Pachinko is an 8-episode drama based on the New York Times bestseller of the same name, written by Min Jin Lee. The story revolves around the life of a Korean woman named Sunja, who lived during Japan’s occupation of Korea. While the majority of the show is produced by American filmmakers, the storyline itself is centered on Korea and Japan.
Growing up during difficult times, Sunja was accustomed to living in tough conditions, which made her a brave young girl. As an adult, Sunja’s beauty captured the attention of a Korean fish broker who worked for Japan. Her life began to change after meeting him.
Set in 1915, while Japan was occupying Korea, a baby girl was born to a couple who felt cursed because the wife had already lost three previous children. The husband, who was deaf and handicapped, ran a boarding house to support their family. The baby, named Sunja, grew up to be a courageous young girl.
Just like her mother, Sunja fell in love with a Korean man named Koh Hansu. Hansu was a broker for Japan and was already married with three daughters. Despite his strict and intimidating personality, Hansu was well-known for his generous treatment of fishermen. Sunja’s innocent heart was captured by Hansu’s charm, leading to her getting pregnant.
Hansu offered to provide for Sunja and their child but could not marry her because of his current marriage. Sunja was heartbroken, but things changed when she and her mother took care of a young man named Baek Isak in their boarding house. Isak was looking for his family, but his health problems caused him to take a break.
Sunja was determined to raise her child alone and impressed Isak with her strength. They started a new life together, but it was not easy. Meanwhile, in 1989 New York, Baek Solomon desperately needed to win a promotion by convincing his employer to purchase land for a hotel construction. This piece of land was owned by a Korean grandmother, Han Geumja, who lived in Japan.
Solomon’s trip to Japan to negotiate went smoothly due to Sunja’s help, but he did not get to meet Han’s granddaughter- Hana. Sunja was happy to help her grandson, but her sorrowful moment came when her sister-in-law Kyunghee died from illness.
Despite the countless obstacles faced by Sunja, she managed to overcome them and continued to lead a remarkable life. Pachinko is a compelling tale that captures Korea’s unbearable and heart-wrenching experience during Japan’s occupation. It emphasizes Korea’s historic past, resilience, and bravery.
In conclusion, Pachinko is an emotional and heart-wrenching drama that brings out the best of Korean historic and cultural values. Its detailed depiction of Korea’s past and resilience in the face of immense difficulty will keep viewers rooted to their seats. The show’s well-crafted storyline and outstanding cast make it a must-watch show for all who appreciate quality drama.
