Difference between revisions of "Nine Puzzles"

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Drama: Nine Puzzles
Revised romanization: Nine Puzzles
Hangul: 나인 퍼즐
Director: Yoon Jong-Bin, Kim Jung-Ho
Writer: Lee Eun-Mi
Network: Disney+
Episodes: 11
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Runtime:
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

One night, E-Na’s (Kim Da-Mi) uncle, who was like a father, mother, and friend to her, was murdered. She was the only witness of her uncle’s murder case. She was also suspected as the murderer by Han-Saem (Son Suk-Ku). 10 years later, E-Na now works as a criminal profiler. She has been a member of the criminal analysis team at Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for the past 6 years. E-Na is usually the first to figure out the motive of a crime from the crime scene. E-Na now meets Han-Saem, who was convinced that she killed her uncle. They work together to uncover the truth behind the murder.

Cast



Kim Da-Mi	Son Suk-Ku
Yoon E-Na	Kim Han-Saem

Seoul Hangang Police Station: Violent Crimes Unit 2



Kim Sung-Kyun	Hyun Bong-Sik	Kwak Ja-Hyoung	Cha Woo-Jin
Yang Jung-Ho	Choi San	Ro Su-Gwang	An Young-Ha

Seoul Metropolitan Police: Criminal Analysis Team



Ahn So-Yo	Hong Bi-Ra	Kim Doh-Yon
Yoon Go-Eun	Byun Ji-Yoon	Nam Hyuk-Soo

Police



Jang Kyug-Su	Jeong Man-Sik	Lee Joo-Young	Song Ho-Bum	Ko Dong-Hyoung
Hyeon Ho-Geun	Tae Dong-Su	Nam Na-Ri	Bae Choon-Sun	crime scene investigator

Sunshine Mental Health Clinic



Park Gyu-Young	Roh Jae-Won	Ji Su-Yeon
Dr. Lee	Hwang In-Chan	Joo Ki-Bbeum

Yoon E-Na's Group



Ji Jin-Hee	Park Sung-Yeon
Yoon Dong-Hoon	Kong Young-Im

Kim Han-Saem's Family

Park Mi-Hyun

Hong Ra-Eun

Lee Mi-Young Case



Kim Ye-Won	Kwon Han-Sol	Park Jeong-Yun	Moon Chang-Kil	Kang Hak-Soo
Lee Mi-Young	Yu Jeong-Eun	bartender	Lee Doo-Won (ep.3)	Lee Doo-Cheol (ep.3)



Son Sung-Chan	Joo In-Young
dry cleaners owner (ep.3)	nursing home manager (ep.3)

Kang Chi-Mok Case



Lee Hee-Jun	Ok Ja-Yeon	Nam Yun-Ho	Kwak Min-Ho	Park Jin-Soo
Kang Chi-Mok (ep.3-4)	Seo Yang-Hee (ep.4-5)	Roh Jae-Wook (ep.4)	restaurant manager (ep.3-4)	rest stop manager (ep.4)



Lee Sang-Won	Shin Mi-Young	Cha Si-Won
Y Hotel receptionist (ep.4)	housekeeper (ep.4)	hired driver (ep.4)

Choi Young-Han Case



Choi Hong-Il	Lim Chul-Hyung	Choi Woo-Jun	Nam Jin-Bok	Park Jin-Young
Choi Young-Han (ep.5)	Kim Gap-Je (ep.5)	Lee Deok-Mun (ep.5)	Yeo Jung-Chul (ep.5)	Mr. Yeom (ep.5)



Shin Yeon-Woo	Byun Hong-Jun
Yeo Jung-Chul's wife (ep.5)	Choi Dong-Kyung (ep.5)

Additional Cast Members:

Joo Hae-Eun - Yeom Se-Ryung (ep.1)
Ki Eun-Yoo - Jun-Seo's brother (ep.1)
Han Sung-Soo - Jun-Seo's dad (ep.1)
Shin Kang-Kyun - convenience store owner (ep.1)
Choi Sung-Hyuk - apartment security guard (ep.2)
Yoon Hyun-Sik - police cadet (ep.2)
Kim Do-Geon - police cadet (ep.2)
Kim Kwan-Jang - police executive (ep.2)
Jung Han-Bin - police executive (ep.2)
Son Byung-Wook - police executive (ep.2)
Park Sin-Un - Hyeon Ho-Geun's driver (ep.2)
Hwang Jung-Min
Lee Sung-Min
Park Sung-Woong

Trailers

Comments

Judy K May 06 2026 9:08 am Solid 10/10! It's the best kdrama mystery I've ever watched and trust me when I say I've watched a lot. Beautiful performance from all the actors. I love how you couldn't figure out who the killer was till close to the end. The background music was so beautiful especially in the scene where a character said, "Why would someone kill one person to build a place where another can live?" I balled my eyes out. To sum it up, I really loved the show. If I could clear my memory just to get a chance to watch it for the first time, I would

Sanity Apr 10 2026 11:03 pm This was so good. They really are giving the British crime mysteries a run for their money. This was very unique. *spoiler alert*

The way they re-enact the crime from the profilers point-of-view is brilliant and similar to how it’s done in “Seoul Busters.”

The characters were amazing. They tied this complex story line together very well. It came together seamlessly. It’s such a layered story with so many things to love and dislike. I really liked the soundtrack. I’m glad I watched “nine puzzles.”

Kdrama Llama Nov 02 2025 4:53 am I really enjoyed this show and the whole vibe between the two quirky leads, both of whom were a bit of an outsider in their own lives. I always like what Kim Da Mi has to bring but I really loved Son Suk Ku in this, Han Saem was such a rounded, rich character (with Mr Gu’s walk!). I’ve enjoyed watching KDramas for the last couple of years but I think this is the first crime / cop show that really gives the shows of this genre I love from the UK a run for their money, there are twists, turns, layers, social commentary... No spoilers but I do hope there’s a second season, the door was definitely left open at the end…!

gasenadia Nov 01 2025 3:46 am "Why would someone kill one person to build a place where another can live?" This line. Pure gold.

Chamonks Jul 21 2025 2:10 am SPOILER ALERT

Both the actors who played Captain Jung and Lee Seungjo have been on my radar since the beginning of the series. They wouldn't have cast these two just to play minor characters. They must be important.

Dragan Jun 23 2025 3:40 am "I can't believe how people in the comments can't tell the difference between a mystery that still hasn't been solved—because the main killer hasn't been found. As the doctor said, Ina's uncle wasn't killed by her hand, but by someone else... There’s still a mystery surrounding the main character’s memories. And then that final puzzle piece—at the very end, a new killer appears, which could be a setup for Season 2. I truly can't believe how people can't think critically and instead just throw around nonsense. This series is a 10/10. And I sincerely ask the creators to make a continuation of this masterpiece.

Not Sherlock Jun 17 2025 7:27 am It started off exciting, but the prolonged suspense and slow pacing made it anti climactic. I only watched the drama till the end for the ML and FL, though I lost interest halfway. Let’s just say the ending felt rushed, like cramming for an exam after not studying for the entire year.

Wren Jun 15 2025 9:30 pm Again with the broken kid saga. Sheesh. Great actors, I guess they just go where the money sends them.

Lily Jun 13 2025 9:11 am Some spoiler ---

The drama was good. Pacing ok can be slow at times. I'm just annoyed with the FL. She was so annoying doing things as she likes etc. rummaging people's desk, barging people's home, acting cute and childish. Doesn't look and behave like a profiler. Staying till the end only because of the plot and SKK & KSK.

Karupin Jun 09 2025 3:48 pm SPOILER ALERT:

It was good from the start until like ep 9 or so when the reveal starts. I was hoping for a huge PLOT TWIST though it was still a twist but the small hints was so obviously showing that it was Seung Joo. It might be more shocking if it was In Chan(Male Doctor) was the real serial killer and if his story about the kid who burned his parent was also him.

The thrill and intense mystery didn't maintain or increased somewhere late episodes than starting to middle episodes.

Also the last black puzzle piece was so obvious that seungjoo will burn herself and they still can't deduce that based on what happen to her mother.

Lastly, they did not show how seungjoo killed all of them like how she approached uncle yoon or who shot the ex-lawyer in the wild, etc. (They should've stleast shown it at least to see the POV of the serial killer.)

But OVERALL it was good. It really got hooked me up just that my expectations at the end was different.

RATING: 9/10

Gina Jun 08 2025 9:15 am

Nine Puzzles* explores several deep and thought-provoking themes, making it more than just a crime thriller. Here are some of the key themes:

- **Memory & Trauma** – The drama delves into how past trauma shapes identity and perception. Yoon E-na struggles with fragmented memories of her uncle’s murder, questioning what she truly remembers versus what she has convinced herself to believe. - **Guilt & Redemption** – Both E-na and Detective Kim Han-saem wrestle with guilt—E-na for her past, and Han-saem for his lingering suspicions. - **Trust & Betrayal** – The series plays with the idea forcing characters to confront betrayals from their past while navigating new alliances. The tension between E-na and Han-sam - **Identity & Self-Reconstruction** – The drama isn’t just about solving a mystery; it’s about E-na piecing together her own identity, much like the puzzles left behind at crime scenes. - **Social Inequality & Corruption** – The housing project *The One City* serves as a backdrop for themes of displacement, power struggles, and systemic corruption,

Oksana Jun 07 2025 4:31 am Well, the most striking character in this project is, of course, E-Na! The fact that the actress brings the character to life and completely dominates with it is truly impressive! Son Suk-Ku has his own distinctive traits that I recognize in every one of his projects, but he can't fully bury or dissolve himself into a character because he is such a charismatic person by nature. But this actress — she is truly brilliant as an actress. Bravo!

Gregory Jun 06 2025 11:21 am Seriously good. Suspense was great till end Worth the time watch all in a go Very worth attention of details in the series

mahdiye Jun 06 2025 2:22 am The spoiler:

The show wasn’t great. From the very first episode, they cast a big-name actress in a small role, which basically spoiled who the killer was. The pacing was off too—none of the twists unfolded naturally. Everyone just hung on until the finale.

The profiler had a more mature personality as a teenager. But after a decade of becoming an expert, her character oddly became more immature—whiny dialogue and high-school-level behavior made her hard to take seriously.his character regressed. she spoke childishly and behaved like a high school student.

Wendie Jun 05 2025 10:11 pm I’m kind of sad we didn’t get to see how the killer killed everyone, that would’ve been nice to see. The dialogue made it sound like there was a lot of anger, sadness, and hurt, but there wasn’t much visuals to back that up. And maybe I missed it but, I still don’t understand how Ena forgot what happened the night of her uncle’s murder. I was also surprised at how obvious the killer was, like I had a feeling who it might’ve been based on how many times I’ve seen that face in kdramas these past couple of years, but I thought the writers would incorporate a twist and have the killer be someone else

Jillibean Jun 05 2025 10:44 am No, it's not an open ending. We know who the killer was for all the black and white puzzle pieces left behind at the murder scenes. This murderer is defined and has an end.

The puzzle piece shown in the last minute is in color and it's meant as a teaser in case the streaming company will want to pay for a season two. Rarely do these teasers work to gain a season two. It's so common now that I've grown to expect it. :)

But hey, it might work this time just because Nine Puzzles is the highest rated Korean drama on the streaming site. There are news articles about it online.

Jae Jun 05 2025 5:58 am It's an open ending! Let's hope for the season 2. Gonna miss this show..

For me, this is highly recommended.

June 5, 2025// Thursday// 6:58 PM

Nuniek Jun 05 2025 2:30 am It really surprised me. It's the first time I've found a Female Lead who is able to play the iconic mystery excitement with a unique character. Interesting body language with eye-catching accessories, pronunciation of difficult and sharp words is proof of her maturity in acting with very strong action showing Yoo Ina who is forged by the reality of living alone, painful, wounded, but manages to stay sane as a profiler who wins her own struggle against accusations of being a murderer.

lulu_fu Jun 05 2025 1:36 am creepy, visceral, well written and with a 10/10 cast. i already knew this would be good and a success, because dami is very picky with her works, so if she's in, it's good. but it was even better than i expected, i was amazed till the very end. all the actors did an amazing job, especially the two mains. the ones criticizing the main character and dami as an actress, should watch with their EYES.

sf Jun 05 2025 12:31 am Every time I see the woman main lead face, I realise how unsuitable she was for this character. Go to school girl.

Steve Jun 04 2025 7:08 pm Good drama. The two leads are both talented actors. Dialog felt real and substantiative, unlike many k-dramas.

Nadine Jun 04 2025 1:59 pm It’s creepy, I am busy with ep.10 now & because of a spoiler I know who is the killer and even so, it makes really nervous watching it

Jay Jun 04 2025 1:42 pm Two more episodes left, I wouldn't be surprised if our female lead is the Killer, cus how does she keep getting the puzzle

omg.. Jun 04 2025 12:36 pm her last line in the last episode..?

fangirl Jun 04 2025 7:23 am i thought its 12 episodes. it is only 11 episodes now? i need to watch the recent releases epiodes 10&11

Jae Jun 04 2025 4:53 am My main suspects here is Dr. Hwang or Kim Curry. Hoping I got it right. Hahaha.

Waiting for the last 2 episodes laterrrrr.

Yea Jun 04 2025 1:37 am Just watched eps 8, and idk why i think the ML is the suspect killer. Maybe because what he said until these eps (like "Rolo Tomaso") and the fact about he likes is same as FM (the mystery)

episode release order Jun 03 2025 8:19 am to everyone who is confused- the entire series (11 episodes total) comes out in the span of 3 weeks every wednesday starting may 21 (wed) and ending june 4 (wed). episodes 1-6 may 21, episodes 7-9 may 28, and episodes 10-11 june 4.

Izaya Jun 02 2025 9:51 pm The main girl is super cute. And yea she is giving female sherlock vibes.

Paul Jun 02 2025 9:26 pm I love the main lead girl reminds me of the Japanese drama Miss Sherlock. To those that do not like her 'childish antics' I say I personally love them. To me her personality contrasts well with characters like Sherlock played by Benedict cumberbatch or Miss sherlock by Miss takeuichi. It creates this unique juxteposition of someone so smart seeing seemingly so innocent.

Jillibean Jun 02 2025 9:25 pm It *still* only shows 9 episodes streaming. Very frustrating.

@Gini, I think I agree with you on the actress. She did fine as the younger girl but as the adult woman I think another actress would have been better in the role. She keeps reminding me of Bae Doona.

Also that piece of music heard near the beginning of the series when she's walking down the streets and into her apartment is a piece of music I've heard before in another film or TV drama. I can't remember where I heard it before and it's driving me crazy! If anyone knows what that piece of plaintive music is from before please post it here. Thanks!

Gini Jun 02 2025 11:26 am I wish the actress could have been someone else. She’s crazy annoying in this series else would have been superb. What’s with the constant hitch pitch voice and school girl attitude lol. She’s supposed to be a criminal profiler for goodness sakes.

Pete Jun 02 2025 4:35 am Would have been great if the female lead’s character is not childish and annoying. Was hard to sit through her acting.

Russell Jun 01 2025 10:30 pm The menu on the streaming site doesn't show that there are supposed to be two additional episodes, it stops at nine. Other streaming sites show what the total will be by the end, so it's not surprising viewers are confused.

Meowster Jun 01 2025 7:16 pm I think people that are complaining about the ending are confused. The series has not ended yet, last episode comes out this coming Wednesday

Jillibean Jun 01 2025 3:40 pm I got to episode 9, obviously they plan on doing a season two, but does anyone know when that will be available? It's just not fair to leave an audience hanging and guessing about who the murderer was in a murder mystery. They should have revealed all in episode 9 and ended it there. Frustrating.

Mow May 30 2025 8:32 pm Where is episode 10 & 11?

Chey May 29 2025 2:57 pm What a cliffhanger???!!!!!

This has been a very best serie so far and the 2 main leads do carry the series together. I live their chemistry but I'm not hoping for a love angle.

Jillibean May 29 2025 2:38 pm Well I usually don't care for dark dramas too much but since the two leads are good I will check it out. :)

rijattu May 28 2025 10:04 am it's possibly dr hwang. bcs his office room is full of children's paint. and the camera always show his bombastic side eyes. and police officer's yang is his mate from orphanage, try to stop him to kill but he always late.

just my opinion ?

kysohi May 28 2025 7:22 am dear @ghost thank you for sharing your theory about the suspect murder. i kinda agree the killer must be from psychiatrist. their role is really close with what Ena’s step and memory

Xoxo May 27 2025 8:41 pm I really enjoy this drama Great combo actors Great story telling & cinematohraphy Masterpiece!

Hianon May 27 2025 3:48 am Those of you who are fussy, complaining about the character played by Kim Dami, know that she has played Ena's character well and according to the needs of the story. Ena was orphaned as a child and growing up, she had to see her dead uncle's body being murdered. Ena was traumatised because of that she was trapped in childhood. Some of her memories were lost and she lived with trauma, loss and self-doubt for 10 years. She acted like an annoying and disruptive child because there was a side of her that didn't get enough attention due to the loss of important figures in her life. However when she has to analyse a case, she can be very serious and focused.

Ghost May 26 2025 10:30 pm Possible Criminal: Lee Seong-gyu (the psychiatrist)

Evidence and Logic:

1. Access to Yi-na’s Thoughts:

As her psychiatrist, Seong-gyu has deep knowledge of Yi-na's forensic analysis methods and the details of her fragmented memory. This explains how the killer was able to imitate a hypothetical murder method described by Yi-na with precision (as seen in the case of Yoon-soo).

2. Personal Relationship:

The close relationship between Seong-gyu and Yi-na allows her to manipulate Yi-na’s emotions and memory. Seong-gyu might be intentionally keeping her alive as part of a psychological game to push her into uncovering corruption.

3. Possible Motive:

Seong-gyu may be connected to a past incident at the amusement park (mentioned in the puzzle pieces), such as the death of Yi-na’s father or another victim of the corruption Dong-hoon is investigating. She may be seeking revenge or truth.

4. Supervising the Investigation:

As a close friend, she can monitor Yi-na’s movements and guide her without raising suspicion, making her the perfect candidate to be the “watchful killer.”

Other Suspected Characters:

Captain Yang Jung-ho:

His suspicious behavior and authority in the police suggest involvement in covering up corruption. He may be complicit but not the main killer.

Choi San:

His role in making evidence disappear hints at “internal betrayal,” but he may simply be a tool used by the real killer.

---

Final Predictions:

Revealing the Past:

It will be revealed that Seong-gyu is connected to an incident at the amusement park (such as her father’s death due to corruption), which led her to become a vengeful killer.

Emotional Confrontation:

Yi-na will be shocked by Seong-gyu’s betrayal, leading to a dramatic confrontation where she is forced to face her repressed memories.

Captain Yang’s Role:

He may be revealed as a partner in corruption, but not the killer, deepening the theme of systemic corruption.

---

Conclusion:

Lee Seong-gyu is the mastermind behind the crimes, using her psychological knowledge and relationship with Yi-na to expose the corruption involving her uncle and the victims of the mystery. Her goal is to force Yi-na to remember the truth and destroy the corrupt system, even if it means committing gruesome crimes.

Infinite May 26 2025 3:04 pm Watching episode 3 but prediction on who the serial killer is:

So potential spoiler**:

I feel like the casting gave it away and imo it has to be Lee seungjoo- the doctor at the mental health clinic!

Mao May 25 2025 5:30 am Kim Dami and Son Sukku are incredible in this drama. I love their dynamic as a duo. I'm trying so hard not to ship them romantically since I honestly don't want romance to bloom in this drama. I don't think it's necessary, but so far, the plot, the visuals, and the directory is phenomenal. Give us episode 7-11 already!!

mika May 25 2025 12:00 am personally, i think dami plays the part well. she does have a quirky personality but i believe there is a reason for it. ena reminds me of how some people with autism act, they can come off naive in some ways while incredibly intelligent or skillful in other fields. i'm neurodivergent myself and i don't think it's an overwhelming characteristic or specifically pointed out by the series but it does feel reminiscent of real life experiences. as for her being annoying, i like it because she /is/ annoying. she pesters hanseam for the first 5 episodes and as for moving too fast, i think it's not completely out of the realm that these cases span a while before being officially solved; i don't believe it's an accurate timeline shown but that's my opinion - of course! definitely worth giving a try if you like darker themes, it's not too incredibly heavy, but it is enough to keep you intrigued.

Fay May 24 2025 12:33 pm The female lead character acts too childish and annoying at times.

isa May 24 2025 8:04 am It seems like the main female lead chose to act childish to contrast with her profiler abilities but it was too over-exaggerated, I find it hard to watch. The plot is cliche and boring and predictable, it brings nothing new.

sf May 24 2025 2:39 am Who chose the main actress for this character? She acts and has the facial expressions of a schoolgirl, far from a profiler's attitude. It was a bad choice. She reminds me of Kim Go-Eun in Goblin, who had the same childish attitude.

Taemi May 23 2025 9:09 pm I usually love anything with Kim Dami, but so far, I’m a bit thrown off by the pacing of this show. Hae Saem is so quick to accuse Ena and to be convinced for 10 years is kind of unbelievable. Not mention their dynamic seems more like frenemies and I had to remind myself that he thinks she’s a killer. I’m also not feeling any chemistry between any of the cast members but hopefully that changes. The cast lineup is really impressive so I have high expectations.

Chey May 23 2025 11:58 am Kim Da Mi more often than not has the best dramas ever! I agree with @A.S. Da Mi is so cute and I love her eyes!

Anybody, when will episodes 7 to 11be released, pleeeease??

A.S. May 23 2025 8:04 am Kim Da-Mi is so cute, wth?

everytime she's on screen i just want to pinch her cheek. she's so cute.

Francis May 22 2025 3:15 pm Thank God for this series because I was slowly losing hopes on kdrama due to the current below par releases

Eddie May 22 2025 9:06 am Kim Da-Mi!!!! Finally!!!

I been waiting for her to come screen since forever!!!

I'll be back for a review. Off to watch ?‍♂️?‍♂️?‍♂️

Mythoughts78 May 22 2025 8:54 am Must watch! Going into ep 2, ? all the legendary actors are in this drama. From Lee sung min to Lee hee jun. I see Mr. Hwang jun min too, and Park sung Woong. Will bench this , so far sooooo good! Can’t wait to finish.

tim Mar 29 2025 12:13 pm Waiting for Dami <3 her..

Josie Oct 26 2024 1:36 am Two of the premier actors of korea. Can't wait.

P Mar 10 2024 4:04 am Lee Jooyoung is in it too!

Fabulous Jan 10 2024 9:08 am Yeah we await the drama

@@ Line 162: / Line 162: @@
 ===Choi Young-Han Case===
-{{CastPictures6-5
+{{CastPictures7-5
 |1picture=File:Nine Puzzles-Choi Hong Il.jpg
 |1name=Choi Hong-Il (1963){{!}}Choi Hong-Il
@@ Line 181: / Line 181: @@
 |6name=Shin Yeon-Woo (1990){{!}}Shin Yeon-Woo
 |6charactername=Yeo Jung-Chul's wife (ep.5)
+|7picture=File:Nine Puzzles-Byun Hong-Jun.jpg
+|7name=Byun Hong-Jun (2006){{!}}Byun Hong-Jun
+|7charactername=Choi Dong-Kyung (ep.5)
 }}
 '''Additional Cast Members:'''

Difference between revisions of "Nine Puzzles"

Revision as of 05:58, 22 May 2025

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Cast

Seoul Hangang Police Station: Violent Crimes Unit 2

Seoul Metropolitan Police: Criminal Analysis Team

Police

Sunshine Mental Health Clinic

Yoon E-Na's Group

Kim Han-Saem's Family

Lee Mi-Young Case

Kang Chi-Mok Case

Choi Young-Han Case

Trailers

Comments

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