In Pachinko Season 2 Episode 3, titled “Chapter Eleven,” the narrative continues to weave between the 1920s and the 1980s, illustrating how history often repeats itself in different forms. Despite being a historical drama, “Pachinko” manages to capture a universal experience that feels both timeless and relevant today. The episode brings us into the chaotic period of June 1945, where tension is high, and every moment feels precarious. At the same time, in the 1980s, Solomon’s journey seems to be taking a hopeful turn, though new challenges await.
The third episode of Pachinko Season 2 picks up right after Isak’s death. Sunja and her family have no time to mourn as they flee Osaka due to the threat of bombing. Hansu helps them escape, and they find refuge in a remote farmhouse. However, the adjustment to this new life proves challenging, particularly for Kyung-Hee, who comes from a more privileged background. Hansu reminds her that they have no choice but to adapt to their circumstances.
Sunja is determined to protect her children from the truth about her past with Hansu. She also realizes that she is now a widow, much like her mother was, and she wants to safeguard Noa and Mozasu’s emotional well-being. By June 1945, Sunja and Kyung-Hee are more accustomed to their surroundings, though they still face prejudice from the Japanese women they work with. The tension between Koreans and Japanese is palpable, with Hansu subtly asserting his dominance.
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Does Sunja Join Hansu in the Countryside?
At the end of Episode 2, Sunja and her family are forced to flee their home amidst chaos, following the bombing of her husband Isak’s coffin. Episode 3 begins with Sunja worrying about being separated from her children. Fortunately, Hansu arrives, offering to take her and her family to a safer location in the countryside. Although Sunja trusts Hansu to some extent, Kyung-Hee is more skeptical. As a married woman whose husband is away, she hesitates to go with strangers, but Sunja reassures her, calling Hansu a family friend. Hansu warns them that staying in Tokyo’s camps would be a death sentence.
The family soon finds themselves living in a makeshift shelter in the countryside. It’s a far cry from the comfort Kyung-Hee is accustomed to, but with no better option, they settle into their new reality. By June 1945, they’ve adapted to life in the countryside, working in the rice fields. Hansu continues to provide for them while getting closer to Sunja’s children. Mozasu is particularly fond of Hansu, who showers him with gifts, but Noa remains distant and suspicious. Noa knows Hansu’s influence could be disruptive and senses that the man is hiding something.
What Is Solomon’s Plan?
Back in the 1980s, Solomon returns to his firm to negotiate with Tom Andrews. He appeals to Tom’s empathy, reminding him of their shared experiences. If Tom sides with Solomon, it would help secure a deal with Abe, which Solomon needs to shake things up at his firm. Tom, intrigued by Solomon’s proposal, agrees to help, moving Solomon a step closer to his goal. Solomon’s love life also takes an unexpected turn when he meets Naomi after his discussion with Tom. Naomi, intrigued by Solomon’s approach, invites him out. Instead of a fancy restaurant, he takes her to a street vendor, showing his down-to-earth side.
Meanwhile, Sunja visits a local grocery store and meets an elderly man who witnessed Solomon standing up to a racist shopkeeper. He praises Solomon’s courage and invites Sunja to meet him outside the store. They sit together in the park, and Sunja reflects on her past hardships and wonders if Solomon deserves a better life. However, the man suggests that Solomon must face his own struggles to build his character. Sunja agrees but hopes that her hard work will provide her family a peaceful future.
Is Kyung-Hee Lonely?
As the episode progresses, we see Kyung-Hee grappling with loneliness. The air raids become more frequent, and she is constantly anxious about receiving bad news about her husband. To distract herself, she joins a stakeout with Mr. Kim, Noa, and Mozasu to catch a thief stealing eggs from their coop. The culprit turns out to be a young Japanese boy who used to bully Noa. Despite their past, Noa chooses to forgive him, remembering the lessons taught by his late father, Isak. Mozasu, however, believes they should have sought revenge, but Mr. Kim reminds him that forgiveness often holds more power.
Later that night, Kyung-Hee is restless and decides to step outside. She spots Mr. Kim, and a moment passes between them, hinting at a potential connection. Despite their differences in background and status, Kyung-Hee finds solace in Mr. Kim’s presence, suggesting that the war has blurred the lines between them. The episode ends with thunder rumbling in the distance, foreshadowing a storm both literal and metaphorical.
Solomon’s New Plans
In 1989, Sunja returns to the supermarket where Solomon stood up against a racist shopkeeper. She meets Yuh-Jung Youn, who witnessed the incident, and they bond over their shared experiences. Yuh-Jung praises Solomon’s courage and suggests that he must face his challenges to become his person. This conversation leaves Sunja reflective, wondering if her sacrifices have been in vain.
Meanwhile, Solomon returns to Shiffley’s office and proposes a new plan to Tom Andrews. He suggests targeting Katsu Abe to advance both their careers. Tom agrees, recognizing that Solomon’s boldness could open doors for him. As Solomon leaves, he meets Naomi, and their conversation leads to a date, further complicating his personal and professional life.
Why Does Noa Forgive His Old Classmate for Stealing Eggs?
Back in the 1940s, Sunja joins Hansu, Noa, and Mozasu for a kite-flying session on the farm. Suddenly, they notice planes flying overhead, and Kyung-Hee fears they might be heading for Nagasaki, where her husband is stationed. Chang-ho reassures her, but the tension remains. Later, Mozasu discovers that eggs are missing from their coop and decides to catch the thief. Noa, Mozasu, Kyung-Hee, and Chang-ho keep watch, and they catch a Japanese boy stealing eggs for his family.
Noa recognizes the boy as a former classmate who bullied him for being Korean. Despite the past, Noa shows compassion and forgives the boy, remembering the lessons his father, Isak, taught him. This act of mercy surprises Mozasu, but Chang-ho praises Noa for understanding the value of having an enemy in debt to you. The episode ends with a sense of impending change, both in the personal lives of the characters and the larger historical context.
Pachinko Season 2 Episode 3 is now streaming on Apple TV+. The series continues to explore the intergenerational impact of war, love, and resilience, drawing viewers into a rich tapestry of human experience that transcends time.
