Nine Puzzles Breaks Unprecedented Records Right After Release: The Dynamic Duo Kim Da-mi & Son Suk-ku
Disney+ Korea has struck gold with its latest original series Nine Puzzles, which has taken both the streaming world and critics by storm. Released with a bold drop of six episodes out of 11, the psychological thriller soared to No. 1 on Disney+ Korea’s domestic chart and Kinolights’ overall OTT rankings—becoming the fastest-rising Korean thriller of 2025.
Tightly written and expertly acted, Nine Puzzles is shaping up to be the most talked-about series of the summer.
A Chilling Plot Anchored by a Complex Heroine
At the core of Nine Puzzles is Yun I-na, portrayed by Kim Da-mi, who last saw her uncle alive before his mysterious murder. With no memory of the event and a cold, unreadable demeanor, she became the prime suspect. Years later, now a top-tier criminal profiler, I-na is dragged back into a twisted game of murders connected by cryptic puzzle pieces—one that seems custom-built to force her to remember the past she’s buried.
Opposite her is Son Seok Gu as detective Kim Han-saem, whose initial suspicion never quite faded. His brooding, restrained performance adds emotional weight to the layered narrative, building tension between him and I-na as they navigate old wounds and new horrors.
Praise for Performances and Production Quality
Kim Da-mi stuns as both the emotionally blank teenager and the laser-sharp profiler, shifting seamlessly between timelines. Her unsettling gaze and emotionally fractured performance make I-na one of the most intriguing female leads in recent K-drama history. Meanwhile, Son Suk-ku‘s nuanced portrayal of a weary detective creates an intense on-screen chemistry that deepens the emotional stakes.
The series balances slick, cinematic visuals with a grounded, gritty realism—especially in its action and suspense scenes. Instead of relying on cheap thrills, Nine Puzzles builds dread through atmosphere, complex characters, and psychological depth.
A Refreshing Jolt to the 2025 Korean Drama Market
In a year marked by underwhelming ratings and few breakout hits, Nine Puzzles arrives like a thunderclap. Viewers and critics alike are praising its innovative structure, razor-sharp script, and binge-worthy format. It’s a rare example of a series that rewards attention to detail—offering clues, misdirection, and revelations with each episode.
The decision to drop six episodes at once has helped fuel online buzz and binge-watch culture, setting Nine Puzzles apart in a saturated market. As more episodes roll out, anticipation only grows for how this twisted puzzle will finally come together.
