Last week, Apple TV+ kicked off Pachinko Season 2 with an impressive first episode, raising the bar for what was already a critically acclaimed series. If you thought the first season tugged at your heartstrings, brace yourself—Episode 2 of Season 2 takes the emotional intensity up a notch, delivering one of the most poignant episodes of the series so far.
This episode marks the return of Baek Isak, Sunja’s husband, and it’s a gut-wrenching experience from start to finish. If you haven’t seen the first episode yet, I highly recommend watching it before diving into this review—there are some major spoilers ahead!
Does Isak Survive?
The episode opens with a stark reminder of the horrors of war, showing us how even children can’t escape its impact. We see Noa walking in on his younger brother and other kids playing with gas masks, pretending to shoot each other. It’s a grim scene that perfectly captures the innocence of childhood tainted by the violence of war—a signature move by Pachinko, holding up a mirror to the darkness yet to come.
The tone shifts when one of the kids reveals he’s lost his father in the war, setting the stage for the emotional turmoil that dominates the rest of the episode. When Noa and Mozasu return home, there’s a knock on the door. A man stumbles in and collapses on the floor. It takes a moment for Noa—and for us as viewers—to realize that this man is Isak, sick and barely recognizable.
A Reunion with Heart-Wrenching Consequences
Pachinko masterfully splits its time between two timelines, requiring patience, especially in emotionally charged episodes like this one. After Isak’s shocking return, the episode shifts to the future, where Solomon is grappling with his business troubles in Tokyo. While Solomon’s storyline is engaging, the real emotional weight of Episode 2 lies in Isak’s return, and it’s clear the episode’s focus is right where it needs to be.
Sunja and Isak’s reunion is one of the most heartbreaking moments of the series. As Sunja holds Isak’s hands, you can sense she knows deep down that this might be the end. Despite her fears, she’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep him alive. Desperate for help, she turns to Hansu, who agrees to assist—but with a catch. Hansu will help save Isak, but only if Sunja and the kids agree to leave town with him, regardless of whether Isak survives.
Back home, Isak meets with Pastor Hu for what becomes their final conversation. It’s revealed that Pastor Hu played a role in Isak’s imprisonment, adding another layer of tragedy to an already devastating storyline. As Isak spends his final moments with Mozasu, viewers are left anxiously waiting to see how it all unfolds.
A Devastating Goodbye
Sunja eventually finds a doctor, but it’s too late—Isak only has a few hours left. In these final moments, Sunja stays by his side, making sure they spend his last moments together.
Just as the family begins to mourn Isak’s death, a bomb threat forces them to confront the harsh reality of war once again, reminding us that in times of conflict, there’s no time for grief. While Solomon’s story continues in the background, it’s clear that this episode belongs to Isak and Sunja, and their heartbreaking journey will linger with us for a long time.
Conclusion
Episode 2 of Pachinko Season 2 is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, centering on Isak’s tragic return and the devastating impact it has on Sunja and her family. While the episode is heavy and leaves little room for anything else, it’s a powerful reminder of why Pachinko stands out in the crowded landscape of streaming content. We can’t wait to see where the story goes next, but we’re still reeling from the events of this heartbreaking episode.