“Pachinko” Season 2 Episode 4 Summary and Ending Analysis

Apple TV+ is currently airing “Pachinko” (season 2) episode 4. The latest episode continues the narrative of Sunja and her family as they flee Osaka due to a bomb threat, relocating to a farm where they quickly adjust to their new environment.

Hansu begins to shower them with gifts, presumably to connect with Noa and her family. Sunja advises Noa to cherish Isak in his memories always. Meanwhile, Mozasu notices that some eggs have mysteriously gone missing from their supplies. To uncover the culprit—Noa’s Japanese classmate—Chang-ho initiates an investigation. Despite being teased at school, Noa shows kindness to the child.

In 1989, Solomon pitches a new business idea to Tom Andrews. The fourth episode of “Pachinko” (season 2) shifts focus to Hansu, who surprises Sunja in a delightful manner. Chang-ho aspires to start afresh with Kyunghee, and Solomon progresses with his land deal while growing closer to Naomi.

Pachinko (Season 2) Episode 4 “Chapter Twelve” Recap:

1) Sunja Gets to See Her Mother Again

The episode features a touching reunion between Sunja and her mother, Yangjin, after years of separation. Despite their disagreements, the love between them is undeniable, and their emotional reunion highlights the pain of the time apart, especially during the war.

During this reunion, Hansu drives Yangjin to her daughter’s new home in the rice fields. He has consistently gone out of his way to ensure Sunja’s happiness, even though he couldn’t save Isak.

Yangjin recounts stories about her life to her grandsons at the dinner table, but as the meal is served, Hansu interrupts and expresses his desire to join them. Hansu seeks connection with Sunja and Noa beyond just a meal.

Yangjin then pieces together that Sunja often takes late-night walks and warns her to be cautious around Hansu, realizing that he is indeed Noa’s biological father.

2) Elder Sunja & Naomi Get Close Through Food & Their History:

After Solomon fails to respond to her calls, Sunja visits him, sharing a dream that prompted her visit. During this time, Solomon reconnects with Naomi, his former coworker, and Sunja offers to prepare a meal for them, changing their initial plans.

In the kitchen, while Solomon answers a call, Naomi helps Sunja, leading to a bonding experience where Naomi shares her struggles growing up with an absent father. She reminisces about her mother’s impressive cooking, resonating deeply with Sunja, who similarly provided for her family through her culinary skills.

3) Sunja Finds Out About Solomon’s Deal:

In the kitchen, Naomi reveals to Sunja that Solomon’s integrity is part of what attracted her to him. Naomi feels empowered by how Solomon helped Han Geum-ja refuse an agreement that would have taken away her land. There are rumors that Han Geum-ja may now sell the property to Schiffley. While Sunja remains silent, she wishes to warn Solomon.

After dinner, when Solomon accompanies Sunja to her home, she presses him for more details about the deal. Solomon reassures her that Han Geum-ja will benefit greatly from the sale and made her choice independently. Sunja cautions Solomon to avoid any potentially dishonest schemes, reminding him of his identity and values just as her own mother did in the rice fields years ago.

4) An intimate moment shared by Hansu and Sunja:

Minha Kim and Lee Min-ho in Pachinko | Source: IMDB

After dinner, Sunja goes for a walk and encounters Hansu. She thanks him for bringing her mother back, and despite his dismissive attitude, she acknowledges his kindness. After some persuasion, Sunja agrees to drive Hansu’s car.

However, their moment is interrupted when they get stuck in mud. They manage to pull the car out together, but Sunja feels the difficulty of rekindling their connection. Her heart belongs to Isak, and despite Hansu’s emotional pleas, she quickly departs.

5) Hansu Outscores The Foreman, and Noa Sees:

Kim Kang-hoon in Pachinko | Source: IMDB

Noa and his new friend venture out to a glowing field of fireflies while Sunja walks. Noa struggles with the loss of Isak and growing tensions at home, exacerbated by Hansu’s frequent presence. Occasionally, he yearns for a connection with his estranged father.

While hiding, Noa witnesses Hansu confronting the rice field foreman, hinting at some undisclosed plot. The encounter escalates violently, revealing Hansu’s darker side as he brutally attacks the foreman. Just as Hansu begins to recover from his rage, he spots Noa leaving the scene.

Sunja’s reluctance to engage with Hansu romantically seems to have stirred unresolved anger within him, despite his initial search for the foreman.

Pachinko (Season 2) Episode 4 “Chapter Twelve” Ending Explained:

1) Kyunghee makes an important decision about her future:

Jung Eun-chae in Pachinko | Source: IMDB

Noa and his new friend share a tender moment after catching fireflies while Sunja inadvertently causes a car accident. Although Noa feels they shouldn’t have to hide their relationship, Sunja remains devoted to Isak and hesitates to acknowledge new feelings, despite Hansu’s involvement.

Yangjin uncovers the truth about Hansu being Noa’s father and urges Sunja to keep this revelation from him. Following Sunja’s rejection, Hansu lashes out violently at a neighbor in front of Noa, prompting him to run away. In the chaos, the family is then drawn into an important ritual.

That night, their rice shed catches fire, leaving Kyunghee distraught as all her hard work goes up in flames. Despite their frantic efforts, the destruction occurs in minutes, causing devastation.

In the aftermath, Chang-ho comforts her, suggesting they cherish their time together, especially with looming threats in their lives. He kisses Kyunghee, marking a new chapter in their relationship.

About Pachinko

Pachinko is a 2022 Korean drama available on Apple TV+, directed by Justin Cho and Kogonada, highlighting their talents as both American and South Korean filmmakers.

The series features an all-star cast including Academy Award winner Youn Yuh-jung, seasoned actors Lee Min-ho, Jin Ha, Anna Sawai, Soji Arai, and newcomer Kim Min-ha.

Pachinko presents an emotional saga of a Korean immigrant family, exploring themes of struggle, love, betrayal, and the choices made across generations.

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