Pachinko Episode 7

Stand out episode of the season

Without this episode, we would have very little understanding as to why Hansu acts the way he does.It was very brave of the show to dedicate this episode to his story, and although it focuses on Hansu, the story clearly illustrates the way Zainichi Koreans were treated by the Japanese, so we have more empathy with ALL the Koreans in the show.The use of the Great Kanto earthquake lends a dram tic bent to the episode as we follow Hansu navigating his way through this life changing day, where he immediately has to change from a somewhat innocent boy to a cynical man overnight. It is an excellent hour of storytelling and we gain a much deeper understanding of his character, which without this, would just be another immoral Yakuza leader.This episode was voted the best hour of TV in 2022 by many critics including Rolling Stone magazine and many other prestigious publications. Lee MinHo’s acting was highlighted as stand out feature as he changes from an innocent teen to a jaded, hardened man so seamlessly, bringing empathy and nuance to his character. His acting skills have really matured in Pachinko and it shows what he is really capable of.The highlight of a masterpiece of a 1st season for Pachinko.

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