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This review may contain spoilers
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.
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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