Pachinko returns for an eagerly awaited Season 2, continuing the compelling story of a Korean family in Japan. This season is based on Min Jin Lee’s bestselling novel and is a favorite on Apple TV+ due to its emotional depth and historical context.
The series spans four generations, highlighting themes of love, survival, and resilience. Kim Sunja, portrayed by Kim Min-ha, is central to the story, with her journey depicted from the early days of Japanese annexation of Korea in 1915 to her role as a grandmother in Japan in 1989.
Plot Overview of Season 2
Season 2 picks up where the first season left off. It follows Sunja as she makes difficult decisions to ensure her family’s survival amidst the chaos of World War II in 1945 Osaka. Meanwhile, her grandson Solomon, played by Jin Ha, begins a new chapter in 1989 Tokyo after losing his corporate job.
With 11 international awards already won, including a Critics Choice Award and a Peabody Award, Pachinko continues to impress with its moving and impactful storytelling.
Premiere Date and Episode Details
Season 2 is set to premiere globally on August 23, with the first episode available for viewing. Following this, new episodes will be released weekly every Friday until October 11. The season will feature a total of eight episodes.
The Trailer: A Haunting Preview
The trailer for Season 2 includes a haunting cover of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” by Rosé of Blackpink. It opens in 1945 Osaka, a city devastated by World War II and the impending defeat of Japan. With much of Osaka in ruins due to American bombings, Sunja (Min-ha) and her family seek refuge in the countryside.
There, Sunja encounters Koh Hansu (Lee Min-ho), her former love. Despite having sworn to never love him again, their paths seem to cross once more.
Solomon’s Struggles in Tokyo
In the Tokyo setting of 1989, Solomon (Ha) faces significant challenges with his career. After a failed business deal in Season 1, he struggles to find new employment with only three months of savings remaining. He even considers going back to his former boss for help.
Despite his difficult situation, the elderly Sunja (Youn Yuh-jung) encourages him to stay true to himself. There are hints that old tensions might rekindle between Solomon and his former rival.
Returning and New Cast Members
The cast for Season 2 features Youn Yuh-jung as the elderly Sunja in 1989 and Kim Min-ha as the younger Sunja in 1945. In Season 1, Sunja is introduced as the daughter of a boarding house owner in Yeongdo, Busan.
Facing discrimination in Korea due to the Japanese annexation, she moves to Osaka with her husband to start a new life. Her experiences in modern Japanese society are challenging, especially as a native Korean.
Jin Ha plays Solomon Baek, Sunja’s grandson and Baek Mozasu’s son. Unlike his grandmother, Solomon lives a privileged life thanks to his father’s successful pachinko business. E
ducated at prestigious international schools and Yale University, Solomon was close to a Vice President promotion when his deal fell through. Now without job prospects, Solomon is considering alternative career paths that might not please his father.
Lee Min-ho stars as Koh Hansu, the Korean fish broker from Osaka who was once Sunja’s love interest. Despite their passionate relationship, Hansu could not marry Sunja. After a devastating earthquake in Yokohama, Hansu rose from humble beginnings to achieve significant success.
Other returning cast members for Season 2 include Jung Eun-chae as Kyunghee, Sunja’s sister-in-law, Soji Arai as Baek Mozasu, Sunja’s second son, Anna Sawa as Naomi, Solomon’s Harvard-educated co-worker, and Jimmi Simpson as Tom Andrews. New to the cast this season is Kim Sung-kyu as Kim Chang-Ho, a close ally of Hansu who helps Sunja and her family escape Osaka during the war.
What to Expect from Season 2
Season 2 continues to follow the Book 2 storyline from Lee’s novel. As Japan faces imminent collapse due to World War II, civilians flee the cities in search of safety. Sunja, now in Osaka, encounters Hansu again after fourteen years.
Despite her resentment, she follows Hansu’s suggestion to move her family to the countryside with the help of Hansu’s associate, Chang-ho.
There may also be a subplot involving Kyunghee and Chang-ho, as Chang-ho helps Kyunghee with her duties after a family tragedy. Solomon’s storyline might explore new financial paths, potentially involving the family pachinko business despite his father’s disapproval.
