Pachinko — Season 2 (2024) 파친코 시즌 2
Directed by Leanne Welham, Arvin Chen, and Lee Sang-il, starring Kim Min-ha, Lee Min-ho, Jin Ha and Youn Yuh-jung.
Based on the novel "Pachinko" by Lee Min-jin.
Watched 3 - 9 December 2025 — 8 episodes (KISSKH/DRAMACOOL)
*I have watched the first season of Pachinko some time ago and was never too excited to continue the characters' journey in the sequel. But I like the female lead actress Kim Min-ha, and have enjoyed her recently in Typhoon Family. It was the main reason for me to seek out Season 2, and the fact that it's only 8 episodes long works to the show's advantage. Also, one of my fave side characters of Typhoon Family was Kwon Eun-seong (playing Kim Min-ha's little brother) and I was pleasantly surprised that he plays the role here of Kim Min-ha's youngest son Mozasu. After watching Typhoon Family I was already thinking, "Please give this kid another role!" (This drama was made before Typhoon Family.)
*I love the opening credits of the episodes. Though the cheerful vibe has nothing to do with the serious tone of the drama, it's nice to see a parade of all the actors, dancing and being happy.
*The main male characters of Hansu (Lee Min-ho) and Solomon (Jin Ha) are not very likeable. I didn't completely hate them but they never made me feel sympathy for them.
*I like Kim Sun-ja in her younger years (played by Kim Min-ha) and also Jung Eun-chae as Young Kyung-hee (Sun-ja's sister-in-law).
*I had hoped that Kyung-hee and Kim Chang-ho (played by Kim Sung-kyu) would end up together and get a shot at happiness. But Kyung-hee denied herself this chance, like I knew she would. I felt really sorry for Chang-ho.
*Like in the first season, I just didn't care for the modern timeline and Solomon. When Naomi (Anna Sawai — I've seen her in Shōgun) got a more prominent role, I was a bit more engaged and wanted to see her relationship with Solomon develop. I also never really cared for the old Sun-ja, nor for the old Mozasu.
*Sun-ja's eldest son Noa is a likeable character but the Japanese girl he started dating was so unappealing. The story obviously doesn't end with Noa leaving/disappearing (after finding out he's Hansu's son) and assuming another name. There is probably going to happen something tragic, as Noa doesn't seem to play a part in the modern timeline. But will I be curious enough to watch Season 3?
*Best asset still: the gorgeous photography with the beautiful muted colour palette.