The mystery thriller “Nine Puzzles“ has gripped viewers with its intense storyline and unexpected twists. Starring Kim Da-mi, the drama follows a woman who discovers her uncle’s murder and becomes entangled in a dangerous game of secrets. Here’s a detailed recap of episodes 1-6, covering key events, clues, and shocking revelations.
Episode 1: A Shocking Discovery
Kim Da-mi plays Lee Ji-won, a quiet bookstore employee who lives a simple life. Her world turns upside down when she finds her uncle Lee Min-ho dead in his apartment. The police arrive and quickly label it a suicide, but Ji-won notices strange details—bloodstains in odd places and a missing watch her uncle always wore.
While cleaning his apartment, she discovers a hidden puzzle piece under his desk. This leads her to a storage unit where she finds a box full of similar puzzle pieces, each with cryptic symbols. Before she can investigate further, Detective Kang Joon-hyuk (played by Yoo Teo) arrives and questions her aggressively.
“Why were you the last person to see him alive?” he asks, making it clear Ji-won is the main suspect.
Episode 2: The First Puzzle Clue
Ji-won realizes her uncle left behind a trail of clues. The first puzzle piece leads her to an old library, where she finds a book with a marked page containing coordinates. Meanwhile, Detective Kang digs into her past and finds inconsistencies in her alibi.
Flashbacks reveal Ji-won’s strained relationship with her uncle, who was a former investigative journalist. He had been researching a high-profile corruption case before his death. Ji-won’s childhood friend, Park Seo-joon (played by Ahn Hyo-seop), warns her to stop digging, but she refuses.
Episode 3: A Hidden Conspiracy
Following the coordinates, Ji-won arrives at an abandoned warehouse. Inside, she finds documents linking her uncle to a powerful business group, Hanwool Corporation. The files suggest they were involved in illegal deals, and her uncle was close to exposing them.
At the same time, Detective Kang receives an anonymous tip framing Ji-won for her uncle’s murder. Security footage from the night of the death is mysteriously deleted. Ji-won’s fingerprints are found on the murder weapon—a knife from her own kitchen.
Episode 4: The Second Suspect
Ji-won learns her uncle had a secret partner, Choi Yoon-seo (played by Jeon So-nee), who also disappears after his death. She tracks Yoon-seo to a remote motel, only to find her badly injured. Before Yoon-seo can explain, unknown assailants attack them.
Detective Kang arrives just in time, but Yoon-seo dies in the hospital, whispering, “The puzzles… lead to the truth.” Ji-won escapes, now a fugitive. The media brands her a killer, and public opinion turns against her.
Episode 5: A Mysterious Benefactor
On the run, Ji-won receives help from an anonymous source who sends her another puzzle piece. This one leads to a safety deposit box containing a USB drive. The files inside reveal a list of names—high-ranking officials and business leaders connected to Hanwool Corporation.
Meanwhile, Detective Kang begins doubting Ji-won’s guilt. His superior, Chief Hong (played by Kim Sang-ho), pressures him to close the case quickly. Kang discovers that evidence is being manipulated, but before he can act, he’s reassigned.
Episode 6: The Truth Behind the Murder
Ji-won deciphers the next clue, leading her to her uncle’s old colleague, Professor Kwon (played by Jang Hyun-sung). He reveals that Lee Min-ho was about to expose a massive bribery scandal involving Hanwool and several politicians.
“They killed him because he knew too much,” Professor Kwon says. He gives Ji-won another puzzle piece, warning her that the final clue is the most dangerous. As she leaves, masked men attack the professor’s home. Ji-won barely escapes, realizing she’s being hunted.
Why Is Ji-won the Main Suspect?
Her fingerprints were planted on the murder weapon.
The security footage was altered to show her at the crime scene.
Detective Kang was fed false information by higher-ups.
Hanwool Corporation is framing her to bury the scandal.
Ji-won now has two choices—solve the final puzzle to clear her name or disappear forever.
Fan Reactions
Viewers are hooked on the suspense and Kim Da-mi’s gripping performance.
“The way the puzzles connect is genius! Who else thinks Detective Kang is hiding something?” – @kdrama_fan
“Kim Da-mi’s acting is next level. That warehouse scene had me holding my breath!” – @mystery_lover
“This is the best thriller of the year. I need episode 7 now!” – @bingewatcher
With six episodes down, the stakes are higher than ever. Will Ji-won uncover the full truth? Is Detective Kang truly on her side? The next episodes promise more twists as the puzzle comes together.
Credits: Sources include OCN, Korean media reports, and fan discussions.
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