A mind bending and engaging psychological thriller!
"Nine Puzzles" is a psychological thriller series that will have you playing detective as well. The story follows a girl who receives a puzzle piece after her uncle's murder and years later, as a criminal profiler, she's still trying to solve the mystery. Each new murder brings a new puzzle piece, and she teams up with a detective who was once suspicious of her.The series isn't a blockbuster, but a calm yet intense psychological thriller. Events unfold slowly, keeping you on the edge of your seat. It's a thought-provoking series that you must watch with your mind as well as your eyes.
The series features a smart, witty, and slightly eccentric criminal profiler as the female lead. The show cleverly simulates her thought process during each murder investigation, allowing viewers to see how she analyzes the crime scenes. Paired with her is a detective, a fact-checker who is determined to solve the case. This unlikely duo creates a captivating dynamic.
The performances were stellar across the board. Kim Dami, Son Sukku, and even Park Gyuyoung, who had a guest role, delivered exceptional performances.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I love murder mysteries that lean into laid-back yet intense psychological thriller vibes. It's not necessarily a blockbuster, but I was still at the edge of my seat, and yeah, it made my murder board look like a joke because I was so off! I had a feeling I might actually feel for the perpetrator, but I didn't expect it to be as much as I did...The directing, acting, cinematography, and pacing were all on point
The show keeps you guessing with its unpredictable plot, provoking you to think beyond the surface. Despite its laid-back atmosphere, "Nine Puzzles" maintains suspense. If you enjoyed shows like "The Doubt," "Black Out," "Through the Darkness," and "Beyond Evil," you'll love this series.
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Wasted Potential
As someone who's watched various thrillers, I already predicted who the culprit was given the hints provided in the early episodes, but the reason/motivation for the crimes did come out as a surprise. However, just as what the other reviews state, this show had such a great potential but it lacked on various areas in terms of execution. It failed to deliver the "thriller" part and focused more on the mystery genre. There were also some scenes that lacked depth or emotion, making them somehow boring. Despite this, I was able to enjoy it due to the great acting. I would recommend others to watch it but do not place too much expectations.Was this review helpful to you?
Sensational Masterpiece - Hard to Put Down!
If you're looking for a gripping, edge-of-your-seat mystery that will keep you guessing at every turn, *Nine Puzzles* is exactly the drama for you. With a carefully crafted narrative that makes you get involved in the story and hard to stop. This is binge-worthy drama and trust me—it is a must watch!➥ Storytelling & Pace:
From the start, *Nine Puzzles* pulls you into a gripping murder mystery where everyone seems suspicious. As the story unfolds, you become part of the deduction team, analyzing clues and second-guessing every character. Like a puzzle, each episode introduces a crucial piece—character/murder—gradually coming together like a completed puzzle. I love stories like these where every episode is a different story but it all ends up being part of a larger story that threads across all episodes. It is intelligent storytelling with immersive tension, so every scene makes you take note and revel as the pieces start making sense!
➥ Execution: Acting, Direction, BGM
The acting is top-notch, with the cast delivering performances that bring depth to their roles. Direction, cinematography, background score - enhance the suspense, heightens every moment, pulling you deeper into its world. The dynamic between the two leads is another highlight. Their camaraderie and witty exchanges add layers to the story, making their journey even more compelling.
➥ Overall:
Absolute Must Watch - this is exactly how you a great suspense/crime drama. It is a masterpiece!
There is literally no gap or negative about this drama. Even the ending resonates—it’s not just another case of senseless killing but rather a thought-provoking reflection on who was really wrong?
♥ Note:
In my decade of drama-watching, only a rare few have earned a perfect 10 across all parameters. Given how discerning I am with ratings, given only the most deserving should get it, this score speaks volumes about Nine Puzzles. Thoroughly enjoyed this drama ride and I hope others do too!
♥ Bonus: This story is complete but there is a hint at a possible sequel, another adventure perhaps for our detective/profiler duo. Given the high bar they have set, I'll be sure to watch it whenever it is made - without any doubt.
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A Slow-Burn Mystery with Deep Emotions and Symbolism
Nine Puzzles is a psychological thriller that immediately draws you in with its eerie atmosphere, slow-burning tension, and intricate mystery. From the beginning, the story revolves around a series of murders, each accompanied by a small jigsaw puzzle piece – a symbolic clue that sets the tone for the entire drama. While it initially seems like a straightforward crime investigation led by a skilled profiler, the deeper layers reveal emotional wounds, hidden connections, and complex motives.The pacing of the drama is deliberately slow, allowing the viewer to absorb subtle details and gradually piece together the bigger picture. Every episode adds a layer to the narrative, challenging the viewer to think beyond the obvious and consider the emotional undercurrents driving the characters. The writing is clever and restrained, leaving breadcrumbs that only make sense in retrospect.
One of the drama’s strongest elements is its portrayal of trauma and how it shapes people over time. The characters are not one-dimensional heroes or villains – they are deeply human, shaped by loss, guilt, and memory. The emotional core of the story is tied to childhood events that echo into the present, and the drama handles these themes with care. You can feel the lingering pain and confusion, especially in how memory, regret, and longing influence behavior.
Visually, Nine Puzzles stands out with its muted color palette and symbolic imagery. The recurring motif of puzzles is not just a plot device, but also a metaphor for identity, understanding, and healing. The production design helps build a world that feels both realistic and haunting.
While I won’t go into spoiler territory, I will say that the reveal near the end is both surprising and emotionally resonant. It’s less about shock value and more about the realization of how everything connects. The final episodes are especially poignant, with moments that are heart-wrenching and thought-provoking.
The drama ends on an ambiguous note, suggesting that the story might continue. A new crime surfaces, with a puzzle piece hinting at a potential sequel or a broader mystery yet to unfold. This open-ended finish leaves room for speculation and invites viewers to keep thinking even after the credits roll.
In conclusion, Nine Puzzles is a haunting, intelligent drama that explores grief, memory, and the darker parts of human psychology. It’s ideal for viewers who enjoy mystery dramas that go beyond the usual detective tropes and dive into emotional and philosophical territory. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates slow-burn thrillers with depth, symbolism, and strong character development.
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This review may contain spoilers
An underrated mystery series with a dynamic duo
I decided to give Nine Puzzles a try because I was intrigued by the premise. A woman who was the suspect of her uncle's murder wants to solve the case while the detective who suspects her starts working with her. Welcome back Beyond Evil, Black Out and Justice in the Dark. After watching Nine Puzzles, it's safe to say that it is very underrated and deserves more recognition.The drama made me hooked from the get-go. Ena's uncle's murder had taken place under strange circumstances and from the very first episode, I started making a list of the potential suspects. With every episode, the story began to unfold more and more and soon it was made clear that this case was not that simple. Every episode left me with questions that required answers and I was so excited to see what would happen next. I must also give credit to the usage of flashbacks. Instead of relying on telling and now showing, the drama utilized the flashbacks in a clever way and I never felt like they were disturbing the pacing or the actual story.
The pacing of the series was ideal and pretty much consistent. I wouldn't describe it as very slow, nor very fast - more like something in the middle. Most episodes took their time to build the mystery and the prosecution behind the investigations while some others had more fast-paced sequences and moments that flew by pretty quickly. I rarely felt my attention drifting away, my eyes were glued on the screen while trying to put the puzzle pieces (metaphorically and literally) together.
One of my favourite aspects in crime series in showing what is happening behind-the-scenes of a crime investigation. I enjoyed observing the work of the police and Ena and it really helped that the police officers were competent and not just dumsels in distress. Every case required different ways to be solved and each case contributed to the resolution of the whole mystery behind the nine puzzles.
I can't find enough words to express how much I loved the soundrack. The intro gave me chills every time and I loved how they incorporated classical pieces in some scenes. It was as if I was watching a classic crime series and gave a nice old-fashioned vibe, especially during Ena's scenes.
The main leads were by far my most favourite characters. I adored Yoon Ena from the very first episode and she has become one of my most favourite characters already. I understand those who complained about her behavior but I personally never found her annoying. She clearly showed signs of regression which is very common among people who experienced some sort of trauma at a young age, therefore her childish demeanor was understandable. Personally, I tend to become attached to quirky characters quite easily so it's no wonder I'd love someone like Ena. Kim Da Mi did a great job portraying her, her body language, her expressions, she captured Ena's outgoing character perfectly while giving her depth when it was required. I had a blast watching her helping the police to solve the murders and prove them wrong when they would doubt her. She always had the last word and I applaud her for that. Plus, her nails and outfits made her even more iconic.
Ena was much more than just a quirky profiler. On the outside, she appeared care-free, absent-minded, air-headed but that couldn't be further from the truth. It was highlighted quite often in the drama how much guilt she carried for her uncle's death and his murder continued to haunt her even after all of these years. Since she didn't have the chance to live a normal childhood due to the loss of her parents at a young age and the death of her uncle, she wasn't the best at socializing with other people. She treated her colleagues with sweets, presents etc but she still tried to figure out how to form proper human connections. I really liked how hesitant she was to comfort Han Saem after the death of Yang Jung-ho and yet she still did her best. These small glimpses of her behavior showed that deep down, she was a very troubled person who still tried to deal with the loss of her uncle and (later) the revelation about his potential crimes.
Han Saem was also a character whom I looked forward to see. Son Sukku was great in this role, he nailed Han Saem's grumpy character. I liked that even though he wasn't able to tone down his cop persona and his personal "instinct", he was still willing to listen to Ena, despite his initial reaction towards her. His character was handled really well and him and Ena worked perfectly as a duo. Watching them getting closer and help each other was so refreshing, the scenes in his home had a calm and domestic vibe, both of them could let their guard down and the other's presence gave them comfort. When Ena admitted to her therapist that she was able to get some sleep at Hansaem's home because she felt safe, my heart almost melted. Their chemistry (whether you want to interpret it platonically or not doesn't matter) was really good and I'm glad we didn't spend a big amount of episodes with them trying to gain each other's trust.
Regarding their characters, I like how they complimented each other, despite their differences. Ena is more outgoing and she is close to her team while treating police officers with coffees, hats etc. Hansaem is more professional and closeted but as he spend more time with Ena, he started to warm up more to her and other people. Hansaem is a fan of classic crime novels written by Agatha Cristie and Edgar Alan Poe while Ena didn't view them with much respect and she didn't rely on them to explain the cases like Hansaem. Their viewpoints and characters were different but they were willing to listen to each other, especially Hansaem who stopped having prejudices against Ena.
The rest of the characters were equally engaging and intriguing. I liked how the drama gave one hint or two about who could be the real culprit and I admit that my list of suspects didn't seem to be narrowed down that quickly. I wish I was more aware of the amount of cameos by popular actors in Nine Puzzles because based on the reactions I've seen, many avid kdrama watchers were surprised to see so many veterans make an appearance on the series. Although I must admit I didn't expect to see Park Mi-hyun (Squid Game, Black Out) and Jeong Man-Sik (Through The Darkness), these are two actors whom I was familiar with yet didn't expect to see in this drama.
Another character who caught my interest was Ena's therapist, Lee Seung-Joo. I know Park Gyu-young from Squid Game and I knew beforehand that she was an actress in this series too, alongside Roh Jae-won. Her character was suspicious to me but the reveal of her being the serial killer was still so interesting to see. I was genuinely impressed by Park Gyu-Young's acting. Going from a calm and professional therapist to a wronged woman who sought revenge in the amount of a few episodes seemed so natural thanks to her performance. Seung-Joo was not just a sadistic killer. She didn't kill for her own pleasure. She killed because she wanted justice for her mother's death and the corruption that was done by her "victims". She didn't want to continue living a normal life once she learned the truth and even though she knew that she could have avoided this path, she went on to kill.
Even though the mystery aspect is the core of the series, Nine Puzzles tackled other topics regarding trust, human connections, trauma and corruption. Learning about the real events that occurred behind One City's development and watching the victims work together in order to demolish Shindonga market made my blood boil from anger. All of these people were willing to go to great lengths just to increase their power, without feeling any remorse. Taking that into consideration really made me question Seung-Joo's actions and motives.
The drama put great emphasis on the importance of trust between people. Ena constantly asked Hansaem to trust her. She was a person who didn't seem to trust that easily and yet once she learned the truth, her world crumbled because she regarded Seung-Joo as someone who was close to her. Hansaem's trust in his chief and the rest of the members of the police was also questioned multiple times and of course we see how he learned to trust Ena.
That being said, as much as I liked this drama and as much as I loved the characters, there are some parts that prevented me from connecting more with it. As others have pointed out, it would have been nice to see how each murder took place. Yes, someone could argue that through Ena's reimaginations of the crimes we can get a sense of how the murder happened but I still wanted to see it from the killer's point of view. What were her thoughts? How did she escape each time without leaving a single trace? How was she able to constantly monitor Ena's steps? And as of Seung-Joo, couldn't a 7 years old remember the name of her mother or the name of her restaurant in order to tell it to the police? How did she end up on the orphanage and why didn't her mother look for her? I think that the story has some plot-holes here and there and although they do not ruin the series, the writers could have thought more to avoid them.
I also think that the structure of the episodes became too formulaic and predictable. A murder occurred, puzzle gets sent, Ena put the pieces together, case solved for now, moving on. While the murders themselves were different, the way they were presented was kinda monotonous. Thankfully that quickly changed but I still think the structure could have been a little bit better for some episodes.
All in all, I'm so happy for watching Nine Puzzles! I genuinely did not expect to like it as much as I did! I'll make sure to check out other projects with Kim Da Mi and Son Sokku. I would definitely recommend this one for crime enjoyers. It's not groundbreaking but it was pleasant to watch!
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This One's a Must-Watch!
Okay, K-drama fam, what are you even doing if you haven't started Nine Puzzles yet?! I was hooked from the opening action. I realized I desperately needed it only when I started watching this drama. It’s been rough these past few years in the K-drama world. Nine Puzzles immediately draws you in with its dark and compelling central mystery. We meet Yoon Ena (Kim Da-mi), who, as a high school student, finds her uncle murdered next to a peculiar puzzle piece. The kicker? She has no memory of how she got to the crime scene, making her the prime suspect in the eyes of the lead investigator, Detective Kim Hansaem (Son Suk-ku). The case goes cold, but the shadow of suspicion never leaves Ena.Fast forward ten years, and Ena has become an exceptionally talented criminal profiler for the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Just when she thought she might escape her past, a new string of murders begins, each victim found with a similar, eerie puzzle piece. These new crimes are undeniably linked to her uncle's cold case, forcing Ena to confront her buried memories and team up with the very detective who once suspected her. Fueled by past trauma and present urgency, their tension is palpable and makes for incredible viewing.
I absolutely loved how the drama weaves a complex web, promising a deep dive into psychological thrills. It's not just about finding the killer; it's about uncovering a decade-old truth, understanding trauma, and navigating the blurred lines of trust and suspicion. The casting of Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku is nothing short of brilliant. Their dynamic is the absolute heart of this show. The last time I saw Kim Da-mi in a drama was in Our Beloved Summer, but she first made a profound impact as Yi Seo in Itaewon Class; she was top-notch. And it is the same here. She is simply captivating as Yoon Ena, and I am not surprised that she is; she is a seriously gifted actor. She brings her signature intensity and raw vulnerability to the role. Ena isn't your typical profiler; she's burdened by her past, emotionally guarded, yet incredibly sharp and almost unnervingly direct. Da-mi perfectly portrays Ena's internal conflict – the trauma of her forgotten past battling with her present brilliance. There are moments where her quirky, almost detached demeanor belies a deep well of pain and determination. Her expressions, especially in her eyes, convey so much about a character who has lived under a cloud of suspicion for so long. She’s the kind of complex female lead I crave in crime thrillers, and Da-mi delivers her with an impressive nuance that makes you both root for her and question her at the same time.
And then there's Son Suk-ku as Detective Kim Hansaem. Oh, my goodness, he's just phenomenal! Hansaem is a meticulous, driven detective who has never let go of Ena's uncle's murder—his first unsolved case. I have to admit he is the reason I watched this drama. He's pragmatic, cynical, and initially views Ena with a heavy dose of skepticism, if not outright suspicion. Suk-ku embodies Hansaem's weariness and dogged determination with such precision. His ability to convey so much with minimal dialogue, using subtle shifts in his gaze or posture, and even his hat, is truly remarkable. The push-and-pull dynamic between Hansaem and Ena is electric; it's not a romantic tension, but a fascinating blend of professional respect, lingering suspicion, and a shared, desperate need for the truth. Their scenes together are a masterclass in subtle chemistry.
While the focus is rightly on the leads, the supporting cast also adds significant weight. Actors like Kim Sung-kyun and Hyun Bong-sik add their considerable talents to the ensemble, adding even more complex character interactions as the mystery deepens. The cameos, oh, my God, star-studded showcasing Hwang Jung Min, Lee Sung Min, Ji Jin-hee, Lee Hee Joon, Ok Ja Yeon, and Park Woong—were also fantastic, adding star power and intrigue.
So, if you are still asking yourself why you should watch Nine Puzzles, I will tell you. The core puzzle concept is brilliantly executed. The clues are unsettling, and the connection between the past and present cases is genuinely chilling. Exceptional leads in Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku are a dream team. Their performances alone are enough to make this drama a must-watch. It delves into the trauma of its characters and the complexities of human memory and perception, elevating it beyond a simple crime procedural. Yoon Jong-bin directs the icing; the cinematography, pacing, and overall atmosphere are top-notch, ensuring a gripping viewing experience.
This drama did not disappoint, not one bit. It delivered in every way possible. It is one of the strongest K-drama thrillers of 2025. It's dark, intelligent, and perfectly cast. If you love a drama that makes you think, keeps you guessing, and features incredible acting, do yourself a favor and start binge-watching Nine Puzzles immediately.
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Started Slow, Ended Hooked, Deserves a Season 2
I pressed play on Nine Puzzles purely because of Son Suk-ku. After A Killer Paradox, I knew this genre was where he absolutely shines and his acting didn’t disappoint. He’s just so good at playing complex characters that keep you guessing.But I’ll be honest: the first three episodes didn’t draw me in at all. The pacing felt off, and I kept debating whether to drop it. I’m so glad I didn’t, because once the pieces started falling into place, the story became addictive. Every new reveal pulled me deeper in, and by the 4th episode, I was completely invested.
The mix of mystery, tension, and clever twists really paid off in the second half. It felt like the show finally found its rhythm, and Son Suk-ku carried it effortlessly as always.
By the end, I wasn’t just satisfied; I was frustrated in the best way because this story needs a season 2. There’s too much left to explore, and the way it wrapped up practically screams for more.
It’s a slow burn that takes its time, but if you stick with it, the payoff is worth it. And honestly, Son Suk-ku in this kind of role? I’d watch him solve puzzles forever.
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Why Do We Keep On Living Like This?
It a series with non-linear time line with so many suspects , I personally love each and everyone in this series but i never thought killer would be a female ! Ms.Lee Seung Ju is the killer but her past filled with anger, sorrow and loneliness. When she asked - "Why do we keep on living like this?" made me realized she had been went through so much in her life from missing - orphan - mother died because of this (one city apt) - she thought her mom left her in "dream land" but she was waiting for her -till her death in that hotel - she started to kill all the culprits who are involved in it! Such a sad story and ending , I did not expect her to die but she already seen so much in her life so she just got fed up of it !Coming to performance of the cast , everybody did a nice job in this series as well as i had seen so many korea's most veteran actors in it (after a long time). Definitely a much watch crime drama , if you are fan of it!
Waiting for season 2 and for another interesting puzzle game this time, Please come back soon
Ena x Kim!
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Suprisingly good
I did not think it was the psychiatrist at all! I thought it was her friend until he revealed the truth about his homosexuality lol. I wish they had showed her killings and more from her perspective and if they would’ve this would be a 10/10 no doubt. I also loved Kim Da-Mi in this and Park Gyu Young was spectacular. They also got a lot of spectacular supporting actors! They main leads had an interesting relationship, because I wasn’t sure if they were giving father and daughter or lovers. I didn’t expect a lot so I was suprised by how hooked I was by episode 2. I honestly only watched for Park Gyu Young haha.Was this review helpful to you?
An almost Hannibalesque thriller yet so unique!
Nine Puzzles is a well written crime drama with an interesting plot & from the teaser, it reminded me of Hannibal the series. Now, it was really fun to speculate on who was the killer and whom to trust and the reveal, despite not being that much of a surprise to me, happened to be very charged emotionnally, which was different but still very much enjoyable. The only thing that's a bit meh, a plot hole some might say, is that we didn't get to see how the murders actually occured through the eyes of the killer.However, this drama, instead of being focused on the extreme plot twist aspect of a thriller story, it is rather centered on characters and actually subtly alludes to some social issues (power, money, corruption, bonus point for the lavender marriage mention) so kudos for that! I also need to mention the absolute mouth gaping cameos, the great music and imagery, the atypicality/neurodivergence of the two main leads that felt fresh and fitted perfectly for the story and ofc the addicting chemistry between Kim Dami and Son Sukku.
Overall, it's a nice thriller drama, definitely perfect for binge watchers! Apprently, there is no season 2 planned but i'm fine with it as i'm very much satisfied with the ending!
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A Psychological Thriller That Challenges Your Mind
Nine Puzzles is a psychological thriller that truly stands out in its genre. It digs deep into the complexities of human behavior, exploring how every action, no matter how extreme, has a reason behind it and often tied to a person’s past or emotional history. The show does an incredible job of portraying characters whose motivations are shaped by their experiences, making them feel real and multidimensional.The writing connects personal backstories with the overarching mystery in such a seamless way, and the twists? Totally unpredictable, but they feel earned and make the story even more engaging. This isn’t just about solving a mystery but also understanding the "why" behind the actions, and it really gets you thinking about human nature and the ways our past shapes us.
Even though I’m giving this a perfect 10/10, I do have to mention that there are a few details and plot points that feel a bit unfinished. Some things are left unexplained or hinted at, and while some might consider them plot holes, I think they’re intentional. It leaves room for future exploration and makes me excited about what’s to come in the potential next season.
Also, something that’s a bit underappreciated but totally worth mentioning is the cinematography and the whole visual experience. Seriously, the setting, the props, the outfits, everything is so on point. The actors even mentioned in interviews how fashion plays a big role in the story, and you can definitely feel it. The characters’ looks are iconic, and it’s not just about fashion for the sake of fashion, it actually adds to who they are. It’s a small but crucial detail that really makes the drama stand out.
If you’re into psychological thrillers that go beyond the surface and dive into the depths of the human psyche, Nine Puzzles is a must-watch. It’s thought-provoking, emotionally engaging, and insanely entertaining. I can't wait to see where the story goes from here!
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A Mind-Bending Mystery That Keeps You Guessing Till the End
Nine Puzzles is a tightly written and brilliantly executed mystery thriller that grabs your attention from the first episode and never lets go. The storytelling is sharp, and the pacing is quick—making it an easy drama to binge in one sitting.The mystery unfolds layer by layer, keeping you constantly engaged and curious. Just when you think you’ve figured something out, a new piece of the puzzle flips the entire perspective. If you enjoyed the tension and twists of Black Out, this drama will give you a very similar vibe—with just as much suspense and surprise.
With strong direction, crisp editing, and a storyline that rewards attention to detail, Nine Puzzles is a must-watch for any mystery lover. It's not just entertaining—it’s smart, gripping, and deeply satisfying.
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