Based on the New York Times bestseller of the same name, Pachinko is a masterful saga chronicling the hopes and dreams of a Korean immigrant family across four generations.
As one of Apple TV+’s most overlooked gems, the show delves deeply into themes of generational trauma, survival, and legacy over several decades and divided timelines. Although it is adapted from the critically acclaimed novel by Min Jin Lee, it creatively tells the book’s original story in fresh, captivating ways.
Season 2 of “Pachinko” features the latest episode, episode 3, currently available. The series continues to follow Sunja’s life, which takes place a few years after Isak’s arrest as she sells kimchi and supports Mozasu and Noa on her own.
Sunja hopes for Isak’s return while struggling to make ends meet. When Isak finally returns, he is unwell, prompting Sunja to seek Hansu’s help to get him better. In return, Hansu requests that she relocate due to the imminent threat of bombings in Osaka.
Sadly, Isak’s condition is fatal. Meanwhile, Solomon attempts to secure funds for a new venture, ultimately discovering information regarding Han Guem-ja’s whereabouts in Japan that could restore Katsu Abe’s chances.
In the third episode, with Hansu’s assistance, Sunja, Kyunghee, and the children move to safety. Solomon reaches out to Tom Andrews at Shiffley’s with a generous offer and progresses in his relationship with Naomi.
Pachinko Season 2 Episode 3: Sunja and Her Family Escape the City
Episode 3 begins in almost complete darkness, initially obscured to the viewer. However, the sounds of planes and air sirens signifying war create an ominous atmosphere. Sunja and her family are depicted trying to stay together as Hansu (played by Lee Min-ho) urges them to leave the city immediately. Sunja reassures Kyunghee that Hansu is a family friend, which carries a semblance of truth.
With Mr. Kim’s help, they pack quickly and rush to escape the city. Although Sunja seeks assistance from friends, they cannot pause to help as explosions echo nearby.
The family arrives at the countryside house arranged by Hansu. When they inquire about returning home, Hansu grimly responds, “I doubt your home is even standing now.” None of the women desire to stay, with Sunja hesitant to accept Hansu’s help and Kyunghee worrying about living far from her husband, feeling indebted to Hansu.
Noa may begin to question Hansu’s true identity as Sunja reflects on the changes in her life over the past 14 years, stating, “I am no longer the girl at the cove… Like my mother, I am now a widow.” True to her character, Sunja leaves quietly, filled with sorrow as she embraces her fate.
Hansu continues to make more appearances, bringing moments of lightness to Sunja and Kyunghee’s lives, including gifts like newspapers, candy, and a radio. He even brings a kite for the boys, contrasting their current circumstances with fleeting joy.
As the family travels north away from the chaos, Mr. Kim reassures them, but the ever-present weight of war looms, reminding them that safety is temporary.
In Pachinko Season 2 Episode 3, a stakeout creates excitement
Mazasu appears unaffected by the move to the countryside, despite a thief stealing their eggs. Mr. Kim suggests a stakeout to catch the thief. While waiting, the boys inquire about Mr. Kim’s background, learning he first met Hansu at the docks fifteen years prior, when he was aided by Hansu in escaping a difficult life.
When the Japanese overtook Mr. Kim’s family farm in Korea, a clerical error resulted in their land being seized because his father could not pay the tax bill. This tragedy led to his parents’ marriage falling apart, and his younger siblings being sent away, ending with his father vanishing one day. He sadly recounts, “I buried him there, where his potatoes once grew.”
This narrative provides insight into Mr. Kim’s character, deeply resonating with Kyunghee. They eventually discover a group of boys stealing eggs, one of whom is Noa’s former classmate who bullied her.
The boy reveals they are refugees and perpetually hungry. In a moment of compassion, Noa forgives him and allows him to leave, embodying the lesson of mercy taught by Isak. Mr. Kim then praises Noa, declaring, “It’s better to have an enemy owe you than the other way around.”
Pachinko Season 2 Episode 3: Solomon’s struggle for achievement
The elder Sunja encounters an older man named Jun Kunimura in a supermarket who praises her grandson’s bravery, causing her discomfort. Sunja later sees him again while feeding birds in a park.
Solomon is depicted as a thoughtful young man struggling within a challenging environment. The man notes, “You can’t blame him for not living in a world gone mad, can you?” highlighting the contrast between Sunja’s previous experiences and the contemporary struggles of Korean Americans, which often go unrecognized.
Sunja had envisioned Solomon’s life to be simpler. The man responds, “Life is never easy… unless we’re gods.” The scene closes as he chases the birds away, symbolizing lost hopes.
When Solomon returns to Shiffley’s, he informs Tom that Abe-san is their next target. Tom is reluctant to assist initially, but Solomon persuades him by appealing to his desire to see his children more and potentially return to the United States.
Solomon believes Naomi should be in charge due to her intelligence and argues for her after learning the landowner intends to sell. Tensions rise in the elevator between them, but they later agree to date, leading Solomon to take Naomi out for yakitori.
Solomon expresses his wish to be honest, admitting he is weary of living a lie. He reassures Naomi that she is free to walk away without hard feelings. However, he also conveys, “I’m not always going to be this low,” revealing his inner struggles. After reflecting on their relationship, Naomi quietly raises a glass to him, symbolizing the start of their journey outside work.
Pachinko Season 2 Episode 3 “Chapter Eleven” Ending Explained:
I. Why does Noa choose to forgive his former classmate for stealing eggs?
Sunja engages in playful kite flying on the farm with Hansu, Noa, and Mozasu when suddenly they witness planes taking off and landing. Kyunghee, worried about her husband, wonders if he is the target. Chang-ho attempts to ease her mind, explaining that the planes are heading north to protect her husband.
Kyunghee remains anxious about him despite Chang-ho’s reassurance. Later, Hansu warns Noa to remember his father. Meanwhile, Isak expresses concerns about Hansu’s ongoing influence on his life. Young Mozasu soon realizes that some of their produce’s eggs are disappearing frequently and decides to set a trap to catch the thief.
Chang-ho, Noa, Mozasu, and Kyunghee conduct a nighttime stakeout at the produce location and discover a Japanese boy stealing eggs for his starving family; he’s the former classmate who bullied Noa. Chang-ho allows Noa to decide the boy’s punishment.
Noa chooses to forgive him, guided by Isak’s teachings and his pastor’s lessons. In a moment of generosity, Chang-ho offers the boy all the eggs he intended to steal to ensure his family is fed. Meanwhile, Solomon wrestles with professional dilemmas regarding Abe during a date with Naomi, who silently understands his motivations.
About Pachinko
Pachinko is a 2022 Korean drama from Apple TV+ directed by American actor-director Justin Cho and Kogonada, a South Korean filmmaker.
This drama features a stellar cast, including Academy Award winner Youn Yuh-jung, veteran actor Lee Min-ho, Jin Ha, Anna Sawai, Soji Arai, and introducing Kim Min-ha.
As an emotional epic, Pachinko unfolds a generational saga filled with struggle, love, betrayal, and the weight of choices made by a Korean immigrant family.
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