Son Suk-Ku And Kim Da-Mi Gather Clues In K-Drama ‘Nine Puzzles'
Detective Han-saem, played by Son Suk-ku (A Killer Paradox, My Liberation Notes, Heavenly Ever After), is convinced she's the killer. Ten years later he still believes she's guilty. E-na, who now works as a police profiler, helps to identify likely suspects and motives, but she still can't remember anything about finding her uncle's body.
She likes to live life in the fast lane, repeatedly bungee jumping from a bridge to experience the 'thrill of almost dying' and speeding around Seoul in her car. Therapy has not helped her uncover any memories of the murder night. She occasionally visits Han-saem at the police station to see if he's solved her uncle's death and finds his dedication admirable.
One day a mysterious messenger delivers another clue, a single puzzle piece that fits neatly into the original puzzle piece, revealing even more images. Will this new piece of the puzzle convince Han-saem that E-na is innocent? That would be helpful since they need to find out the truth behind her uncle's death, as well as solve other cases that may or may not be related. Son and Kim are a great choice to play this oddball cat-and-mouse duo. Son's character sports a mysterious tattoo and has little patience for his co-workers. Kim's character can be flippant about murder. Both well-conveyed characters inhabit their own perplexing worlds, but share the ability to intensely focus when necessary. Together, the could solve the complicated puzzle.
The drama also stars Kim Sung-kyun, Hyun Bong-sik, Jeong Man-sik and Lee Joo-young. Nine Puzzles is directed by director, actor and screenwriter Yoon Jong-bin. He previously directed the films The Spy Gone North and Kundo: The Age of Rampant, as well as the series Narco Saints. The screenplay for the 11-episode Disney series was written by Lee Eun-mi, who wrote the dramas Navillera and Tunnel. The series airs on Hulu in the U.S.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
25 minutes ago
- Forbes
How Artillery And Air Power Shaped Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict
F16 military flight landing at Donmeung Airport getty On July 24 a long simmering border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand erupted as both sides unleashed heavy weaponry as they vied for control of culturally important temples and their environs along disputed sectors of the border: Preah Vihear to the east, and Prah Muen Thom and Ta Kwai to the west. As in a preceding eruption of hostilities in 2011, infantry on the ground armed with small arms and support weapons seized and defended contested terrain which was also bombarded by rocket and howitzer artillery (including cluster munitions). But for the first time, drones and jet fighters armed with precision-guided weapons also joined the fray. By the time a ceasefire was declared on July 29, there were at a minimum several dozen dead, including many civilians. Artillery and air power caused the most destruction, though the threat of weapons not used in the war also loomed. The conflict also involved a curious mix of western and eastern weaponry, both old and new. While Cambodia is supported by China (and Vietnam prior), while Thailand has bought arms from the United States, Israel, Ukraine, France, Sweden and others. But Bangok too had increasingly turned towards China in recent years, including weapons and joint military exercises. Note: Confirming actions in military conflicts (especially recent/ongoing ones) is difficult due to prevailing confusion, optimism bias regarding own-side performance, and propaganda aimed at influencing public perceptions. Thus this account stresses the claims and allegations made by the parties, and what credible photos or videos of the conflict. Both Thailand and Cambodia have large and diverse arsenals of artillery, with Cambodia particularly invested in rocket artillery. Thai accounts mark a bombardment by Cambodian BM-21 Grad rockets on the morning of July 24 near Ta Muen Thom temple, which reportedly killed 11 Thai civilians and a soldier, led to larger-scale hostilities and retaliatory strikes (see below). Cambodian soldiers tride a truck equipped with a Russian-made BM-21 rocket launcher in Cambodia's northern Oddar Meanchey province, which borders Thailand, on July 27, 2025. Thailand and Cambodia clashed for a fourth day on July 27, despite both sides saying they were ready to discuss a ceasefire after a late-night intervention by US President Donald Trump. (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP) (Photo by TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Multiple rocket launch systems (MRLSs), typically mounted on trucks, can very rapidly unleash large salvoes of rockets saturating a broad area with high explosives—imprecise, but shocking in scale and intensity. Additionally, some 21st-century artillery rockets are incorporating satellite-guidance capability, transforming them into missiles capable of precision strikes involving much smaller salvoes. The Soviet 122-millimeter Grad rocket, dating back to the 1960s, is perhaps the most widely used rocket artillery on the planet compatible with diverse truck-launchers. Cambodia uses the original Soviet BM-21 launchers, Czech RM-70s on 8x8 trucks, Chinese PHL-81s (reverse-engineered from a BM-21 captured from Vietnam) and succeeding PHL-90Bs launchers with improved fire control systems. Meanwhile, Thailand uses Chinese PHL-11s (or SR-4s). All of these model have barrels sufficient to unleash 40 rockets in one salvo, with the PHL-90Bs and RM-70s also carrying a second salvo of ammunition. Typical Grad rockets have a maximum range of 12 miles, though extended-range rockets may reach twice as far or further. Larger-caliber rockets than Grads typically have considerably greater range—enough to strike distant military bases or population centers. Cambodia disposes of six PHL-03 launcher trucks with 12 tubes each packed with 300-millimeter rockets with a range of at least 81 miles. Meanwhile Thailand operates license built DTI-1s and DTI-1Gs (based on Chinese WS-1B and WS-32) with four 302-millimeter rockets. The DTI-1G in particular can launch satellite-guided missiles out to 87 miles using China's Beidou satellite network, allowing much more precise strikes using a lower volume of rockets. Technically, Cambodia's PHL-03 supports a Fire Dragon-140 guided munition too, but it's not confirmed that Cambodia acquired any. Ultimately, it doesn't appear either side attempted long-distance strikes outside the disputed areas, though Thai media claims the destruction of a Cambodian PHL-03. Thai and Cambodian howitzer artillery also saw extensive action. Prior to the sustained fighting on May 30, Cambodia deployed a dozen Chinese-built SH-1 122-millimeter howitzer trucks (PCL-09s in Chinese service) to the border. Meanwhile, Thailand has acquired over 600 towed 105- and 155-millimeter towed howitzers from diverse countries, M109 tracked armored howitzers, and modern French Caesar and Israeli ATOMS-2000 truck-mounted howitzers with more sophisticated guidance capabilities. ATMOS 2000s—known as M758s in Thai service—were recorded in action during the conflict--as were M101 howitzers of World War II pedigree, and Soviet D-30 122-millimeter systems by Cambodia. Howitzers were a likely vector for cluster munitions the Thai army says it used to target Cambodian military positions (though aerial or rocket systems are possible too). The controversies surrounding cluster weapons will be discussed in greater detail in a separate article. Air power and air defense on the Thai-Cambodia border Thailand's military elected to employ combat aircraft for the first time to retaliate against the Cambodian rocket bombardment on July 24. As the Royal Cambodian Air Force no longer has any operational combat aircraft--other than a mix of Soviet and Chinese Z-9 transport/utility helicopters--it could not intercept such raids or retaliate in kind. The initial raid involved six Thai F-16s which struck the command posts of Cambodia's 8th and 9th divisions. F-16s continued to be deployed on strikes in subsequent days, including strike package on July 26 including two F-16s and two of the RTAF's newer Gripen-C jets imported from Sweden, marking the first combat use of this aircraft type nearly three decades after it entered operational service. This attack reportedly targeted two Cambodian artillery positions with 500-pound GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs. World Air Forces estimates Thailand retains 35 or 36 operational F16As and-two-seat F-16Bs in three squadrons based at Korat and Takhli airbases, out of 52 imported from the U.S. PEACE NASREUN or donated by Singapore. Furthermore, eighteen of those F-16s received a Mid-Life Update in the 2010s integrating more modern computers supporting longer range sensors, weapons and self-defense systems. Thai F-16 landing at Donmeung Airport getty Meanwhile, the RTAF also retains 11 of its original twelve single-seat Gripen-Cs and two-seat Gripen-Ds, distinguished by their additional pair of small, bendable 'canard' wings close to the cockpit. Though Gripens have lower thrust-to-weight ratio than F-16s, they also have a smaller radar-cross section, lower operating costs, and can safely operate from much shorter improvised runways. Thai Gripens reportedly outfought Chinese J-11 jets in beyond-visual-range air-to-air combat in a 2015 exercise. SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - FEBRUARY 20: A Saab JAS 39 Gripen of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is on display during the Singapore Airshow at Singapore's Changi Exhibition Centre on February 20, 2024 in Singapore. The airshow kicked off on February 20 and will last until February 25. It is attended by over 1,000 participating companies and is expected to attract 50,000 trade attendees from over 50 countries and regions. (Photo by Zhang Hui/VCG via Getty Images) VCG via Getty Images In terms of weaponry, the RTAF is known to have acquired French ATLIS-II laser/optical targeting pods used in conjunction with Paveway II laser-guided bombs (actually upgrade kits that convert regular 500 and 2,000 lb. bombs into smart munitions.) It also has imported newer GPS-guided KGGB glide bombs from Korea with a ranges exceeding 50 miles (depending on release altitude) and shorter range AGM-65D and G Maverick missiles using imaging infrared guidance. Such guided munitions are significant, not just because they enable more precise and effective attacks, but also allow the jets to engage targets from sufficient standoff that they may avoid short-range air defenses, such as the Cambodian's army's Chinese-built man-portable missiles and Soviet anti-aircraft guns. While Cambodia lacks jet fighters, in 2023 the Royal Cambodian Army did acquire batteries of Chinese KS-1C medium-range surface-to-air missiles (or HQ-12s in Chinese service) integrated alongside H-200 phased array radars for targeting. If forward deployed to the border area--which has its risks--KS-1Cs could potentially threaten Thai jets with their maximum engagement range of 43.5 miles and altitude of 86,000 feet, However, Thailand also imported KS-1Cs from China and thus may have testedthem to devise effective countermeasures. Furthermore, Thailand operates Erieye AWACS jets from Sweden that may have help its fighters avoid air defense threats. Despite rumors alleged the downing of an F-16 jet, no evidence has emerged supporting this claim. The RTAF's old American F-5 light fighters (due for retirement in 2031) and German/French Alphajet trainer/attack aircraft do not appear to have been deployed. Bangkok is now seeking to acquire an additional squadron of more advanced Gripen-E/F jets from Sweden, though Stockholm is apparently evaluating whether Thailand's use of Gripens in the July 2025 conflict accorded with their views on international law before authorizing further sales. Drones in the Thai-Cambodia conflict The war in Ukraine has revealed that even small, short-range civilian-grade drones—produced in vast quantities at low prices by China—are highly as reconnaissance system and easily converted to precise lethal attacks, either gravity dropping grenades or as kamikazes with anti-tank warheads. Despite China being the ultimate exporter of low-cost drones, and testing of Chinese drones over Cambodian airspace (judging by crashed Chinese UAVs) the border conflict did not offer much evidence that Cambodia's armed forces had integrated drones extensively. Thailand, however, released videos of quadcopter drone attacks on Cambodian positions employing gravity-dropped munitions, reportedly 60-millimeter M261 and M472 mortar rounds. One attack falls into a position alleged to store 122-millimeter Grad rockets. Another allegedly destroyed a loaded RM-70 rocket artillery truck. Cambodian troops recorded themselves shooting down one such quadcopter drone with small arms fire. However, electronic warfare jamming the videofeeds, navigation and control signals of drones offer broadly more effective protection. The video feeds of remotely-piloted drones produce effective propaganda as a by product. While the Thai military may not have operated drones on a massive scale, the recording of successful attacks provided rare concrete proof of tactical successes in the conflict (ie. fires hitting targets, not just firing at targets). While on one level, the July 2025 Thai-Cambodia border conflict involved a traditional struggle for physical control over territory, 'indirect' fires by artillery, jets and remotely-piloted aircraft likely inflicted most of the casualties and produced media that attracted media attention.
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
The Luckiest Cruise Ship Casinos—According To a Gambling.com Ranking
Rows of Casino Slot Machines with Shallow Depth of Field. Las Vegas Gambling Theme. getty Serious gamers chasing big wins often head to the Las Vegas strip or top gambling destinations worldwide like Monte Carlo or Macau. But casinos are also a popular amenity on cruise ships, with everything from slots and roulette to blackjack often on board. These floating casinos, most commonly on larger ships versus smaller river cruises or expedition cruise ships, tend to draw less serious gamblers and generally have tighter slots than their land-based counterparts. But with that being said, if you're a high roller at high seas, some ships may be luckier than others, according to a new analysis from that ranked the luckiest cruise ships casinos. The luckiest cruise ship casino in 2025 is the Diamond Princess, according to analysis released in July 2025. Taking its inaugural cruise in March 2004, the ship — which has a guest capacity of 2,710 — runs several itineraries throughout Asia. Some of those routes include a 12-day trip that traverses through Thailand and Malaysia, several routes through Japan and a Vietnam itinerary that cruises along Halong Bay. 'The ship has a Las Vegas-style casino that offers the latest slot machines, blackjack, Texas hold 'em and prize tournaments,' the announcement from says. To determine the luckiest cruise ships casinos, the team analyzed Tripadvisor reviews, mining them for key words with positive associations to winning such as 'luck,' 'lucky' and 'happy.' This is a similar method used in other 'luckiest casino' rankings, like one in May that determined the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Resort led the list of the luckiest casinos in the United States. For the most part, cruise ships are limited to operating only when the ship is in international waters and not when they're in port. But when it comes to casinos on cruise ships, Princess appears to have an edge. The World Cruise Awards in 2024 named the Enchanted Princess as the best ship for gambling. Routes on this ship range from Canada and New England to the Caribbean as well as trips in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. While many large cruise lines have gambling options on board, others, including Viking and Disney Cruise Line, have opted against having casinos onboard. Some cruise lines, like WIndStar Cruises, though, have scrapped casinos from their ships and repurposed the square footage into public spaces. Azamara converted its casinos into a relaxing lounge area for guests to read, hang out, mingle and listen to live piano music. Here's the top five luckiest cruise ship casinos, according to No. 1: Diamond Princess operated by Princess The Vegas-style casino offers gaming lessons and is a place where you can try your luck at slot machines, roulette, blackjack, Texas Hold 'Em, and more. No. 2: Wonder of the Seas operated by Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas runs cruises from Miami to the Caribbean, with stops at the cruise line's private island CocoCay. The cruise line's casino is called Casino Royale. No. 3: Infinity operated by Celebrity Smoke-free casinos offer slot machines and table games, featuring blackjack, baccarat and more. For adjacent fun with less at stake, play a live-action game of Deal or No Deal . No. 4: The Emerald operated by Princess The Emerald Princess cruise ship offers a variety of cruises, ranging from a Pacific Wine Country trip to one that travels to the Baja Peninsula and Sea of Cortez in Mexico. Most ships set sail out of Los Angeles. No. 5: Queen Elizabeth operated by Cunard Cruise Line
Bloomberg
an hour ago
- Bloomberg
China Says US Exploited Old Microsoft Flaw to Wage Cyberattacks
China accused the US of exploiting a flaw in Microsoft Corp. 's email servers to steal military data and launch cyberattacks on its defense sector. The Cyber Security Association of China said in a statement Friday that US actors had been linked to two major cyberattacks on Chinese military companies without naming them. They exploited flaws in Microsoft Exchange to control the servers of a key company in the defense sector for nearly a year, it added. The association is a little-known entity backed by the powerful Cyberspace Administration of China.
