As the highly anticipated release of Pachinko’s second season approaches, Jin Ha, who plays Solomon Baek in the critically acclaimed series, takes a moment to reflect on his connection to his character. Based on Min Jin Lee’s novel, Pachinko is a multi-generational saga spanning six decades, chronicling the lives of the Baek family from their emigration from Korea to Japan in the 1930s to the family’s struggles and triumphs in the 1980s.

As Solomon begins a new chapter in his life, Jin Ha reflects on his previous thoughts about how closely his own experiences are tied to those of his character, according to a report from Movieweb.

Solomon’s struggles reflect Jin Ha’s journey

Jin Ha, born in Korea and raised in the US, has previously expressed how much he identified with Solomon’s character, once remarking that Solomon could have been who he would have become if he hadn’t had his acting career.

As Solomon grapples with the complexities of identity and belonging, Jin Ha draws parallels to his own life as a Korean. In a recent interview, Ha discusses how his connection to Solomon remains as strong as ever, especially as the character faces new challenges in Pachinko Season 2.

Looking back on his role, Jin Ha said, “It still feels that way for him in the second season, even though he’s dealing so much more with the mental and emotional burden of responsibility, or maybe the burden, as he might say, of the expectations or hopes of a generation,” as quoted by Movieweb in a report.

The development of Solomon in season 2

In Season 1, viewers witnessed Solomon’s rise in the American business world, only to then see him lose his job while interning in Japan. This setback sets the stage for Solomon’s journey in Season 2, where he begins to build his confidence and assertiveness as a businessman. However, this path is not without moral dilemmas. Solomon finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his ruthless business ambitions and the expectations of his grandmother Sunja, portrayed by the legendary Youn Yuh-jung. Jin Ha’s reflection on his past underscores the continued relevance of Solomon’s story to his own life. “Even this journey he goes through feels similar to me as if I had immigrated here when I was seven or eight, (under) very different circumstances,” Ha noted.

“But this is still a big part of my own experience and I have to come to terms with how I fit into this country as an Asian American. As a Korean American who was born in Korea but has lived in America most of his life. Where do I fit in? And where do I not fit in?” reads a report from Movieweb.

Summary of Season 1 of Pachinko

In Season 1 of Pachinko, the story unfolds in two different time periods and revolves around the life of Sunja, the matriarch of the Baek family. The series contrasts the difficulties faced by young Sunja (Minha Kim) in building a new life in Japan with the challenges faced by the younger generation in the 1980s.

Through this dual narrative, the series explores themes such as survival, identity, and the lasting impact of history on subsequent generations.

Season 2 of Pachinko will be available to stream on Apple TV+ on August 23, 2024

FAQ

Is there a second season of Pachinko?

Season 2 of Pachinko will stream on Apple TV+ starting August 23.

Will there be four seasons of Pachinko?

Pachinko creator Soo Hugh has repeatedly stated that she plans four seasons – each with eight episodes – to unfold the sprawling, cross-generational narrative based on Min Jin Lee’s 2017 novel for Apple TV+.