Sohn Seok-gu Reinvents Himself in New Disney+ Thriller ‘Nine Puzzle’

Korean actor Sohn Seok-gu is making waves again with his transformation from a charming romantic lead to a calculated elite detective in the new Disney+ thriller “Nine Puzzle”.

After capturing viewers’ hearts on JTBC’s acclaimed drama “More Beautiful Than a Heaven”—where he starred opposite veteran actress Kim Hye-ja in a transcendent age-gap romance—Sohn is now turning heads with a completely different role.

In “Nine Puzzle”, premiering globally on May 21, Sohn stars as Kim Han-sam, a perfectionist detective investigating a chilling series of connected murders, tied to an unresolved case from a decade ago. The detective character is a sharp contrast to his previous portrayal of instinct-driven crime solver in Netflix’s “A Killer Paradox” (“살인자ㅇ난감”).

Directed by Sohn’s self-professed favorite filmmaker, Yoon Jong-bin—renowned for hits like “The War Against Crime: The Golden Age of Bad Guys”, “The Spy Gone North”, and Netflix’s “Suriname”—the thriller is expected to heighten the tension with top-tier storytelling and strong character dynamics.

Adding another layer of suspense is Sohn’s chemistry with co-star Kim Da-mi, who plays a profiler and a key witness to the cold case. Their relationship mirrors the tension of a tightrope walk; neither mere allies nor enemies, but a unique connection that defies definition. Sohn noted at a recent press event that deciphering and portraying this extraordinary relationship was the most challenging and rewarding part of the role.

Also joining the cast are esteemed actors Kim Sung-kyun and Hyun Bong-sik, promising a tightly woven ensemble performance.

The 11-episode thriller will be released on Disney+ in three parts: the first six episodes on May 21, followed by three episodes on May 28, and the final two on June 4.

Sohn Seok-gu continues to cement his status as one of Korea’s most versatile actors—be it in swoon-worthy love stories or edge-of-your-seat psychological thrillers.