Latest news with #NinePuzzles
The Sun
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Criminal minds
DISNEY+ continues to cement its place as a hub for quality K-dramas with Nine Puzzles, a gripping psychological crime series directed by Yoon Jong-bin and penned by Lee Eun-mi. This 11-episode thriller packages emotional trauma, criminal profiling and unresolved mysteries into a layered narrative that keeps viewers guessing. At the centre of the story is Yoon E-na, played with haunting intensity by Kim Da-mi. As a teenager, E-na stumbled upon the lifeless body of her beloved uncle with a single puzzle piece ominously left at the crime scene. Although the case never led to charges, E-na became the prime suspect in the eyes of detective Kim Han-saem (Son Suk-ku). The stigma stuck and the case went cold but the emotional scars remained. Years later, E-na has transformed into a profiler for the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, working to understand the minds of criminals while struggling with her own unresolved trauma. When a new murder emerges with disturbingly similar characteristics to her uncle's case, E-na is forced to reopen old wounds. She is also made to partner with Han-saem, the very man who once believed she was a killer. Their dynamic is at the core of the drama. Da-mi portrays E-na with restrained fury and calculated calm, while Son delivers a subtle performance as a detective grappling with guilt, doubt and professional duty. Their uneasy alliance is less about redemption and more about recognition of each other's pain and shared obsession with the truth. Visually, Nine Puzzles leans into darkness. Jong-bin's direction favours long silences, dim lighting and slow reveals, crafting an atmosphere that is as unsettling as it is intriguing. Composer Jo Yeong-wook, known for his work on Oldboy and The Handmaiden, heightens the mood with a chilling score that creeps in at the right moments. The pacing is slow in the first few episodes, but purposefully so. Each scene, line of dialogue and expression is loaded with significance. What might feel like a lull is actually the show laying down the emotional groundwork for the twists and turns that follow. Viewers who stick with it will find themselves rewarded with a thriller that values psychological realism over flashy dramatics. Supporting performances from Kim Sung-kyun and Hyeon Bong-sik add balance and weight to the cast, helping ground the series in procedural reality while E-na and Han-saem pursue a more personal kind of justice. With just enough questions answered and more still unresolved, the first half sets the stage for an intense escalation. Nine Puzzles is now streaming on Disney+. The final two episodes will air this Wednesday. DIRECTOR: Yoon Jong-bin CAST: Kim Da-mi, Son Suk-ku, Kim Sung-kyun, Hyeon Bong-sik E-VALUE: 7 PLOT: 7 ACTING: 8
The Sun
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Nine Puzzles delivers gripping psychological thriller
DISNEY+ continues to cement its place as a hub for quality K-dramas with Nine Puzzles, a gripping psychological crime series directed by Yoon Jong-bin and penned by Lee Eun-mi. This 11-episode thriller packages emotional trauma, criminal profiling and unresolved mysteries into a layered narrative that keeps viewers guessing. At the centre of the story is Yoon E-na, played with haunting intensity by Kim Da-mi. As a teenager, E-na stumbled upon the lifeless body of her beloved uncle with a single puzzle piece ominously left at the crime scene. Although the case never led to charges, E-na became the prime suspect in the eyes of detective Kim Han-saem (Son Suk-ku). The stigma stuck and the case went cold but the emotional scars remained. Years later, E-na has transformed into a profiler for the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, working to understand the minds of criminals while struggling with her own unresolved trauma. When a new murder emerges with disturbingly similar characteristics to her uncle's case, E-na is forced to reopen old wounds. She is also made to partner with Han-saem, the very man who once believed she was a killer. Their dynamic is at the core of the drama. Da-mi portrays E-na with restrained fury and calculated calm, while Son delivers a subtle performance as a detective grappling with guilt, doubt and professional duty. Their uneasy alliance is less about redemption and more about recognition of each other's pain and shared obsession with the truth. Visually, Nine Puzzles leans into darkness. Jong-bin's direction favours long silences, dim lighting and slow reveals, crafting an atmosphere that is as unsettling as it is intriguing. Composer Jo Yeong-wook, known for his work on Oldboy and The Handmaiden, heightens the mood with a chilling score that creeps in at the right moments. The pacing is slow in the first few episodes, but purposefully so. Each scene, line of dialogue and expression is loaded with significance. What might feel like a lull is actually the show laying down the emotional groundwork for the twists and turns that follow. Viewers who stick with it will find themselves rewarded with a thriller that values psychological realism over flashy dramatics. Supporting performances from Kim Sung-kyun and Hyeon Bong-sik add balance and weight to the cast, helping ground the series in procedural reality while E-na and Han-saem pursue a more personal kind of justice. With just enough questions answered and more still unresolved, the first half sets the stage for an intense escalation. Nine Puzzles is now streaming on Disney+. The final two episodes will air this Wednesday. E-VALUE: 7 PLOT: 7 ACTING: 8
Pink Villa
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Our Unwritten Seoul's Park Bo Young tops buzzworthy actor list, here's how Son Suk Ku manages to appear twice
Our Unwritten Seoul debuted in the buzzworthy drama and actor list after the airing of its second week's episodes. Dear Hongrang also made it to the actor list, weeks after the conclusion of the multi-genre drama. Check out how the South Korean series fared in the domestic sphere, as per Good Data Corporation's latest report for the week spanning May 26 to June 1. Our Unwritten Seoul's Park Bo Young, who impressed as twin sisters Yoo Mi Rae and Yoo Mi Ji, debuted in the buzzworthy drama list at No. 1. She is followed by Heavenly Ever After's Kim Hye Ja. The series concluded last week with its highest recorded ratings, making it currently the most buzzed about drama. Its male lead Son Su Kyu made history by featuring in the actor list twice. He clinched both No. 4 and No. 5 spots with Heavenly Ever After and Nine Puzzles respectively. His Nine Puzzles co-star Kim Da Mi is one spot above him in the actor list. Among the debutants, we have Our Unwritten Seoul's Park Jinyoung and Dear Hongrang's Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah at 8th, 6th and 10th spots respectively. Among dramas, the new show A Head Coach's Turnover made its first appearance at No. 10. The Haunted Palace held its place in both the drama and actor list ahead of its finale's premiere. Tastefully Yours and GOOD BOY rounded off the top 5 of drama list. Check out the top 10 lists below. Top 10 most buzzworthy K-dramas of this week: JTBC's Heavenly Ever After tvN's Our Unwritten Seoul SBS's The Haunted Palace ENA's Tastefully Yours JTBC's GOOD BOY tvN's Second Shot at Love KBS2's For Eagle Brothers KBS2's Pump Up the Healthy Love SBS's Spring of Youth MBC's A Head Coach's Turnover Top 10 most buzzworthy K-drama actors of this week: Park Bo Young (Our Unwritten Seoul) Kim Hye Ja (Heavenly Ever After) Kim Da Mi (Nine Puzzles) Son Suk Ku (Heavenly Ever After Son Suk Ku (Nine Puzzles) Lee Jae Wook (Dear Hongrang) Yook Sungjae (The Haunted Palace) Jinyoung (Our Unwritten Seoul) Han Ji Min (Heavenly Ever After) Jo Bo Ah (Dear Hongrang)
The Review Geek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Nine Puzzles – K-drama Episode 8 Recap & Review
Episode 8 Episode 8 of Nine Puzzles begins with Cheol-jin heading out on his yacht in Jeju. It cuts to him dozing in the middle of the sea. Someone shows up and he freaks out. At present, the Hangang cops are told about I-na's arrest. She refuses to say anything and is her nonchalant and playful self which frustrates Han-saem. Even Captain Yang and Chief Hyun show up and try to help her but she finds it odd that Yang is vouching for her innocence. Surprisingly, Dr. Hwang and Dr. Lee are in Jeju for the former's seminar on darkness and retaliation. Han-saem reaches out to them and they show up as well in hopes that I-na will talk to them. I-na simply gives the latest puzzle piece to Lee to hand to Han-saem. The piece shows a man in a burger-eating competition. Han-saem asks Yang again why he didn't mention the puzzle at Reporter Lee's crime scene. Yang claims he didn't trust Han-saem since he is close to I-na. And Yang still insists that she is hiding something. At his wits' end, Han-saem begs I-na to help him understand her motives but she continues to goof around. However, she gives him a lead for her alibi – the taxi service. The murder took place between 5 pm and 8 pm and I-na left the yacht at 5 pm. While at a red light, the puzzle piece was delivered. Once I-na is cleared, she tells Han-saem her plan. The killer has been leading her and for once, she decided to call the shots. She framed herself for Cheol-jin's murder as she knows the killer wants her free and alive for his game. That means whoever tried to help her is the killer or the accomplice. The suspects include Chief Hyun, Captain Yang, Dr. Lee and Dr. Hwang. Han-saem comments that he also brought Choi San to Jeju with him. Back in Seoul, I-na questions Dr. Lee about her presence in Jeju. Lee realises she is a suspect and plays along. I-na finds it odd that Lee stuck with a difficult case like hers for 10 years. Lee simply claims that she wanted to one-up I-na's previous therapist, Dr. Hwang who failed to help. Before I-na leaves, she snoops around Dr. Hwang's room. Meanwhile, Han-saem starts looking into the suspects, the first one being Captain Yang. He speaks to Yang's former partner at Mapo precinct. Apparently, Yang was mysterious and unfriendly. The one time they had drinks, Yang ran out, claiming his sibling was in trouble. But he doesn't have a sibling as he comes from an orphanage. It was the night Dong-hoon died and when Yang returned, he was wet from the rain. Matters worsen as the bar they were at is Jinhui Bar, the one at the crossroads to Dong-hoon's house. Han-saem realises Yang could have taken the shortcut and reached Dong-hoon's before I-na. Officially, Chief Hyun puts up a task force for the puzzle killer case and has Dong-su lead it. I-na briefs them about the six puzzle pieces, how the murders are connected and that three more murders are left to complete the puzzle. After work, Han-saem and I-na drink while discussing Yang and how he may be the puzzle killer. Han-saem cites LA Confidential, his favourite movie and banters with her as she has not seen it. And she tells him of her meeting with Cheol-jin. A flashback shows I-na telling Cheol-jin about the puzzle killer. Since he oversaw The One City construction, he is sure he is the next victim. He mentions the Yoons and she is surprised that he was close to her parents. He also comments how she was supposed to be close to his son, Yeong-hun. Before the next debrief, Han-saem tells Dong-su that he suspects Yang. During the meeting, the cops learn that Cheol-jin was choked to death. Yang notices that Han-saem is missing and Dong-su is vague. Yang knows that Han-saem is looking into him courtesy of his Mapo contact. He is not deterred that Han-saem suspects him and declares he will find the killer. He then meets I-na and asks what she saw from the rooftop when Reporter Lee was killed. She lies and he decides to wait till she comes clean. It doesn't look good for him as flight records show him in Jeju a month ago and then on the day Cheol-jin died. Desperate, Han-saem has I-na's superior attempt hypnosis on Choi San. And as predicted, he recalls Yang pocketing the missing handkerchief from Yoon-su's crime scene. At the end of Nine Puzzles Episode 8, Han-saem storms up to Yang who pulls out the handkerchief. The Episode Review Nine Puzzles Episode 8 proves that the show does its best work when focusing on the mystery rather than its characters' unique traits. I-na once again acts all quirky and different which frustrates the other characters till she comes clean that it is all an act. But it doesn't make sense for her to behave in such a manner even when she is alone with Han-saem who, by the way, she trusts wholly. It adds to the argument that her neurodivergence is a plot device and aesthetic for that eccentric and quirky tone the director is going for. It ruins an otherwise completely solid murder mystery with its dark and sombre atmosphere, the emotional music and the actors' performances. Despite not investing much in the dynamic between Yang and Han-saem, Son Suk-u gives viewers a believable and heartwrenching portrayal of Han-saem who is heartbroken by Yang's betrayal. It is just a shame that the show doesn't trust its story and its cast to give us a thrilling experience and keeps pushing for the quirky angle. Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!
Pink Villa
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Nine Puzzles Ep 7-9: Release date, what you can expect, when and where to watch part 2 of Kim Da Mi-Son Suk Ku's thriller
Kim Da Mi and Son Suk Ku's Nine Puzzles have been straight-up captivating audiences from the very first teaser, trailer, and poster to every sneak peek dropped. This gripping thriller has totally fed the cravings of suspense junkies everywhere, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats and hungry for more. And guess what? The wait is finally over—episodes 7 through 9 are dropping today, May 28 (Wednesday). Since its premiere last week, the buzz around Nine Puzzles has only grown stronger. The series has not only received rave reviews from critics but has also sparked lively conversations across social media platforms. Fans are now counting down the hours to dive into the latest episodes. Find out when and where to watch Nine Puzzles episodes 7 to 9 The much-anticipated episodes 7 to 9 of Nine Puzzles will be released today, May 28. Fans around the world can stream the new episodes on major OTT platforms starting at 4 PM KST. For viewers in India, the episodes will be available at 12:30 noon on Jio Cinema, making it easy for everyone to catch the next thrilling chapters of this suspense-packed series. When Past Secrets Resurface, Trust Becomes the Ultimate Nine Puzzle Get ready for Nine Puzzles, a gripping Korean drama that weaves suspense, crime, and psychological intrigue into one intense package. The story follows Yoon Yi Na, a criminal profiler haunted by a brutal murder she witnessed ten years ago. Despite her detailed account, Detective Kim Han Saem has always been skeptical of her involvement. But when a series of chilling new murders rocks the city, each marked by a cryptic puzzle piece at the crime scenes, Yi Na and Han Saem are forced into an uneasy alliance. What begins as a straightforward investigation quickly twists into a dangerous mind game filled with suspicion, tension, and a surprising emotional connection between them. As the clues from the past and present collide, the stakes rise—pushing Yi Na and Han Saem not just to solve the case, but to confront their own doubts and fears before the killer strikes again. Expect a thrilling ride of mystery, psychological drama, and a complex partnership forged in the heat of danger. Nine Puzzles boasts a stellar ensemble cast Kim Da Mi as Yoon Yi Na, a sharp and enigmatic criminal profiler with a haunting past Son Suk Ku as Kim Han Saem, a seasoned detective whose skepticism about Yi Na's innocence adds tension to their collaboration Kim Sung Kyun as Yang Jeong Ho, the composed leader of the police team Hyun Bong Sik as Choi San, a meticulous forensic officer Kwak Ja Hyung as No Su Gwang, a steadfast and loyal police officer
