Fans of gripping thrillers, get ready! Kim Da Mi and Son Suk Ku are teaming up in Nine Puzzles, a new Disney+ mystery series that dives deep into a haunting serial murder case tied to a single puzzle piece. This intense drama, directed by Yoon Jong Bin, promises suspense, unique characters, and a story that keeps you guessing until the final episode.
What Is Nine Puzzles About?
Nine Puzzles is a mystery thriller centered on Yoon Yi Na (Kim Da Mi), a skilled criminal profiler who was the sole witness to her uncle’s brutal murder 10 years ago. The case remains unsolved, and Yi Na herself was once a suspect. Now, she works at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Criminal Analysis Team, known for her sharp ability to uncover a killer’s motives at crime scenes.
A new string of serial murders emerges, each linked by a mysterious puzzle piece, eerily similar to the one found at her uncle’s murder scene. Yi Na teams up with Kim Han Saem (Son Suk Ku), a detective from the Violent Crimes Team who still suspects her involvement in the decade-old case. Their tense partnership unravels dark secrets, blending mistrust, teamwork, and a quest for truth.
“The series’ strength lies in its fresh visuals and storyline, offering something completely original and unseen before,” Son Suk Ku said about the drama’s unique approach.
The story explores Yi Na’s traumatic past, her unconventional profiling methods, and Han Saem’s relentless pursuit of justice, all while delivering unpredictable twists. Directed by Yoon Jong Bin, known for The Spy Gone North and Narco-Saints, and written by Lee Eun Mi of Tunnel fame, the series promises a thrill.
The drama boasts a talented lineup, with Kim Da Mi and Son Suk Ku leading the charge. Here’s a detailed look at the main and supporting cast:
Kim Da Mi as Yoon Yi Na: A profiler with a haunting past, known for her unique approach to cracking cases. She’s sharp but carries emotional scars from her uncle’s murder.
Son Suk Ku as Kim Han Saem: A persistent detective with an unconventional style, blending sharpness with eccentric behavior that confuses those around him.
Hyun Bong Sik as Choi San: A fellow detective caught up in the same chilling mystery.
Kwak Ja Hyung as No Su Gwang: A supporting character adding depth to the investigation.
Lee Joo Young: Plays a key supporting role, though specific details about her character remain under wraps.
Kim Sung Kyun: Another notable actor in the ensemble, contributing to the series’ intense atmosphere.
Kim Do Geon: Rounds out the supporting cast, enhancing the drama’s layered storytelling.
Kim Da Mi shared her preparation process, saying:
“I thought Yi Na would have her own unique profiling method, so I did some research on profilers and worked closely with the director to develop something distinctive for her character and focused on showcasing her multifaceted nature.”
Son Suk Ku added:
“Han Saem meets an even more unconventional profiler Yi Na. Together, they create unexpected chemistry.”
Premiere Date and Episode Schedule
Nine Puzzles will stream exclusively on Disney+, with a total of 11 episodes. The release schedule is as follows:
May 21, 2025: First six episodes drop.
May 28, 2025: Three more episodes release.
June 4, 2025: Final two episodes air.
This staggered release keeps the suspense alive, giving viewers time to piece together the mystery week by week.
Stunning Poster and Visual Style
The drama’s official poster, unveiled on April 17, 2025, sets a chilling tone. Designed by artist Yeon Yeo In, known for work on The Sympathizer and Red Velvet’s Cosmic, it resembles a detective novel cover. The black-and-white artwork traces Yi Na’s movements as a high school student on the night of the murder 10 years ago, from leaving school to arriving home.
Key elements stand out:
A red rope draped along a wall, hinting at danger.
A vivid crimson glimpse through a window, suggesting the murder scene.
Young Yi Na under a flickering streetlight, with a police car and Han Saem trailing her, amplifying tension.
The poster sparks curiosity about what really happened that night, with its monochrome palette contrasting the bloody clues. Son Suk Ku praised the drama’s visuals, noting:
“Even my visual in this drama is unconventional. It offers a tone and aesthetic vastly different from previous Korean detective dramas.”
Behind the Scenes and Director’s Vision
Director Yoon Jong Bin shared his excitement about the project, emphasizing its unpredictable plot:
“What intrigued me most about the script was its unpredictability. Even by the final episode, I couldn’t guess what was going to happen and the twists and turns in each episode kept me hooked.”
He added:
“We’ve worked hard to keep viewers questioning the culprit until the very end.”
The series blends suspense, psychological depth, and trauma, with Kim Da Mi and Son Suk Ku delivering powerful performances. At a press conference in Singapore on November 21, 2024, at Marina Bay Sands, Kim Da Mi mentioned feeling comfortable filming with Son Suk Ku, though their hearty meals on set led to some weight gain, which Yoon Jong Bin playfully incorporated into the series.
“One day, the snack table on set was replaced with healthy food,” Son Suk Ku teased, adding that viewers might notice his character’s weight changes mid-series.
Fan and Netizen Reactions
Since the drama’s announcement, fans have been buzzing with excitement. Posts on X reflect the enthusiasm:
“The aura of Kim Da Mi as profiler Yi Na and Son Suk Ku as detective Han Saem in Nine Puzzles 🔥,” shared @ladywxtch on April 20, 2025.
“Cannot wait to have Kim Da Mi on my screen again!” commented a Reddit user on r/KDRAMA.
“Son Suk Ku and Kim Da Mi cast is terrifyingly good, and the story gives me chills,” posted @amirkdrama in May 2024.
Netizens also praised the pairing, with one Reddit user noting:
“OMG YES TO THIS PAIRING. WAITING!!!”
The anticipation has only grown with the poster release and confirmed premiere date, with fans eager for a fresh take on the thriller genre.
Why Nine Puzzles Stands Out
Nine Puzzles sets itself apart with its unique elements:
A fresh spin on the detective genre, blending psychological thriller vibes with a puzzle-driven plot.
Complex characters, with Yi Na’s emotional depth and Han Saem’s eccentric methods creating dynamic tension.
A visually striking aesthetic, from the poster to the series’ unconventional tone.
A tight 11-episode run that promises no filler, keeping viewers hooked.
The drama builds on Kim Da Mi’s acclaimed roles in Itaewon Class and Our Beloved Summer, and Son Suk Ku’s intense performances in My Liberation Notes and A Killer Paradox. Their chemistry, combined with Yoon Jong Bin’s masterful direction, makes this a must-watch.
