‘Nine Puzzles’: The Next Global Thriller Hit from the Makers of ‘Narco-Saints’ and ‘The Spy Gone North’

The production company behind global thriller hits like ‘The Spy Gone North’, ‘Narco-Saints’, and ‘Fateful History’ is back in the spotlight. On May 21, Film Company Wolkwang will unveil its highly anticipated Disney+ original mystery thriller series, ‘Nine Puzzles’. Directed by Yoon Jong-bin, noted for his edge-of-your-seat storytelling, the series is poised to captivate global audiences yet again.

Following the global acclaim of ‘Narco-Saints’, this marks Yoon’s second foray into the serial format. Co-produced by Film Company Wolkwang and Kakao Entertainment, ‘Nine Puzzles’ centers around a gripping story: profiler Lee Na (Kim Da-mi), both the sole witness and a potential suspect in an unsolved murder case from 10 years ago, joins forces—albeit tensely—with elite detective Han Saem (Son Suk-ku). Together, they unravel a new string of serial murders connected by mysterious puzzle pieces.

Yoon explained in a recent press conference that the script’s initial pull was irresistible, blending reality with a surreal, almost graphic novel-like tone for a wholly unique visual experience. His departure from gritty realism to stylized suspense indicates a fresh direction for the genre.

Film Company Wolkwang is building a solid reputation as a thriller powerhouse. With ‘The Spy Gone North’ (2018) tackling geopolitical espionage, and ‘Narco-Saints’ (2022) delving into undercover missions within drug cartels—both delivering riveting tension and narrative complexity—the studio has consistently pushed the boundaries of the thriller genre. ‘Fateful History’ further cemented its success with rapid, twist-filled storytelling.

Adding to the series’ allure is its stellar cast. Kim Da-mi, known for multifaceted roles in ‘The Witch’, ‘Itaewon Class’, and ‘Our Beloved Summer’, plays Lee Na, a brilliant yet emotionally restrained profiler with a haunted past. Her sharp memory and profound insights clash with lingering self-doubt over her involvement in her uncle’s death a decade ago.

Son Suk-ku, currently winning hearts in JTBC’s ‘More Beautiful Than Heaven’, transforms into meticulous detective Han Saem. A crime fiction aficionado with a laser focus on detail, Han remains deeply suspicious of Lee Na. Their dynamic—equal parts partnership and psychological chess match—forms the backbone of the show’s suspenseful narrative.

‘Nine Puzzles’ will consist of 11 episodes. The first six drop on May 21, followed by episodes 7–9 on May 28, and the final two episodes on June 4. As anticipation builds, all eyes are on how Yoon Jong-bin and Film Company Wolkwang will redefine the psychological thriller once again.