Disney+ series “Nine Puzzles” has become one of the most-watched Korean shows on the platform this year, drawing viewers into a stylized detective drama that blends comic-book flair with the atmosphere of a classic mystery novel.
Set in a fictional Seoul, the series follows two unconventional investigators: Yoon E-na (played by Kim Da-mi), a profiler with almost cartoon-like traits, and Kim Han-saem (Son Suk-ku), a hot-headed detective who rips off his cap whenever he loses his temper. Together, they uncover a series of murders linked to cryptic puzzles and a hidden past involving urban redevelopment.
The series marks a surprising turn for director Yoon Jong-bin, known for hard-hitting, male-centric dramas like “Narco-Saints” (2022) and “Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time” (2012). With “Nine Puzzles,” Yoon swaps gritty realism for a quirky, imaginative world that feels closer to manga than true crime.
“This isn’t a story that could happen in the real world,” Yoon said in a recent interview with Chosun Ilbo. “But in the world of detective comics, it made perfect sense. I wanted to build a universe that sits somewhere between reality and manga, and that became the show’s unique identity.”
“Nine Puzzles” follows a series of murders linked to a mysterious puzzle, which gradually uncovers a revenge story rooted in an old redevelopment conflict at a traditional market. Beyond the plot, the characters stand out. Kim Da-mi’s stylized portrayal of Yoon E-na initially drew mixed reactions but grew more compelling as the story unfolded. Her detective role, echoing the charm of legends like Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes, has fans eager for a second season.
Visually, the mystery drama stands out with its bold color palette and contrasting backdrops. “There’s fire and blood, so red had to be prominent,” Yoon explained. “But we balanced it with other tones to keep the mood vibrant, not heavy.” The series contrasts old and new: Han-saem’s home and the Hangang Police Station are depicted as aged buildings, while the new apartments and Seoul Police Headquarters symbolize modern redevelopment, visually reflecting the tension between past and present.
Yoon is returning to film for his next project. “Film is still my main work,” he said. “Working on the OTT series made me think deeply about cinema. With 11 episodes and about 1.5 times the shooting time, it sometimes felt like a factory meeting a quota.”
He added, “OTT will keep growing, and I’ll work in that space when the opportunity comes. But I hope theaters continue to thrive. We need both.”
