Based on The New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, the critically acclaimed “Pachinko” is back for a second season via Apple TV on August 23. Created by executive producer, showrunner, and lead writer Soo Hugh, “Pachinko,” if you’re unfamiliar with it, is a sweeping and deeply moving story of love and survival across four generations, told through the eyes of a remarkable matriarch, Sunja (Academy Award-winning actor Youn Yuh-jung from “Minari”; read our season one review here). So, today, Apple TV+ unveiled the first trailer for the new season, which further evinces the expansive qualities of the series. Hailing from Media Res and told in three languages—Korean, Japanese, and English—the eight-episode second “Pachinko” season will premiere globally on Friday, August 23, with one episode, followed by one episode weekly every Friday through October 11.
In season two, feeling the ripple effect of WWII, the fate of the Baek family echoes across four generations. Forbidden love, resilience, and moral dilemmas define the journey in this second chapter. Season two stars Lee Minho (“City Hunter”), Yuh-Jung Youn, Minha Kim, Jin Ha (“Devs”), Anna Sawai (from “Shōgun” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”), Eunchae Jung, Soji Arai, Junwoo Han, and Sungkyu Kim. Additionally, while season one was directed by Kogonada and Justin Chon, season two turns to new filmmakers in, Leanne Welham, Arvin Chen, and Sang-il Lee.
The first season received 11 international awards, including a Peabody Award, an American Film Institute Award, a Critics Choice Award, and a Gotham Independent Film Award.
Here’s the official synopsis:
In season two, the parallel stories pick up in Osaka in 1945, where Sunja is forced to make dangerous decisions for her family’s survival during World War II, and in Tokyo in 1989, which finds Solomon exploring new, humble beginnings.
The new trailer features a new moving cover of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” by global superstar Rosé of the record-breaking K-pop group BLACKPINK. Rosé’s song will also be utilized in the finale episode.
“Pachinko” returns August 23. Watch the first trailer below.