5 Reasons to Binge ‘Nine Puzzles’, The Latest Korean Crime Thriller on Disney+

If your current watchlist is feeling a little too tame, Nine Puzzles is here to shake things up. The latest Korean crime thriller to land on Disney+ is the perfect binge for anyone craving a slow-burn mystery filled with psychological intrigue.

The series follows Yoon E-na, a criminal profiler whose sharp instincts are only rivalled by the emotional scars she carries. Ten years after witnessing her uncle’s murder and being named a suspect herself, E-na is drawn back into the investigation when a string of new murders begins to echo the decades-old case. Each crime scene is marked by cryptic puzzle pieces she must decipher before the killer strikes again.

With all episodes now airing on Disney+ Hotstar, there’s no better time to witness how the case is finally cracked. Here are five reasons Nine Puzzles should be your next show to stream.

1. KIM DA-MI’S RIVETING LEAD PERFORMANCE

While she’s played many strong female leads before, Kim Da-mi reaches new depths in Nine Puzzles. As profiler Yoon E-na, her performance is cold, restrained, and laser-focused—a notable shift from the more expressive roles she’s known for. What makes her portrayal so compelling here is its quiet complexity. Even in silence, Kim Da-mi communicates a storm of emotion beneath the surface. 

The series leans heavily on E-na’s perspective, and she masterfully carries that weight by balancing vulnerability with calculated control to create a character who’s both sympathetic and enigmatic. Much of the show’s tension hinges on her ambiguity: Is E-na driven by a genuine pursuit of justice, or is her quest clouded by a hidden vendetta? This uncertainty is what keeps viewers hooked and a testament to why Kim Da-mi remains one of the most versatile actors in K-drama today.

2. A NARRATIVE THAT WEAVES PAST AND PRESENT

Flashbacks in a crime thriller? Classic. But in Nine Puzzles, the dual-timeline structure isn’t just a stylistic choice but rather it deepens the emotional stakes. Watching E-na as a composed criminal profiler becomes far more compelling when juxtaposed with glimpses of her younger, more vulnerable self. Her past haunts every decision she makes, often blurring the lines between professional duty and personal obsession. 

Each flashback reveals a new piece of the puzzle, challenging what you think you know and casting fresh suspicion on nearly everyone. Just when you’re certain you’ve cracked it, another layer unfolds—and you’re back to square one.

3. A SLOW-BURN PARTNERSHIP

The real heat in Nine Puzzles comes from the complex relationship between E-na and Kim Han-saem, brought to life by Son Suk-ku. Their dynamic starts off rocky, with Han-saem viewing E-na as the prime suspect in her uncle’s murder. However, as they’re forced to work together on the new case, that mutual distrust gradually gives way to a fragile alliance. 

As the series progresses, moments of unexpected understanding between the duo begin to break through the tension. Both characters carry deep emotional wounds, and there’s a constant tug-of-war between maintaining control and slowly letting their guard down. It’s not quite romance, but it’s intimate in a way that feels earned, especially when they’re two fractured souls trying to find common ground in the middle of chaos.

4. SIDE CHARACTERS WITH SECRETS OF THEIR OWN

The supporting cast in Nine Puzzles plays a pivotal role, with each character’s motives and histories intricately woven into the central narrative. Among them is Dr. Hwang In-chan, a psychiatrist who once treated E-na before she abruptly ended their sessions. With prior access to E-na’s innermost thoughts and Roh Jae-won’s chillingly composed performance, many viewers suspect he knows far more than he’s letting on.

Meanwhile, Hyun Bong-sik plays Choi San, the newest member of the Violent Crimes Unit. The killings escalate soon after he uncovers E-na’s true identity, suggesting a deeper link to the case. Choi San also holds sensitive evidence, such as crime scene photos unrelated to the official investigation, pointing to personal motives that go beyond his police duties. His suspiciously quick arrival at crime scenes has not gone unnoticed by viewers, who are raising eyebrows at where his loyalties lie.

5. THE HAUNTING VISUALS

Nine Puzzles owes much of its dark, moody atmosphere to director Yoon Jong-bin, best known for the Korean TV series Narco-Saints. The show’s cinematography draws viewers deep into its tense world, with lighting and camera angles that sustain a constant sense of unease. The visuals don’t just look good, but they actively reflect the characters’ inner turmoil and the show’s brooding themes. Whether it’s a dim interrogation room or a flashback cloaked in shadow, every frame feels intentional. It’s this thoughtful direction and meticulous attention to detail that elevate Nine Puzzles beyond a typical crime drama, making it a visually immersive experience that sticks with you.

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