Korean drama series Nine Puzzles concludes this week, and fans are absolutely gobsmacked about where it’s going. Its intricate storytelling and psychological depth, along with fantastic performances that bring out the true essence of the drama, will leave anyone hooked. However, after this week, if you are yearning for more dramas that weave mystery, suspense and emotional complexities in their narratives, then here’s a list of 5 Kdramas like Nine Puzzles that are sure to take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and mind-bending plots!
Kdramas Like Nine Puzzles
1. Beyond Evil (2021)
Beyond Evil is a masterclass in psychological thriller storytelling and is one of those Korean thrillers like Nine Puzzles that is sure to leave you with many thoughts afterwards. The series follows two detectives who are forced to work together when a series of gruesome murders leave a small town shocked. With their own complicated pasts coming back to haunt them, they slowly find a way to work together and, as a result, peel back layers of secrets that bring forth a shocking mystery, proving that no one is innocent around them.
Much like Nine Puzzles, Beyond Evil keeps viewers on edge, blurring the lines between hero and villain. The show’s intricate plot and character development earned it multiple accolades, including Best Drama at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards. With fantastic performances from Shin Ha-kyun and Yeo Jin-goo, the drama’s twists and turns will take your breath away!
2. Hello Monster (2015)
Also known as I Remember You, this drama delves into the mind of a genius criminal profiler, Lee Hyun, who returns to South Korea after he remembers a shocking memory from his past that he thought he had lost forever. Once back home, he starts to dig into this years old crime while, unbeknownst to him, another detective digs into his past. Following a common thread, they try to bring a criminal behind bars, but that leads to them having to face their past and present.
Hello Monster intertwines personal trauma with criminal investigations. The series stands out for its exploration of the psychological aspects of crime and the complexities of human relationships. If you’re looking for Nine Puzzles similar shows, then this one should definitely be on your radar. Although it did not get decent ratings, the series made waves among audiences and critics. You won’t be able to look away from the cat-and-mouse game, as the series holds on to its tension adeptly throughout its runtime.
3. Signal (2016)
Signal introduces a unique twist to the crime thriller genre by incorporating elements of time travel. A modern-day profiler communicates with a detective from the past through a mysterious walkie-talkie, working together to solve cold cases and prevent crimes.
This one’s a fan-favourite, and for good reason! With another season in the works, this is one of the best psychological Kdramas out there. It’s renowned for its tight storytelling and emotional depth, and the fantastic performances from Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, and Cho Jin-woong just add to the watchability of the show. Signal shares Nine Puzzles‘ commitment to unravelling complex mysteries while delving into the emotional toll on those seeking justice.
4. Doubt (2023)
Doubt is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep audiences guessing till the end. It follows a well-known criminal profiler whose life turns upside down when he realises that his daughter holds some shocking secrets concerning a murder. With his life now completely upended, he must do whatever it takes to keep her safe, but that comes with its own set of problems.
The drama’s unpredictable twists and exploration of societal issues resonate with Nine Puzzles‘ themes and push the genre’s boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on truth and deception. This is one of the crime Kdramas to watch if you love twisted and dark themes that can sometimes feel too relatable.
5. The Guest (2018)
The Guest combines elements of horror and crime thriller, separating it from the others in this list. Of course, that doesn’t make it any less thrilling to watch! The series follows a psychic, a priest, and a detective as they confront a powerful evil force responsible for a series of mysterious deaths. However, what is interesting about this drama is the heavy trauma associated with their present dilemma, which is sure to leave audiences shocked.
While differing in genre, The Guest shares Nine Puzzles‘ intense atmosphere and exploration of dark themes. Starring Kim Dong-wook, Kim Jae-wook, and Jung Eun-chae, the show’s ability to intertwine personal demons with literal ones offers a compelling narrative that will keep anyone engaged.
Which one is your favourite drama out of this list? Let us know in the comments below!
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