Whenever a beloved book is transformed into a visual medium, it sparks a plethora of debates and discussions. Enthusiasts and critics alike ponder over whether the adaptation manages to capture the essence of the original text. Are the characters consistently aligned with the vivid imagery created by the readers’ imaginations? Most crucially, does the adaptation respect the core narrative and refrain from straying away from the established plotlines?
These questions are exceptionally pertinent in the case of Min Jin Lee’s highly acclaimed novel, “Pachinko.” With its return for a second season on Apple TV+, the TV series adaptation faces renewed scrutiny. Season one of “Pachinko” took significant creative liberties, notably abandoning the book’s linear narrative. Instead, it weaved together the lives of its central character, Sunja, in the past and her grandson, Solomon Baek, in the present.
We sat down with Soo Hugh, the showrunner, and Jin Ha, the actor who portrays Solomon Baek, to delve into their experiences and insights regarding this ambitious project. Soo Hugh, whose prior works include “The Terror,” “The Whispers,” and “The Killing,” has become synonymous with the “Pachinko” series. She carries multiple accolades, being the showrunner, executive producer, and writer, earning recognition as the visionary behind this adaptation.
In an interview, Soo Hugh expressed her enthusiasm about Jin Ha’s portrayal of Solomon Baek in the second season. “What was most interesting in the writers’ room for this season was Jin Ha’s Solomon,” Soo Hugh remarked. “We explored a lot of Solomon’s storyline from the book in the first season, setting the stage for new developments in the second. For the past storyline centered on Sunja, we continued to rely on the strong foundation laid out in the book.”
The first season depicted Solomon’s temporary relocation from the United States to Japan in pursuit of his career. There, he grapples with challenges to his ideals of fairness and faces an identity crisis. An Ivy League graduate and a financial professional, Solomon’s role within his family—especially their pride in his achievements—adds layers to his character. However, the new season brings a more disillusioned and cautious Solomon, increasingly aware of the political intricacies and hard realities of the path he has chosen.
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“We were on a sort of a cliff’s edge with the present-day storyline,” Soo Hugh explained. “Solomon’s storyline is really tricky; it’s both subtle and delicate while being loud and expressive. This duality posed our greatest challenge, constantly pushing us to ask, ‘What more could we do with him?’”
Jin Ha elaborated on what makes his role so special. “Playing Solomon is a rare gift, especially given the rich source material from which this character springs,” he said. Ha referred to his arc in the second season as a “blazing new story,” highlighting his excitement to explore and expand on Solomon’s journey while upholding the larger narrative of the book. “This season, I feel a deeper ownership of Solomon,” Ha added. “Without the guiding framework of the book, it’s now up to us to navigate and continue his arc.”
Set against the backdrop of a Japanese, Korean, and English trilingual narrative, “Pachinko” chronicles four generations of a Korean immigrant family as they navigate love, loss, grief, and survival. Soo Hugh had previously expressed how the series, while focusing on a unique and specific family story, has managed to resonate universally.
Discussing the broader impact and historical significance of “Pachinko,” Soo Hugh emphasized the universal appeal of its narrative. “The fact that we are thousands of miles apart, yet discussing these universal characters, underscores the importance of this story,” she said. Hugh believes that stories like “Pachinko” transcend boundaries and time periods, revealing histories that many might be unfamiliar with but can deeply relate to. “This show makes the world feel smaller, kinder, and more humane,” she reflected.
The anticipation for “Pachinko” season two underscores the compelling nature of the story and its characters. As fans eagerly await this new chapter, Soo Hugh and Jin Ha remain confident that the essence of Min Jin Lee’s masterpiece continues to be honored.
The second season of “Pachinko” begins streaming on Apple TV+ from August 23, promising to further explore the depths of its characters and the complexity of their intertwined lives.
