Following 'Hyper Knife', Disney+ Drops Another K-Drama on May — And Hype Is Real

Disney+ is stepping up its game in the Korean market. Following the buzzworthy, adults-only hit ''Hyper Knife'', the platform is drawing attention once again with an ambitious new Korean original. This time, they’re diving into the mystery-thriller genre with the upcoming series ''Nine Puzzle''.

On April 21, Walt Disney Company Korea unveiled nine first-look stills from the series, followed by a teaser trailer on April 22, instantly igniting online chatter. Expectations are sky-high thanks to the powerful combination of acclaimed director Yoon Jong-bin—known for films like "Nameless Gangster", "The Spy Gone North", and "Narco-Saints"—and lead actors Kim Da-mi of the ''The Witch'' series and Son Suk-ku from ''My Liberation Notes''.

''Nine Puzzle'' follows Yi-na (played by Kim Da-mi), a profiler who was the sole witness to an unsolved murder case from 10 years ago. The plot thickens when she crosses paths with detective Han Saem (played by Son Suk-ku), who has never stopped suspecting her. As a new string of murders emerges—each accompanied by mysterious puzzle pieces—the two are forced to revisit the dark case that changed both of their lives.

The teaser trailer opens with a high school-aged Yi-na discovering a puzzle piece at the scene of her uncle’s murder. Han Saem’s voiceover adds to the tension: “I still believe Yoon Yi-na is the prime suspect,” he says, eyes fixed on her. She responds, “Do you think I’m the killer?” with a haunting, unreadable expression. As chilling copy lines flash across the screen—“Vanished memories. Mysterious puzzle. The killing begins again.”—the suspense only builds.

The released stills capture the raw tension: a teenage Yi-na moments before discovering the crime scene, and detective Han Saem’s sharp, unrelenting gaze after a decade of suspicion. Their complex dynamic—former suspect and detective turned profiler and investigator—offers a refreshing twist on the thriller genre.

Additional scenes show a confused Yi-na staring at a newly discovered puzzle piece, and members of the violent crimes unit at Hangang Police Station—Team Leader Yang Jung-ho (Kim Sung-kyun) and rookie Choi San (Hyun Bong-sik)—investigating a mysterious red suitcase. The visuals hint at the gravity and urgency of the unfolding mystery.

Online reactions to the teaser were immediate and explosive, with fans flooding the comments section with excitement: “It’s been a while, Witch girl!” one wrote, referencing Kim Da-mi’s iconic role. Others chimed in with, “Is this the next big Disney+ hit after Hyper Knife???” and “Just give it to us already this week!!!” Enthusiasm soared with reactions like, “This looks insane—SO hyped!” and “Kim Da-mi + Nine Puzzle = LET’S GO,” while one fan summed it up perfectly: “Straight-up insane cast… Kim Da-mi, Son Suk-ku, and Yoon Jong-bin? Chef’s kiss.”

''Nine Puzzle'', a Disney+ Original Series, is set to premiere on May 21 with six episodes, followed by three more on May 28 and the final two on June 4—making a total of 11 episodes. With Yoon Jong-bin’s sleek and stylish direction, the captivating chemistry between leads Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku, and a suspenseful storyline packed with psychological intrigue, ''Nine Puzzle'' is poised to become another K-content win for Disney+.

Fans are already praising the streamer’s recent momentum, with comments like “Disney’s really on a roll lately” and “Finally, a thriller worth waiting for!” As the premiere draws closer, anticipation among both Korean and global viewers is only expected to grow.

Get the latest on K-pop & K-drama here!