Viewers Worldwide Are Hooked: Only 2 Episodes to Go—This K-Drama Hit #1 Globally with a 9.4 Score

The Disney+ original mystery-thriller 'Nine Puzzle' is dominating charts both in Korea and abroad, generating massive buzz on global OTT platforms. With only two episodes left until the finale, the series has soared to top ranks worldwide and is drawing critical praise across various rating sites.

On May 28 at 4 p.m. KST, episodes 7–9 were released. Just one week after its May 21 premiere, 'Nine Puzzle' reached the No.1 spot in South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong. According to global streaming chart tracker FlixPatrol, the drama is the only non-English-language title to enter the Global Top 10 as of May 27—once again proving the global power of K-dramas.

In Good Data Corporation's weekly TV-OTT buzz index (Week 4 of May), 'Nine Puzzle' debuted at No.2 among all dramas in its first week, signaling its explosive impact.

Viewers Worldwide Are Hooked

Audiences are calling it a masterpiece. On IMDb, episode 6 has earned a stellar 9.4 rating, and drama review platforms like MyDramaList are filled with rave reviews praising its quality. Fans describe it as “a masterfully crafted series on every level,” calling it “thrilling, gripping, and wildly immersive,” with “brilliant symbolism and a shocking opening—it’s addictive.” Viewers also note that “every character feels alive and unique,” and appreciate that “the story makes you figure it out. No shortcuts.”

A Dark Puzzle of the Past and Present

The series follows profiler Yoon I-na (played by Kim Da-mi), the sole witness to an unsolved case from 10 years ago, and detective Kim Han-sam (Son Suk-ku), who still suspects her. Together, they investigate a new string of serial murders—unraveling clues hidden in puzzles sent by the killer.

The tension between I-na and Han-sam forms the core of the story as they chase the truth through a chilling and symbolic mystery.

Behind the show’s success is a high-caliber creative team.

Kakao Entertainment participated from the planning stage, laying the foundation for a tightly woven story.

Director Yoon Jong-bin—known for films like 'Nameless Gangster', 'Kundo', 'The Spy Gone North', and Netflix’s 'Narco-Saints'—brings a masterful eye to the production. With imaginative visuals, stylized camerawork, and surreal, comic-book-like tones layered over gritty realism, 'Nine Puzzle' elevates the mystery-thriller genre into something truly unique.

The Stakes Are Rising

In episodes 7–9, the story takes a darker turn. Yoon I-na begins to unlock memories of the past—including the murder of her only remaining family, Police Chief Yoon Dong-hoon (played by Ji Jin-hee). The connection between that case and the current murders is revealed, setting the stage for I-na to fully embrace her genius as a profiler.

But suspicion creeps back in. I-na becomes a suspect herself, threatening her fragile alliance with Han-sam.

The ominous lines “Officer Yoon I-na is a murder suspect” and “Do you really know everything about her?” hint at a major rift to come.

Final Episodes Drop June 4

'Nine Puzzle' episodes are released every Wednesday at midnight PST (4 p.m. KST during daylight savings). The finale—episodes 10 and 11—will be released on June 4, concluding the high-stakes puzzle.

With both genre excellence and international appeal, 'Nine Puzzle' is poised to leave a lasting impression. All eyes are on how the series will wrap up—with what twist, and what truth.

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