What's happened
The second season of Apple TV+'s 'Pachinko' premiered on August 23, 2024, continuing the story of the Baek family across generations. The series explores themes of identity and discrimination faced by ethnic Koreans in Japan, showcasing rich storytelling and strong performances.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Guardian's Jack Seale emphasizes the emotional depth of 'Pachinko,' stating it is a 'methodically observed drama about the agonies of being human.' The Independent highlights the series' focus on the plight of ethnic Koreans, noting that Youn Yuh-jung, who plays Sunja, was moved by the stories of Zainichi Koreans. The Japan Times praises the show's cinematography and performances, reinforcing its critical acclaim and cultural relevance. Each source underscores the series' ability to blend personal narratives with broader historical themes, making it a significant cultural work.
How we got here
The first season of 'Pachinko' debuted in 2022, adapting Min Jin Lee's novel about a Korean immigrant family. It received critical acclaim for its portrayal of generational trauma and resilience against Japan's colonial legacy.
More on these topics
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Japan is an island country of East Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It borders the Sea of Japan to the west and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.
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Pachinko is an upcoming American drama television series created by Soo Hugh based on the novel of the same name by Min Jin Lee. The series is directed by Kogonada and Justin Chon and stars Youn Yuh-jung, Lee Min-ho, Jin Ha and Kim Minha. It is scheduled
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.