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| Nine Puzzle Poster |
Released in May 2025, the Disney+ original Korean drama “Nine Puzzle” has quickly gained attention for its chilling mystery, psychological depth, and strong performances. With a gripping plot, stunning visuals, and a stellar cast including Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku, “Nine Puzzle” is a must-watch for fans of suspense thrillers.
This blog post provides a complete overview of the series: including its plot, major characters, and why this K-drama stands out among 2025's offerings.
🎬 Series Overview
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Title: Nine Puzzle (나인 퍼즐)
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Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller
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Platform: Disney+
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Episodes: 11
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Release Schedule:
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Episodes 1–6: May 21, 2025
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Episodes 7–9: May 28, 2025
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Episodes 10–11: June 4, 2025
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Director: Yoon Jong-bin (known for “The Spy Gone North,” “Nameless Gangster”)
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Main Cast:
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Kim Da-mi as Lee Na
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Son Suk-ku as Han Saem
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Ji Jin-hee, Lee Sung-min, Park Gyu-young, Ahn So-yo, Lee Hee-jun, Ok Ja-yeon, and more
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🧩 Plot Summary
Lee Na (Kim Da-mi) is the only surviving witness of a brutal serial murder case that happened 10 years ago. Having lost her memory due to trauma, she now works as a criminal profiler for the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
When a new case occurs with similar patterns to the one from her past, old suspicions resurface. Detective Han Saem (Son Suk-ku), who has long believed Lee Na to be involved, begins to investigate again. The two reluctantly team up, and what unfolds is a tense game of memory, suspicion, and uncovering the hidden truth.
The central mystery of “Nine Puzzle” revolves around reconstructing a fragmented memory and solving the puzzle of identity, guilt, and redemption.
👥 Main Characters
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Lee Na (Kim Da-mi)
A profiler with memory loss, and the only surviving witness from a past unsolved serial murder. She fights to remember the truth. -
Han Saem (Son Suk-ku)
A cold yet passionate detective. He suspects Lee Na and closely monitors her actions as new cases arise. -
Yoon Go-eun (Ahn So-yo)
Team leader of the Behavioral Analysis Team. She supports her team with strategic insight and leadership. -
Yoon Dong-hoon (Ji Jin-hee)
Lee Na’s uncle, who was a victim in the 10-year-old case. His death plays a crucial role in the plot. -
Kang Chi-mok (Lee Hee-jun)
Ex-boyfriend of the first victim. His sudden disappearance raises many questions. -
Seo Yang-hee (Ok Ja-yeon)
Chi-mok’s wife, who displays strange behavior, adding another layer of suspicion. -
Do Yoon-soo (Lee Sung-min)
A key figure in DH Construction, entangled in the mystery with corporate secrets and possible motives.
🔍 5 Reasons to Watch "Nine Puzzle"
1. Puzzle-Like Narrative Structure
The story unfolds piece by piece like a jigsaw puzzle. Each episode introduces new clues and shifts the viewer’s perception of the characters and events.
2. Powerful Lead Performances
Kim Da-mi’s emotional vulnerability and Son Suk-ku’s intense, layered portrayal make for a compelling duo.
3. Innovative Directing
Director Yoon Jong-bin explores themes of memory and identity with experimental storytelling, nonlinear timelines, and psychological tension.
4. Layered Symbolism and Foreshadowing
Repeated motifs and hidden meanings behind visual elements invite viewers to rewatch and reinterpret earlier scenes.
5. Social and Psychological Themes
Beyond mystery, the drama explores themes like trauma, identity, and how society views truth and justice.
💡 Tips for First-Time Viewers
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The timeline isn’t linear. Pay attention to scene transitions and character changes.
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Repetition matters — certain visuals reappear with different implications.
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Spoiler control has been strict. Avoid plot leaks for maximum impact.
🧠 Why Is It Called “Nine Puzzle”?
The title is symbolic. It refers not just to 9 literal puzzle pieces, but to nine emotional and thematic elements—memory, fear, trauma, guilt, identity, justice, deception, relationship, and healing—that must align for the truth to emerge.
“Nine Puzzle” is not just a whodunit. It’s an emotional and psychological journey through human vulnerability.
