In 2025, Korean dramas continue to push boundaries, and the latest proof lies in Nine Puzzles — a cerebral crime thriller that has quickly become the most viewed Korean title on Disney+ Hotstar globally. With its dark, suspenseful plot and stellar cast, this new K-drama is captivating audiences worldwide.
Released on May 21, Nine Puzzles stars Kim Dami in one of her most complex roles to date, alongside Son Sukku, Kim Sungkyun, and Hyun Bongsik. Within weeks of its debut, the show has already broken viewership records, becoming the top Korean title on Disney+ Hotstar in 2025, not just in Asia-Pacific, but worldwide.
The story centers around Yoon Ena, a high school girl whose life is turned upside down after discovering her uncle’s dead body with a lone puzzle piece beside it. With no memory of what happened or how she ended up at the scene, she quickly becomes the main suspect. Fast forward a decade — Ena has become a criminal profiler. But her past resurfaces when a new wave of murders emerges, each crime scene marked by a single puzzle piece, just like the one from her uncle’s case.
The show skillfully blends psychological tension, intricate storytelling, and powerful performances. Kim Dami delivers a nuanced portrayal of Yoon Ena, balancing vulnerability and determination as she tries to uncover the truth about her past while stopping a present-day serial killer. Son Sukku plays Detective Kim Hansaem, a sharp investigator who isn’t entirely convinced of Ena’s innocence and shares a complicated dynamic with her.
Nine Puzzles : Korean Originals on Disney+ Hotstar
Directed by Yoon Jongbin, known for Narco Saints and The Spy Gone North, and written by Lee Eunmi (Tunnel, Navillera), Nine Puzzles carries the signature traits of a high-quality Korean thriller: layered characters, atmospheric cinematography, and plot twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
In addition to being a commercial success, Nine Puzzles has garnered critical praise for its deep psychological themes and storytelling. The puzzle motif serves as a compelling metaphor for memory, guilt, and trauma, all central to Ena’s journey. Each episode peels back another layer of the mystery, pulling the viewer deeper into a web of secrets that spans years.
Nine Puzzles is part of the growing slate of Korean Originals on Disney+ Hotstar, which has been making significant strides in 2025. Earlier this year, titles like Unmasked and Hyper Knife kept fans hooked with their gripping plots.
And the rest of the year promises more excitement, with upcoming shows like Low Life, a treasure-hunting adventure, and Tempest, an international conspiracy drama starring a global cast including John Cho and Gang Dongwon.
With K-dramas becoming a dominant force in the global streaming industry, Nine Puzzles is yet another example of why viewers can’t get enough of the genre. Its combination of suspense, emotional storytelling, and world-class acting makes it a standout title — and a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and mystery dramas.
For those who haven’t started watching yet, the first nine episodes of Nine Puzzles are now streaming exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar. Whether you’re a seasoned K-drama fan or just getting into the genre, this series offers a gripping, cerebral experience you won’t want to miss.
So, if you’re looking for the next binge-worthy K-drama to sink your teeth into, Nine Puzzles might just be the perfect fit. Unravel the mystery — one piece at a time.
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