One of the much awaited Korean series, Pachinko (2022), is finally streaming on Apple TV+.
Here are three things to expect from the web series:
1. It is based on the New York Times bestseller, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.
Pachinko is an epic novel written by Korean-American author, Min Jin Lee. It was recognized by The New York Times as one of the 10 Best Books of 2017 and a 2017 finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction.
The fictional-historical narrative dives into the 20th-century, a period that included World War II and the popular pachinko parlors. The historical events including pachinko will play a major part in the journey of a Korean family who migrates to Japan, which will also unveil glimpses of racism, stereotypes, prejudice, and power.
The 20th-century pachinko is a type of recreational arcade game which features a number of slot machines and operate similarly to casinos. The nature of the game will reflect the metaphor for the characters in the story.
Meanwhile, the original writer, Min Jin Lee, is reportedly one of the executive producers of the web series.
2. It features an ensemble of characters.
The story takes place in Korea, Japan, and America and features an ensemble of characters, including:
Sunja: Youn Yuh-jung will portray the character of Sunja, the main protagonist of the drama who was born in Busan. Her family members died and she was left alone to survive life at 13. She has two sons from two different fathers.
Koh Hansu: Lee Min-ho will perform as Koh Hansu, a Korean man who was adopted into a rich and prominent family in Japan. He does everything in his influence to protect Sunja and their son, Noah.
3. It is star-studded and will be exclusively released on Apple TV+.
Pachinko is star-studded including the top Hallyu star, Lee Minho, Academy Award-winner, Youn Yuh-jung, American actor, Jin Ha, and Japanese-New Zealander actress, Anna Sawai.
The 8-episode drama is set to be released exclusively through Apple TV+ on March 25th with three episodes and one episode every Friday until April 29th. It will be told in three languages including Korean, Japanese, and English.
Genre: Drama, Historical
Synopsis: The hopes and dreams of four generations of a Korean immigrant family, beginning with a story of a forbidden romance that leads to a sweeping saga taking place in Korea, Japan, and America.
Based on: a novel, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
No. of episodes: 8
Starring: Youn Yuh-jung, Lee Min-ho, Jin Ha, Anna Sawai
Written by: Soo Hugh
Directed by: Kogonada and Justin Chon
Original network: Apple TV+
Date: March 25 to April 29, 2022
Cover photo: Apple TV
KORB 