Pachinko Season 2 Episode 8 Recap and Ending Explained: Does Noa Discover the Truth About Hansu?

Apple TV+ has brought back “Pachinko” with the premiere of the eighth episode in its second season. This chapter previously followed Noa’s academic journey at Waseda University in Tokyo. Hansu faced rejection from attending, denied by his father-in-law who also barred him from his daughter’s wedding. In a fit of vengeance, Hansu murdered the elder man. Out of sympathy for Kyunghee, Yoseb backed her relationship with Chang-ho, although she was not ready to dissolve her marriage.

In 1991, Sunja developed a close friendship with Kato-san, which raised concerns in Mozasu, prompting him to look into Kato-san’s background. This inquiry unveiled crucial information that altered Sunja’s views on Kato-san. The focus of most of Pachinko Episode 8 is on Noa’s interactions with Nakazono Akiko during their time at Waseda University, where a shocking truth from Noa’s history impels him toward an irreversible decision.

Recap of Pachinko (Season 2 Finale) Episode 8 “Chapter Sixteen”:

A year into his new life in Tokyo, Noa embarks on a journey at Waseda University in “Pachinko” (Season 2 Finale), Episode 8. Here, he befriends classmate Nakazono Akiko, whom he first noticed as a student leader upon arriving.

During a literature class, Akiko discusses a tale by Leo Tolstoy, sharing her insights. Noa critiques her biases and partially dismisses her viewpoint. Following class, they share a kiss at a secluded campus spot, with Noa anxious about being seen, though Akiko remains unconcerned.

Akiko notices the preferential treatment Noa receives from Hansu in Tokyo. Despite this, Noa clings to his modest background, grasping the realities of hunger and despair, a stark contrast to her privileged life. Akiko expresses a wish to meet Hansu, but Noa prevents this encounter. Later, during a visit, he joins Hansu.

While at a gathering, Hansu discusses a real estate deal with a young guest, commending Noa and dubbing him the promise of the future as he enters. The young party attendee harbors prejudice against Noa, viewing him unfavorably due to his Korean heritage. Nevertheless, under Hansu’s sway in party matters, they must align with his views.

Mozasu’s Mischief

In Osaka, 14-year-old Mozasu and a friend attempt to burglarize Goto-san’s store, but Mozasu gets caught. Goto-san sympathizes with Sunja for raising Mozasu. Mozasu confesses his actions to his mother and returns the stolen items. Despite Goto-san offering him a job at his parlor, Sunja promises to discipline her son, yet agrees to the job against Kyunghee’s wishes.

Chang-ho receives letters that Yoseb conceals from him. Eventually, he regrets withholding them from Kyunghee, ultimately sharing them with her. As she reads, her emotions surge.

Mamoru and Mozasu’s Shared Past

After a successful deal with Mamoru Yoshii, Solomon pays off Mozasu’s remaining debt in 1991. Solomon had faced financial challenges before, leading Mozasu to question how he managed such a large repayment.

He soon learns about Solomon’s golf club event and attends. At this gathering, Mozasu witnesses Solomon navigate questions about his business with newfound confidence, unlike his previous demeanor. Solomon argues in favor of his bold strategies while acknowledging potential labor issues.

Ultimately, Mozasu discovers Solomon has partnered with Mamoru. After the event, he meets Mamoru to discuss this collaboration. It appears that Yoshii is Goto-san’s grandson, who once offered a job to young Mozasu at his pachinko parlor.

Having earned Goto-san’s trust akin to that of family, Mozasu suspects that Mamoru aims to use Solomon for revenge due to the love he forfeited regarding Goto-san. Thus, Mozasu resolves to take vengeance on Mamoru.

In an encounter with Kato-san, Sunja reveals her findings regarding Mozasu’s investigation. She inquires about his tumultuous experiences during his time in the Japanese army. Kato-san expresses remorse for his past actions but has no ulterior motives in his friendship with Sunja, seeking a fresh start. Regardless, Sunja decides to keep her distance from him.

Solomon’s Guilt

During drinks with Tom, Solomon learns that after concluding their time with the Shifleys, Tom will opt to work for Yoshii-san instead of returning to the States as planned. Deriding Katsu Abe without any sense of guilt, the shocking news of Katsu Abe’s supposed suicide soon reaches Solomon, affecting him deeply.

Ending Explained: Pachinko (Season 2 Finale) Episode 8 “Chapter Sixteen”

Does Noa learn the truth about Hansu?

After classes, Noa expresses to Hansu his ambition to be a teacher during a dinner together. Hansu, however, urges him to aspire for greater achievements, recognizing Noa’s intellect and curiosity.

Noa is taken aback when Akiko makes an unexpected visit while they discuss these aspirations. Hansu identifies her as the daughter of Foreign Undersecretary Hitoshi, advocating for her to inspire Noa to aim higher. Upset over Akiko’s refusal to meet Hansu, Noa confronts her afterward.

Akiko responds by asserting her independence and encouraging Noa not to let others shape his identity. Even as Hansu advises her to leave Noa, she chooses to stay committed, leading him to withdraw from her. After recognizing the truth of Hansu’s relation to Noa, Akiko confirms what had been on her mind for a long time. This has never been disclosed between Noa and Hansu.

Ultimately, after Akiko departs, Noa queries Hansu about his parentage. Hansu candidly acknowledges his role as Noa’s father, having never intruded on Sunja’s life. Shocked, Noa travels back to Osaka to confront Sunja, appearing unexpectedly to her surprise.

Declining Sunja’s invitation to stay over, Sunja realizes that Noa’s visit was a farewell. After he leaves, she searches for him but cannot find him. Even with his attempts, Hansu cannot track down Noa.

Expressing his sorrow over past decisions, he concedes that there is no turning back. Noa abandons his previous life, starting anew in Nagano under the name Ogawa Minato, concealing his Korean heritage.

About Pachinko

Pachinko is a 2022 Korean drama series on Apple TV+, directed by the acclaimed American and Korean filmmakers Justin Cho and Kogonada.

This groundbreaking series features Academy Award winner Youn Yuh-jung, seasoned actor Lee Min-ho, along with Jin Ha, Anna Sawai, Soji Arai, and the debut of Kim Min-ha.

Charting the emotional ups and downs of a multi-generational saga, Pachinko tells the poignant story of struggle, love, betrayal, and the choices faced by a Korean immigrant family.

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