Season 2, Episode 4, titled “Chapter Twelve,” of the Apple TV series, Pachinko, is directed by Arvin Chen and penned by Ethan Kuperberg and Soo Hugh. The episode centers on the theme of remembering one’s heritage. In Osaka, 1945, Sunja and Yangjin grapple with their worries as Noa and Mozasu embrace their Japanese heritage more than their Korean roots. A similar situation unfolds for Solomon in 1989 Tokyo as he becomes increasingly detached from his Korean identity in favor of his Japanese one. While Sunja is concerned in both cases, it’s important to consider that Noa, Mozasu, and Solomon were raised in Osaka, Japan, as Japanese rather than Koreans. The language they speak, the friends they make, and the food they eat during their youth are predominantly Japanese. It is understandable why these three characters might identify more with their Japanese heritage than their Korean one.
Recognizing one’s bloodline and heritage is crucial in understanding the roots of their identity. By acknowledging their ancestry, individuals gain a deeper insight into their history, and the lives and experiences of their parents and grandparents. This understanding fosters a stronger connection to cultural traditions and values that have been passed down through generations. Learning about the history and customs of the countries one’s family originated from can provide valuable context, allowing them to appreciate the struggles, achievements, and cultural nuances that shaped their family’s journey. This process can ultimately create a sense of belonging and pride, helping individuals navigate their present with a more grounded perspective of who they are and where they come from.
Mother and Daughter Reunite
In 1945 Osaka, Kim Sunja (Kim Min-ha) and her family as they adapt to their new life in the countryside, seeking refuge from the horrors of World War II. Baek Noa (Kim Kang-hoon) slowly becomes accustomed to his new surroundings and even befriends a classmate who was once a bully. However, his younger brother, Baek Mozasu (Eunseong Kwon), struggles to fit in and feels overshadowed by Noa. Similarly, Kyunghee (Jung Eun-chae) faces discomfort as she is occasionally harassed by Japanese farmers, prompting Kim Chang-ho (Kim Sung-kyu) to step in to look after her.
The most surprising moment occurs when Koh Hansu (Lee Min-ho) brings the elderly Yangjin (Jeong In-Ji), Sunja’s mother, to the countryside. Sunja is overjoyed to reunite with her mother, and Yangjin feels the same about seeing her daughter again. Yangjin is even thrilled to meet her grandsons for the first time. While the reunion is both touching and bittersweet, it is somewhat confusing, as Season 1 suggested that Sunja never reunited with her mother. This was implied when an elderly Sunja extensively questioned her old friend from the boarding house about her mother’s well-being. It remains unclear whether this is a retcon in the show or if there is more to be revealed, with the elderly Sunja simply curious about what happened to her mother after she returned to Busan in Korea. Despite this, the novel does show Sunja reuniting with her mother in the countryside at the farm thanks to Hansu.
Yangjin and her Grandsons
During dinner, Yangjin bonds with her two grandsons, discussing their hobbies and interests. Mozasu, for example, shares his dream of sailing to Africa, a plan that obviously never comes to fruition, as he eventually becomes a pachinko parlor owner in Osaka. However, Yangjin worries that her grandsons are drifting too far from their Korean heritage in favor of their Japanese identity.
Hansu joins the gathering, and Yangjin thanks him for making the reunion with her daughter possible. This moment is ironic, considering that Hansu’s relationship with Sunja in Season 1 was the very reason she had to leave for Osaka in the first place. Although Yangjin might have every reason to be angry with Hansu, it seems that time has softened her feelings. Now, she is willing to express gratitude to anyone who allows her to see her daughter one last time. Overall, it is amazing how people change their minds as time passes.
Hansu bonds with Sunja
As Chang-ho and Kyunghee grow closer, Hansu spends time with Sunja by teaching her how to drive. Before starting the lesson, Sunja thanks Hansu for reuniting her with her mother. However, driving proves to be challenging for Sunja, and she ends up crashing the car on her first attempt. Hansu, however, brushes off the mistake, remaining patient. The two continue to bond until the moment is interrupted when Sunja insists that Hansu should not meet Noa again once the war is over. Hansu becomes upset, feeling unappreciated after all he has done to protect Sunja and their family.
Frustrated, Hansu channels his anger by violently confronting a thief attempting to steal his car. Unfortunately, this outburst is witnessed by Noa and his friend, exposing them to Hansu’s brutality for the first time. Realizing Noa has seen his ruthless behavior, Hansu is filled with regret. No loving parent wants their child to witness their darker side—a sentiment reminiscent of characters like Walter White.
Sunja has Dinner with Solomon and Naomi
In 1989 Tokyo, the elderly Sunja (Youn Yuh-jung) arrives unexpectedly at Solomon’s (Jin Ha) home, much to his surprise. Her visit couldn’t have come at a more awkward time, as Solomon had just invited Naomi (Anna Sawai) over for dinner. The timing leads to a humorous moment, with Sunja scrutinizing what appears to be her grandson’s new girlfriend. Despite the initially awkward encounter, Sunja and Naomi quickly bond as they prepare dinner together. During their cooking, they discuss various topics, including Sunja’s love for cooking, which stems from her need to provide for her family in times when food was scarce. Naomi, in turn, shares insights into Solomon’s struggles at Shiffley’s and expresses her admiration for his courage and determination to never give up.
During supper, the conversation shifts with Sunja talking about Solomon regarding the successful land deal. Sunja is confused with how the landowner easily sold her land despite being adamant in her defense of her home. Solomon and Sunja discuss this when the former drops the latter off at her hotel. Sunja understands that her grandson has a job but she pleads that he does not forget who he is along with his Korean heritage.
Solomon’s Plan is Flourishing
Solomon receives a phone call from Tom (Jimmi Simpson), who informs him that Colton Hotels has caught wind of the rumors about the buried corpses, which have now spread to the media. As a result, Colton Hotels is planning to back out of the deal, which would leave Katsu Abe facing bankruptcy. Solomon reminds Tom that it is now his responsibility to ensure their victory over Abe. However, Tom hesitates, aware that Katsu Abe still holds enough power to ruin Solomon if he discovers who sabotaged his deal with Colton Hotels.
Rating: 9/10