolitan Police. She’s intuitive, quiet, and unrelenting when it comes to solving crimes. But the past resurfaces when Han-Saem—still doubtful, still watching—reappears in her professional life. As new cases unfold and old truths begin to blur, the pair must work together to solve not just the crimes of the present, but the murder that changed E-Na’s life forever.
Main Cast: Nine Puzzles
- Kim Da-Mi as Yoon E-Na – A brilliant profiler marked by past trauma.
- Son Suk-Ku as Kim Han-Saem – A stubborn detective torn between guilt, duty, and lingering suspicion.
- Kim Sung-Kyun as Yang Jung-Ho – A senior detective and key emotional anchor.
- Ahn So-Yo, Hong Bi-Ra, Kim Doh-Yon – Members of E-Na’s forensic team, each offering distinct insights and tension.
Why You Should Watch Nine Puzzles
- Strong psychological tension – Not just a whodunit, but a why-did-they-do-it and who-do-we-trust.
- Kim Da-Mi is a powerhouse – Her performance balances control and fragility with mesmerizing subtlety.
- Son Suk-Ku brings emotional weight – His chemistry with Da-Mi is layered and tense, filled with unspoken history.
- A fresh format – Combines procedural crime-solving with long-arc storytelling about identity and memory.
- Stunning cinematography – Dark palettes, rainy Seoul nights, and crime scene aesthetics elevate the drama’s atmosphere.
Who Should Watch Nine Puzzles?
- Fans of Stranger, Beyond Evil, or Signal
- Viewers who enjoy slow-burn, character-driven thrillers
- Anyone craving strong female leads and morally grey storytelling
Final Verdict
Nine Puzzles is less about solving a crime and more about rebuilding a self—piece by painful piece. As the tension escalates and the puzzle closes in, this K-drama masterfully fuses past and present, doubt and truth, justice and redemption.
An unforgettable ride through the mind’s darker corridors—highly recommended.
