Early on, in the premiere episode of Pachinko’s highly-anticipated second season, American fighter planes unleash pamphlets over the city, urging the citizens to petition their emperor to “halt this brutal war.” The year is 1945, and in Osaka, reminders of the Second World War and the impending bombing raids pervade every corner of daily life. For Sunja and her small family, this environment of uncertainty and lurking danger weighs heavily upon them.
In 2022, the first season of the show made its debut, capturing audiences with its compelling adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s best-selling novel “Pachinko.” The eight-episode series departed from the book’s linear narrative, alternating between the 1940s—detailing Sunja’s life during the war years in Korea and Japan—and 1989, where the story follows her grandson Solomon Baek as he navigates his finance career in Japan after returning from New York.
The first season saw Sunja grappling with an unexpected pregnancy and trying to adapt to her new life in Osaka after leaving Japanese-occupied Korea with her husband, Baek Isak. Played by Steve Sanghyun Noh, Isak’s imprisonment for aiding laborers in their fight for fair wages added another layer of struggle to Sunja’s life. Now, as season two begins, years have passed since Isak’s imprisonment. Sunja’s brother-in-law Yoseb, portrayed by Han Joon-woo, works in a factory in Nagasaki. Alongside her sister-in-law Kyunghee, played by Jung Eun-chae, Sunja wrestles with the challenge of ensuring her children are fed, even if it means serving worm-infested rations. With steely determination, Sunja declares, “I am good at selling,” before setting out to risk her life by selling rice wine in the illegal black market.
Portraying an older Sunja in the 1980s is Yoon Yuh-Jung, who brings both gravitas and vulnerability to the character. At the same time, Solomon’s father, Mozasu, played by Soji Arai, is eager to inaugurate an extravagant new Pachinko parlour. Solomon, however, is on a different path, having left his job at the end of the last season following an emotional business failure. Now, he seeks to rally investors for a new venture, spurred on by the story of a senior Korean immigrant who refused to sell her land.
“Pachinko,” known for its expansive storytelling, unravels its narrative with care and a deliberate pace – a quality that won acclaim in the first season and continues in the second. The show’s creators appear unhurried, effectively sketching how life has evolved for its core characters amid a significant time leap.
. Sunja’s sense of helplessness contrasts with her unyielding resolve to provide for her sons. Kim Minha’s adept portrayal of Sunja revives her character’s determination and vulnerability. Her sons, Noa and Mozasu, played by Kim Kang-hoon and Eunseong Kwon respectively, bring new dimensions to the story. Mozasu’s spirited readiness to face adversaries contrasts with Noa’s subdued demeanor, weighed down by the discrimination against zainichis (ethnic Koreans in Japan).
As Noa contends with the stigma and mockery from his classmates over his identity, Solomon faces his own battles in 1989. The outburst of a racially prejudiced bakery owner against his grandmother Sunja serves as a stark reminder of the persistent yet evolving nature of discrimination. “I’m from Yale University,” Solomon shouts, highlighting the irony of his education versus his treated identity. Jin Ha’s portrayal of Solomon captures this tension, depicting him as a man constantly on the edge, striving for a fresh start and professional success. Solomon’s journey diverges from the book’s narrative, adding layers of intrigue to what lies ahead for him this season.
The second season also continues to explore Koh Hansu’s complex character, brought to life by Lee Min-ho. Hansu’s backstory, seen against the backdrop of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake in a dedicated episode directed by Kogonada, further enriches the narrative. His looming presence in Sunja’s life and his influence on her sons remains palpable and potent.
Showrunner Soo Hugh has acknowledged the universality of “Pachinko’s” themes, which traverse love, loss, grief, and survival across generations. One of the show’s greatest strengths is its ability to avoid becoming overly melodramatic, instead providing a poignant and deeply affecting storytelling experience. With its vast canvas and grand scope, “Pachinko” has successfully transitioned into its second season, embarking on what promises to be another compelling chapter with its unhurried yet engaging first episode. Fans remain hopeful that the series’ magic will persist through the remaining episodes.
“Pachinko” Season 2 is currently streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes releasing every Friday.
