Season 2, Episode 5, titled “Chapter Thirteen,” of the Apple TV series, Pachinko, is directed by Arvin Chen and penned by David Mitchell and Soo Hugh. The episode explores the intertwined themes of duty and love, which play a pivotal role in shaping the journeys of characters like Yoseb, Hansu, Noa, and Solomon. Yoseb, working in a Nagasaki factory far from his family, endures physical and emotional isolation out of a deep sense of responsibility, echoing the resilience of his late brother, Isak. Meanwhile, Hansu, despite being a ruthless Yakuza leader, is driven by a complex form of love and duty toward Sunja and Noa, willing to protect them through morally questionable means. Noa, now an adult, mirrors this sense of duty, working as a telegraph operator while studying for college to support his family. In contrast, Solomon faces a modern struggle, balancing his ambition to defeat Katsu Abe with his love for Naomi, highlighting the conflict between professional duty and personal relationships. Together, their stories reveal the intertwined nature of love and duty across generations.

Each of these characters—Yoseb, Hansu, Noa, and Solomon—has their own profession and responsibilities. Yet, despite their differing paths, they all share a common thread: their commitment to their jobs never outweighs the love they hold for their families and loved ones. In the end, Pachinko shows that duty and love are not mutually exclusive, but deeply interconnected. It is through their struggles that we see how love drives their sense of duty and how, in turn, their responsibilities are expressions of their love.

Baek Yoseb in Nagasaki

In 1945, Baek Yoseb (Han Jun-woo) worked in a Nagasaki factory, trying to support his family in Osaka. Isolated and homesick, Yoseb struggles with the strict, monotonous conditions of factory life. Tensions rise when he clashes with fellow Korean workers over differing views on Korean identity, leading to a fight. As a result, the authorities remove Yoseb from the factory, loading him onto a truck just as the atomic bomb is dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. Against all odds, Yoseb survives, though severely burned, traumatized, and suffering from radiation exposure like many other survivors of the bombing. The entire Nagasaki sequence is shot in black and white, effectively capturing the bleakness of Yoseb’s experience.

Hansu and Yoseb

Koh Hansu (Lee Min-ho) uses his Yakuza connections to ensure that Yoseb receives medical treatment and is transported back to Osaka, where his family’s farm is located in the countryside. There, the scarred factory worker is reunited with his wife, Kyunghee (Jung Eun-chae), and sister-in-law, Kim Sunja (Kim Min-ha). Hansu then has a conversation with Yoseb, explaining the current political landscape in both Korea and Japan. He warns that Korea is descending into chaos, alluding to the looming Korean War (1950-1953), and advises that it is unsafe to return. As for Japan, Hansu reveals that the Empire has surrendered after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Despite Hansu’s aid, Yoseb is uncomfortable with his presence.

Yoseb vividly recalls how Hansu had mocked his brother Isak for years because of Isak’s work as a pastor and his past role as Sunja’s husband. Moreover, Yoseb is deeply concerned about Noa’s fragile mental state and fears the repercussions if Noa learns the truth about his biological father. Yoseb is determined to protect his family, even in his weakened state, and would not hesitate to confront Hansu, despite the gangster’s significant power and influence. His resentment toward Hansu runs deep, especially knowing that Hansu, a fellow Korean, has built his fortune by working as a Yakuza leader—someone who exploits and harms innocent people. While Hansu may have helped Sunja and her family, he may have destroyed countless other families without remorse. 

Five Years Later…

In 1950 Osaka, the family continues with their daily routines. Baek Noa (Kang Tae Joo) is preparing for his college entrance exams, while Mozasu (Mansaku Takada), now a rebellious teenager, remains as defiant as ever. Sunja and Kyunghee maintain their roles as the maternal figures of the household, while Yangjin (Jeong In-Ji) still lives with them, helping Sunja raise her sons and manage the home. However, life has changed in that Sunja now runs a food stand, and Noa works as a telegraph operator to contribute financially to the family. An amusing detail is that Kang Tae Joo, who now plays Baek Noa, is actually a few months older than Kim Min-ha, the actress portraying Sunja. It’s ironic and somewhat humorous that actors are sometimes cast in roles where they play characters younger than their real-life age—a common and quirky aspect of filmmaking.

The Yakuza Meeting

Koh Hansu attends a Yakuza meeting with his boss, who is also his father-in-law. During the meeting, the boss introduces Kurogane, a rising figure in Japan’s new political movement, the Liberal Party. The Yakuza plan to back the Liberal Party, aiming to turn it into a formidable force with the goal of restoring Japan’s pride and glory. With the Americans preparing to leave Japan, Hansu advises that the party’s top priority should be developing a smooth transition plan. Kurogane agrees but expresses concern about the growing number of Koreans choosing to stay in Japan, as well as the Yakuza’s ongoing business with America. However, he acknowledges that America could still be useful in helping them root out Communism.

To elevate the Liberal Party’s reputation, the Yakuza must first provide resources to support Kurogane’s political rise, ensuring he can guide the country in the “right” direction. This reveals an intriguing dynamic, where political leaders rely on financial support from gangsters, while the Yakuza—driven by a twisted sense of patriotism—seek to improve Japan’s future. The complex intersection of politics and crime highlights how deeply criminal organizations can be embedded within the structure of government at various levels.

Solomon and his Business Partners

In 1989 Tokyo, Solomon (Jin Ha) meets with his business partners, including Tom Andrews (Jimmi Simpson), to discuss their scheme to bankrupt Katsu Abe. During the meeting, Solomon suggests using the land to build an exclusive, members-only golf club, projecting 400 billion in gross revenue and 300 billion in net profit with minimal investment. Solomon’s recommendation reveals that his goal isn’t driven by justice but by revenge, as he is willing to exploit the land, rumored to have corpses buried beneath it, for his personal gain. This approach paints Solomon more as a manipulative figure, aligning him closer to a gangster than an ethical businessman—a stark contrast to his descent from the honorable Isak, rather than the cunning Hansu.

However, there is a major obstacle to the plan’s success: Naomi (Anna Sawai). In her role, Naomi is actively seeking alternative solutions for Shiffley’s and Abe, aiming to partner with a better hotel company than Colton. She recommends Hyatt, which is targeting Tokyo for expansion. Despite Tom’s subtle attempts to dissuade her, Naomi is determined to find a solution. The situation becomes even more complicated as Solomon is essentially sabotaging Naomi’s efforts, all while dating her. The irony is palpable, as Solomon is undermining his own girlfriend’s work while maintaining their relationship—an uncomfortable and laughably awkward situation. Tom’s knowing glances at Solomon once he realizes the romantic connection only heightens the tension.

Rating: 9/10