Why Nine Puzzles is the twisty K-Drama that’s got everyone hooked

What do you get when you combine murder, mystery, and a frenemy duo with unexpectedly adorable chemistry? Disney+’s new Korean thriller Nine Puzzles, a series that’s anything but typical.

Directed by Yoon Jongbin—best known for Narco-Saints (2022) and The Spy Gone North (2018)—Nine Puzzles sees the filmmaker dive into a new genre, blending his knack for suspense with layered, character-driven storytelling.

The drama follows Yoon Ena (played by Kim Da-Mi), a sharp criminal profiler working with the criminal analysis team at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. She’s often the first to crack the motive behind a case just by examining the crime scene. But things get personal when she’s paired with Kim Han-saem (played by Son Suk-Ku), a brilliant detective who—ten years ago—believed she was responsible for her uncle’s murder. She was the only witness, after all.

Together, they’re forced to revisit the cold case and solve a new string of murders—each accompanied by a chilling puzzle sent directly to the investigators. It’s a gripping premise, but Nine Puzzles isn’t your run-of-the-mill crime thriller.

“The characters are the most important aspects of the series,” says director Yoon. “It’s a thriller that deals with serial murders, but Han-saem and Ena are very quirky and unique. Their dynamic feels fresh, and the puzzles add another layer to the storytelling.”

In our exclusive interview, Kim Da-Mi describes how their relationship evolves over time. “At first, Han-saem is suspicious of Ena because of what happened in the past,” she shares. “But as the story progresses, you see him asking her things like, ‘Do you have any new clues?’ or ‘Do you need help?’ That shift in their dynamic makes the series stand out.”

And while the show doesn’t shy away from suspense and darker elements, its emotional core lies in the evolving relationship between the leads. “Most thrillers tend to be serious and dark—we have that, too—but there’s also something cute about how the characters interact,” Da-Mi adds. “It’s unlike anything I’ve done before, but I think it suits me. I’m better at playing cute characters than serious ones,” she laughs.

Fans of Itaewon Class will likely recognise that same charm in Da-Mi’s portrayal of Ena. But there’s another unexpected element to watch for—fashion.

“Of course, the focus is on the murder mystery, but we put a lot of thought into our wardrobes,” says Son Suk-Ku. “We wanted to reflect what real-life profilers and detectives might look like—but with style. If we end up getting invited to fashion week because of our outfits, we’ll happily come back to Singapore dressed like that,” he jokes.

The 11-part series has already captured viewers’ attention, thanks to its tight balance of edge-of-your-seat tension and refreshingly fun character dynamics. So if you’re looking for a thriller that serves both action and substance, Nine Puzzles is well worth adding to your watchlist.

Nine Puzzles is now on Disney+