‘Nine Puzzles’, the highly anticipated mystery thriller, has released an in-depth character spotlight that takes a closer look at the psychological intricacies of its two lead characters: profiler Yoon Yi Na (played by Kim Da Mi) and detective Kim Han Saem (played by Son Suk Ku). The series promises to unravel a gripping tale of obsession, trauma, and unresolved secrets, with both protagonists facing personal demons as they work together to solve a chilling new serial murder case.
Set in a tense and suspense-filled atmosphere, ‘Nine Puzzles’ follows Yi Na, the witness to her uncle’s murder a decade ago, who has long been a suspect in the unsolved case. Her journey intersects with Han Saem, a determined detective who still believes she may be involved. Their uneasy partnership becomes crucial when a series of murders linked to mysterious puzzle pieces begins to unfold, testing their resolve as they search for answers and confront their respective pasts.
In the teaser, Yoon Yi Na’s character is defined by the trauma of witnessing her uncle’s brutal murder. As the only witness to the crime, Yi Na’s life has been haunted by that event. However, her trauma is further complicated by a critical gap in her memory—she can’t recall the details of what happened that night. Kim Da Mi explains that her character is “still stuck in that moment from childhood,” suggesting that the emotional and psychological damage from the crime continues to shape Yi Na in profound ways.
Yi Na confesses she doesn’t remember anything from that day, a statement that points to her fractured sense of reality. This memory loss, while central to the story, is not an uncommon response to trauma. Criminal profiler Kim Yoon Hee, who consulted on the series, emphasizes, “Memory loss after a traumatic event isn’t unusual. Sometimes memories don’t surface until much later. Considering she experienced being at the murder scene in high school, the trauma would be enormous.” Yi Na’s inability to recall critical details about the murder creates an emotional and psychological barrier she must overcome as she seeks to understand what really happened.
As the new case unfolds, Yi Na must confront not just external mysteries but also internal ones, unlocking secrets that may help her piece together the past and finally heal. Her journey is as much about facing her haunting memories as it is about finding the truth behind the murder.
In stark contrast to Yi Na’s emotional turmoil, Kim Han Saem’s obsession with the case defines his every action. The unsolved murder from a decade ago was his first case as a detective, and it continues to linger over him. Han Saem’s drive is not simply professional—it’s personal. This unresolved case represents a failure he cannot let go of, propelling him into an unrelenting search for answers.
Son Suk Ku, who portrays Han Saem, describes the detective as someone whose desperation to solve the case stems from the emotional weight of it being his first major investigation. “That’s why he’s become so obsessed with the case and desperate to catch the killer,” says Suk Ku, highlighting how Han Saem’s fixation has made him single-minded in his pursuit of justice, to the point where he risks his career and personal life in the process.
Director Yoon Jong Bin further elaborates on Han Saem’s character, saying that he is a man “who pushes forward with his convictions, even when challenged by his superiors.” Han Saem’s resolve is made clear in a powerful moment from the teaser, where he directly confronts Yi Na, asking, “Let me ask you again. Did you kill him, Yoon Yi Na?” This line captures the simmering tension between the two characters, each grappling with their inner conflicts while reluctantly working together to solve the case.
The dynamic between Yi Na and Han Saem lies at the core of ‘Nine Puzzles’, with each character driven by contrasting psychological forces. Yi Na is trapped by her traumatic past, while Han Saem is consumed by a relentless need to solve the case. Both are defined by their internal struggles; Yi Na is burdened by her memories and uncertainty, while Han Saem is driven by his obsessive need for closure and justice.
Their journey in the series involves navigating these emotional obstacles. Yi Na must confront the trauma that has defined her, while Han Saem’s obsession could ultimately cloud his judgment and put his pursuit of justice in jeopardy. The contrast between their psychological states sets the stage for a compelling narrative, where the past and present are constantly in conflict.
‘Nine Puzzles’ is set to release its first six episodes on May 21, with three additional episodes arriving on May 28. The final two episodes will be available on June 4, completing the 11-episode arc. The series promises to blend character-driven drama with a nail-biting mystery, offering both suspense and deep psychological exploration. With its complex characters and emotionally charged storyline, ‘Nine Puzzles’ looks to be more than just a typical crime thriller.
Written by: Aanchal Pathak
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