Puzzle Killer’s Trap Tightens in Nine Puzzles Episode 9

nine puzzles episode 9 takes a harrowing turn as Captain Yang confesses to all the murders, only to be revealed as a protector, not the killer. His shocking arrest leaves Han-saem heartbroken, struggling to believe the betrayal. Even Dong-su and Chief Hyun are visibly shaken by the confession. When questioned, Yang cryptically tells them to call the press before offering any real explanation.

I-na takes over the interrogation and accuses Yang of backing her up even after murdering Dong-hoon. He appears stunned by the accusation and remains silent. The task force delves into his background, discovering a lonely and tragic past — a father who died early, a mother who abandoned him, and a solitary adult life filled with good deeds. His home is a rundown shelter for homeless young adults, and he’s only in contact with ten people.

Han-saem continues to doubt Yang’s guilt, recalling his years of dedication and warmth. He finally pressures Yang into revealing his real home — a small motel room filled with photos, letters from orphans he sponsored, and a pet goldfish. The cop’s devotion to these children becomes evident. He only gave up the address out of concern that his goldfish would go hungry.

I-na, showing her signature tough love, pushes Han-saem to keep digging. They visit Yang’s old orphanage, where a caretaker defends Yang’s character. He shares that Yang became a cop to find someone, though he won’t reveal who. But it’s clear: Yang is no killer. Han-saem then uses this to provoke Yang, suggesting that one of the 21 children Yang mentored is actually the killer. Yang, desperate to protect them, begs for a press conference and swears the murders will stop.

The truth slowly emerges — Yang is covering for the real killer. He has solid alibis and no direct links to the crimes. Han-saem is forced to let him go but orders Choi San to trail him discreetly.

Elsewhere, I-na decides to confront Dr. Hwang by taking him on a drive. She questions how he first heard of her and connects his darkness case — in which a boy murdered his abusive father — to the puzzle killer. She’s certain Hwang isn’t that boy, as he’s mentioned only meeting him. Hwang grows nervous and abruptly drops her off.

In another scene, Mayor Kim and former prosecutor Kwon Sang-beom are out hunting. Their dark alliance involves removing green zones for a highway project. Yang, guided by a GPS tracker, reaches the area — as does Choi San, whom Yang knocks out and disarms.

Hiding nearby, Yang watches as the puzzle killer takes aim at Kwon. Yang fires a warning shot and rushes in to protect him, but Kwon, confused, shoots Yang. Han-saem arrives moments too late to save his mentor. In his final breaths, Yang admits he triggered the killings but defends the child, saying the victims were all corrupt people. He mentions two cryptic names — “Shindonga” and “Seo-jin” — before dying.

Though the killer only grazed Kwon, he’s taken to the hospital, while Mayor Kim escapes unscathed. Meanwhile, I-na investigates “Shindonga” and uncovers it could refer to a corporation, a housing complex, or a magazine.

As the task force regroups, they learn Yang had placed a tracker on the killer linked to his phone, which is now missing. I-na takes matters into her own hands by leaking the puzzle killer case to the media, enraging Chief Hyun. She believes it’s the move Yang would have wanted — a way to provoke the killer.

While standing guard outside Kwon’s hospital room, Han-saem gets word that a puzzle piece has just arrived at a news station. He rushes inside, only to find Kwon flatlining before his eyes. The new puzzle shows a balloon seller making balloons for children, hinting that the killer is still ahead of them — and taunting them with every move. To find out more about Nine Puzzles, check the link below.