The intense psychological thriller “Nine Puzzles,” starring Kim Da Mi and Son Suk Ku, finished its run on June 4, 2025, with a shocking final episode. The series brought a decade-old mystery to a close while setting the stage for more thrilling events. Viewers were deeply involved in the show’s complex story, its characters who are not entirely good or bad, and a villain whose sad past made her actions even more disturbing.
The story of “Nine Puzzles” centered on profiler Yoon Yi Na (Kim Da Mi), who witnessed a murder as a child that was never solved. Years later, she found herself caught in a new series of killings. Working with the doubting detective Kim Han Saem (Son Suk Ku), she started to put the pieces of the puzzle together, both literally and figuratively.
The identity of the killer was revealed in the last episodes: it was Yi Naโs trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Lee Seung Joo (Park Gyu Young). Her reasons for the killings came from a deep personal trauma connected to the destruction of Shindonga Market. Her mother died during a forceful eviction at the market. As a child, Lee Seung Joo, whose original name was Lee Seol, disappeared into the foster care system, unaware of her mother’s death.
park gyuyoung ate this role up. the way she played the psychiatrist.. so soft, so composed like the only one truly trying to help ena.. and then the reveal?? she was so cold and terrifying without even raising her voice.. easily MY FAVOURITE ROLE OF HERS!!#NinePuzzlespic.twitter.com/dbOMADHlIH
As Yi Na and Han Saem looked deeper into the cases, it became clear that each of the murdered victims had a part in hiding the truth about the market’s demolition. Every death was a message and a form of justice against those involved, from corrupt officials and greedy developers to reporters who twisted the facts. This intricate network of guilt slowly came to light, showing the true extent of the cover-up.
the one thing i absolutely loved was the development in ena & hansaemโs relationship. He went from having a valid suspicion on her to being the only person who stood by her side till the end, definitely my fav profiler x detective duo๐ฅน #ninepuzzlespic.twitter.com/09WB7JJHSQ
Flashbacks in the series showed how the incident at Shindonga Market was twisted and covered up. For instance, Reporter Lee Gang Hyun changed the story to make Seung Jooโs mother seem unstable. Yi Naโs uncle, Dong Hoon, accepted bribes in the form of real estate to keep the case quiet. These actions by various individuals created a web of deceit that had long-lasting consequences for everyone involved, especially for the young Lee Seol.
Captain Yang, a character who unknowingly played a part, also helped Lee Seung Joo connect the dots years later, leading her down a path of revenge. The series carefully laid out how these individual actions, seemingly small at the time, built up to a massive conspiracy that shaped Seung Joo’s tragic transformation into a killer. The layers of corruption and betrayal were slowly peeled back, revealing the deep-seated problems within the system.
In the final episode, Dr. Seung Joo tricked Yi Na into coming to The One City theme park. This was where she planned her final act of revenge. Despite Yi Naโs urgent pleas, Seung Joo chose to end her own life in the same spot where she once waited for her mother to come back. This act symbolized both her deep sadness and her change into a killer. She died in a fire that she started herself, making sure that no one else would decide how her story ended.
Yi Na was heartbroken by the truth about her uncleโs part in the cover-up. She tried to quit her job, but instead, she was given time off. However, just when it seemed that everything was over, a new murder happened. A single puzzle piece was found at the crime scene, suggesting that the game might not be finished. Yi Na quietly went back to the crime scene, holding the new puzzle piece, leaving viewers wondering what would happen next.
While Disney+ has not yet confirmed a second season for “Nine Puzzles,” the unclear ending certainly leaves the door open for the story to continue. With a new puzzle piece appearing and Yi Na stepping back into her role as an investigator, the series might not be done exploring its dark and mysterious world. The biggest question remains whether she will be solving the next case or if she will become the next target. The show’s creators have left a lot of room for speculation, keeping the audience invested in the characters’ fates.
The ambiguity of the ending has led to much discussion among fans about the possibility of “Nine Puzzles” returning. The complex character development and the unresolved threads from the first season make a strong case for a continuation. Viewers are eager to see how Yi Na will handle this new challenge, especially with the personal impact the previous cases had on her. The show’s ability to blend a deep psychological plot with a compelling mystery has made it a standout.
The series has been praised for its strong performances, particularly by Kim Da Mi and Son Suk Ku, who brought depth and nuance to their roles. Their chemistry and the complex dynamic between their characters were central to the show’s appeal. The intricate plot, which slowly revealed the layers of a decade-old conspiracy, kept audiences guessing until the very end. The dark themes and moral questions explored in “Nine Puzzles” have resonated deeply with viewers.
The production quality, including the detailed sets and the moody atmosphere, contributed to the overall suspense and tension of the series. The use of symbolism, such as the puzzle pieces and the theme park setting, added another layer of depth to the storytelling. The showโs ending, while leaving many questions unanswered, successfully brought the main antagonist’s story to a tragic and powerful close, providing a form of closure even as it hinted at future conflicts.
The open-ended nature of the finale suggests that the world of “Nine Puzzles” is rich enough for further exploration. The introduction of a new mystery right after the resolution of the main plot ensures that there is still plenty of intrigue for a potential second season. Fans are hopeful that Disney+ will greenlight a continuation, allowing them to dive back into the intricate world of crime and conspiracy that “Nine Puzzles” so skillfully created.
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