The highly anticipated second season of Apple TV+’s Korean drama Pachinko is finally within reach, and fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of the timeless story inspired by Min Jin Lee’s 2017 novel. The show takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the struggles and triumphs of one family, going into the complexities of identity, family, and the Korean experience across multiple generations. Spanning from the early 20th century to the late 1980s and early 1990s, the series tackles the lives of the same family as they navigate their Korean identity in Japan.
At the heart of the series is the whirlwind romance between Sunja and Hansu, played by Minha Kim and Lee Minho, respectively. Their romance begins in 1910, only to be swiftly shattered when Sunja reveals her pregnancy and Hansu confesses he’s already married. As tension brews, Sunja meets Isak, a traveling minister who offers to marry her despite her condition. When Hansu confronts Isak, he’s left feeling powerless, unable to stay away from Sunja. This sets the stage for Sunja’s struggles to overcome poverty, pregnancy, social pressure, and ethnic tension.
Pachinko Season 2 (Image via Getty)
Minha Kim delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Sunja, showcasing her wit, strength, and kindness in the face of adversity. Her character’s story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, jumping back and forth between her life as a young woman and her life as an elderly matriarch in 1989. The timeline is presented through the lens of the older Sunja, making each connection to her past and present a poignant reminder of her survival. Sunja is played by three different actresses across her life, each bringing a unique perspective to the character.
As the story unfolds, Sunja’s journey becomes a poignant exploration of the human spirit, as she faces the challenges of her time with courage and resilience. Her triumphs and tragedies are woven together to form a complex world, a testament to her ability to persevere in the face of adversity. The show’s use of non-linear storytelling adds depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing the viewer to piece together Sunja’s life and experiences.
The second season of Pachinko is set to debut on Apple TV+ in the US on August 23, 2024, and promises to be just as charming as the first. With its exploration of identity, family, and the Korean experience, Pachinko has become a must-watch series for fans of emotional and thought-provoking drama. As the story continues to unfold, fans will be drawn into the world of Pachinko, where the complexities of the human experience are woven together in a rich and poignant narrative.
