Apple TV Plus’ acclaimed series, Pachinko, is set to make a grand return with season 2 nearly two years after its finale. Created by Soo Hugh and based on Min Jin Lee’s bestselling novel, this epic historical drama follows four generations of a Korean immigrant family, delving into their hopes and dreams far from their homeland. The streaming giant has released a first look at the cast and announced that season 2 will premiere on August 23, 2024. The new season will consist of eight episodes, beginning with the premiere episode and continuing with new episodes every Friday until the finale on October 11.
Season 2 of Pachinko features a talented cast including Lee Minho as Koh Hansu, Kim Min-ha as Teenage Sunja, Anna Sawai as Naomi, Yuh-Jung Youn as Older Sunja, Jin Ha as Solomon, Eunchae Jung as Young Kyunghee, Soji Arai as Mozasu, and Junwoo Han as Yoseb. Sungkyu Kim joins the cast in the new role of Kim Changho. Soo Hyuk, the writer behind season 1, returns for season 2, with Michael Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer continuing as executive producers. Rian Welham, Jin Jun-rim and Sang-il Lee will direct the series.
The first season of Pachinko, which premiered in March 2022, received global attention. Interestingly, it garnered numerous awards and nominations, including a Peabody Award, an American Film Institute Award, a Critics Choice Award and a Gotham Independent Film Award. It also received one Emmy nomination and two Television Critics Association Award nominations.
The novel follows Sunja, portrayed by Kim Min-ha, a spirited young woman assisting her mother in managing a boarding house during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Sunja’s monotonous life changes when she meets Koh Hansu, played by Lee Minho, a Korean fish broker working for the Japanese. Their relationship leads her to Osaka, Japan, where she encounters the discrimination faced by many Koreans who relocated during the occupation. Despite marrying another man, her connection with Koh Hansu remains a constant presence in her life.
According to Forbes, the second season of Pachinko is expected to explore the lives of Sunja’s sons, Mozasu and Noa. Viewers will also witness the fates of Koh Hansu and Solomon, Sunja’s husband.
