Kim Da-mi Leads Female Detective Drama 'Nine Puzzle' Amid Challenges

Actress Kim Da-mi is set to take the lead in the mystery drama 'Nine Puzzle' (나인퍼즐), showcasing her skills as a main character despite facing tough conditions. Alongside co-star Son Seok-koo and director Yoon Jong-bin, Kim introduced the new original series during the 'Disney Content Showcase 2024' held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore on November 21.

'Nine Puzzle' revolves around 'Ina', a current profiler and the sole witness to an unsolved case from ten years ago, and 'Han Saem', a detective who continues to suspect her as a suspect. Together, they delve into the secrets of a renewed series of murders linked to mysterious puzzle pieces.

In her role, Kim Da-mi expressed her intention to create a profiling method unique to her character. "I wanted to showcase Ina's delicate side at various points and scenes, as she has many inner complexities. I spent time contemplating how to express these aspects strategically during filming," she shared.

Director Yoon Jong-bin, who previously stated he would not return to drama production after 'Suriname', reflected on the challenges of creating this series. "It was physically and mentally exhausting, and I initially planned to make a film next. However, when I was offered the script for 'Nine Puzzle', I was drawn in. I didn't think I would take on this project at first, but the script was so engaging that I found myself unable to predict the story. Even I was surprised by the twists while following the serial killer's trail. The characters of Yoon Ina and Kim Han Saem were particularly unique, unlike anything seen in traditional thrillers, which made me reconsider my decision to accept the project. I realized that if I turned it down, I might never encounter such a script again. This is the only project I've worked on where I didn't write the script, and I wouldn't have imagined writing a female-led detective story myself. Initially, I only intended to direct one episode, but I ended up directing the entire series," he explained.

Kim Da-mi also noted the blend of comic elements within the story and characters. "I believe the narrative has a cartoonish aspect. I approached the profiling process with sincerity while trying to incorporate a light-hearted feel. When solving cases, I took it seriously, but I also showed different sides of my character when interacting with detectives and other figures," she added.

On the other hand, Son Seok-koo humorously admitted to struggling with self-management, particularly regarding his weight. He proudly mentioned, "Since turning forty, I’ve noticed that I gain weight easily. During filming, I had to maintain my weight, but I found myself gaining quite a bit. The production team even switched to healthier snacks on set as a special measure. So, keep an eye out for my weight fluctuations throughout the series!"

The Walt Disney Company (Disney) hosted the 'Disney Content Showcase 2024' on November 20-21 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, featuring top global stars from the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region. The event attracted over 400 journalists from 12 countries, including South Korea and Japan.

On the first day, Disney and its subsidiaries, including 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel Studios, showcased their upcoming theatrical releases and streaming lineups, highlighting their exceptional creativity and storytelling prowess. The second day focused on lineups from South Korea, Japan, and the Asia-Pacific region, drawing significant attention.