Following worldwide critical acclaim and a successful domestic television run, Pachinko Season 2 is making its Korean TV premiere on tvN on July 18 at 10:30 p.m. KST, bringing the next chapter of the acclaimed historical drama to a broader audience.

Based on the bestselling novel by Korean American author Min Jin Lee, Pachinko chronicles the lives of four generations of a Korean immigrant family as they struggle to survive and prosper after leaving their homeland. Originally released globally on Apple TV+, Season 1 debuted in March 2022, followed by Season 2 in 2024.

After broadcasting Season 1 from June 6 to June 28, tvN is continuing the saga with Season 2. During the drama’s production presentation in 2024, the cast highlighted how the new season builds upon the emotional foundation established in the first installment.

Lee Min Ho, who plays Koh Hansu, explained that while Season 1 focused primarily on the desperate fight for survival, Season 2 delves deeper into the lives of people enduring the harsh realities of history.

Kim Min Ha, who portrays the younger Sunja, shared that she carefully portrayed the passage of seven years, emphasizing Sunja’s growth as a mother raising two sons while exploring the emotional complexities of family.

Meanwhile, Jung Eun Chae, who plays Kyunghee, said her character evolves significantly, transforming from someone who struggled to adapt to unfamiliar circumstances into a resilient woman strengthened by hardship.

The timeline also shifts in Season 2. While Season 1 moved between 1910s Yeongdo, Busan, and 1989 Tokyo, the new season centers on 1945 Osaka and 1989 Tokyo, exploring the devastating effects of World War II, discrimination, and the ongoing struggle for survival faced by Korean immigrants in Japan.

Season 2 has already received praise from international audiences following its global release. Critics noted that the opening episodes effectively depict the horrors of war without relying on large-scale battle scenes, instead focusing on how conflict destroys ordinary lives.

The series has also been commended for portraying Sunja’s emotional journey as an outsider with greater depth while further developing the interconnected stories of its central characters. Lee Min Ho’s portrayal of Koh Hansu has also drawn attention, with viewers praising his nuanced performance as a self-made businessman whose complicated relationship with Sunja has added new layers to the character.

Since its debut, Pachinko has received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences. The series earned a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was praised by major international outlets, including The Telegraph, Empire, and CNN. It was also named one of The Economist’s best television series of 2022. Its award-winning run includes honors such as:

  • Gotham Awards – Breakthrough Series
  • Critics Choice Awards – Best Foreign Language Series
  • African American Film Critics Association Awards – Best International Feature
  • Multiple Gold Derby Awards, including Best Drama

The drama’s popularity has extended to its Korean television broadcast. Despite airing on cable, Season 1 recorded a peak nationwide rating of 4.1%, according to Nielsen Korea, demonstrating continued public interest several years after its original release. Viewers praised the series for its emotional storytelling and its depiction of the hardships endured by Korean immigrants in Japan, with many calling it a masterpiece.

With Season 1’s successful domestic run and its established international reputation, expectations are high for Pachinko Season 2 as it begins its Korean television broadcast.

Sources: Daum | TV리포트