"Pachinko", The New Korean Drama Series to Join the Global Phenomenon

I wish I could have something that lasts forever, but nothing does, and it’s futile to wish otherwise. Except … I do wish watching Pachinko could last forever. (New York Magazine)

Foreign media outlets have already begun to gush over the new Apple TV+ series, "Pachinko." The drama has won the hearts of the people with its phenomenal script, acting, and directing.

"Pachinko" has a total of eight episodes and unravels a story from the time of 1910 to 1989, skimming over four generations and time between a family's immigration life from Korea, Japan, and the U.S.

Sunja is played by Kim Min Ha and Oscar winning actress Youn Yuh Jung. The series shows the growth of Sunja from her younger days to her current self. The show plays the string of experiences from war and peace, love and heartbreaks, wins, and losses.

The show went on to receive a 100% on American review-aggregation website, "Rotten Tomatoes." BBC News had also given "Pachinko" a full set of stars in its review.

Foreign media outlets credit the overall quality and completion of the show. The directing of the series had also been highly praised for the way in which it portrayed four generations.

"IndieWire" a film industry and review website, wrote "Pachinko, while undeniably gentle and delicate at points, has its share of hammer blows." Hollywood Reporter also took the time to shed light on the rising drama by writing, "It is emotionally epic and tells a gripping yarn, one that is entirely specific to the experience of 20th-century Koreans in their home country and Japan but has traces of countless other immigrant experiences, forced and unforced."

The Rolling Stone had also written a review of their own and wrote, "The pleasures and depth of Pachinko are so tactile, that by the time you reach the end of this magnificent first season's eighth episode, you will feel as if you can taste the sweet nuttiness that fills the elder Sunja with so much unexpected joy."

The cast are also receiving praise for their performance in the heart-rendering series. Kim Min Ha plays the character of Sunj, during her younger days and Youn Yuh Jung plays the current form of the character. Well renowned actor Lee Min Ho plays "Hansu", Sunja's love interest during her younger years.

"The Playlist" commented, "Pachinko examines- with tenderness and wrenching specificity- the lives of the ethnic Koreans of Japan, who have long been relegated to the margins of history."

"Hollywood Reporter" took the time to cast light on Lee Minho's acting and stated, "I admired how Lee keeps Hansu inscrutable, if generally stylish and menacing."

"Pachinko is a gorgeous TV show that will transport you with its straightforward charm and epic soul. But like all art, it also pulls off that most holy miracle: it will make you feel more human." (Decider)

"Both Youn and Kim are phenomenal as Sunja, conveying an imressive spectrum of emotions- heartbreak, defiance, gratitude- through quiet intensity." (Entertainment Weekly)

The story and the subtle messages in the story are gaining worldwide recognition. A review left on "Rotten Tomatoes", claimed, "Pachinko is timeless in how it grapples with the complexities of immigration during very specific times, and the writing accurately captures the longing for-and meaning of-home."

Slanted Magazine had also wrote, "The series creates a powerful and resonant perspective that captures both the triumphs and traumas of surviving through unspeakable hardships."

So far, the drama series is being hailed as the best show in 2022. "Pachinko" is expected to transcend barriers and generations of all, capturing the public with the story of Sunja. Some are even going as far to claim that the show might even surpass the mega blockbuster popularity of "Squid Game."

"Pachinko is the finest Korean drama you'll see this year. There's more to the genre than 'Squid Game', as this moving masterwork proves. (NME)

"The family epic of a shop-worn genre, but the creators of Pachinko reinvent it in their dazzling, heartfelt series about four generations of a Korean family that moves to Japan." (BBC)

"With so many streaming series to choose from, it's hard to be suitably discerning. Here's the one you need to watch above all." (Mercury News)

Pachinko follows the story of a family during four generations during immigrations and more. The series is taken from the 2017 novel by Min Jin Lee. The book has previously been awarded by the New York Times and have been recommended by former U.S. president, Barack Obama.

Episodes 1-3 of "Pachinko" will be released all over the world through Apple TV+ starting from March 25th. New episodes will be released every Friday (KST) till April 29th.

by. Sumin Song