“Pachinko” has quickly established itself as one of the best shows on Apple TV+. Based on Min Jin Lee‘s critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling novel, the series was adapted for television by Soo Hugh. With the second season now airing, fans are already speculating about the possibility of a continuation.
The series has been praised for its powerful portrayal of war, generational trauma, immigration, and family legacy, all intertwined with a romance. Central to the story is the forbidden love affair between young Sunja (Kim Min-ha) and Koh Hansu (Lee Min-ho), which adds another layer of depth to the narrative.
Season 2 of the drama continues to explore Sunja’s journey as she raises her two sons in Osaka, Japan, after moving there with her husband, Isak (Steve Sang-Hyun Noh). The first season ended with Sunja stepping up as the breadwinner for her family after Isak was arrested for a political crime. So, what’s next? Will there be a third season? Here’s what we know so far.
So, Is “Pachinko” Season 3 Happening?
Before Season 2 even premiered, Hugh had already laid out her plans for the entire series. To fully capture the multigenerational story, she has consistently stated that her vision includes four seasons with eight episodes each. So, yes, it looks like “Pachinko” is expected to return for a third season.
In Season 3, the series will continue to follow Sunja’s family as they navigate their daily lives, manage their complex relationships, and confront the lingering impact of past events. According to The Hollywood Reporter, each season of the series focuses on a historical period.
The first season was set during the height of Korea’s Japanese occupation, while the second season takes place during its final years, as World War II erupts and American forces arrive in Korea to oppose the Japanese. The third season will likely explore the aftermath of these events. Hugh has also mentioned that each season represents one of the four seasons of the year: Season 1 was winter, Season 2 is spring, so Season 3 will likely symbolize fall.
In “Pachinko,” Kim Min-ha continues her role as Sunja into her middle age, Youn Yuh-jung portrays Sunja in her senior years, and Jin Ha will return as Solomon.
Beginning in 1915 (Season 1), “Pachinko” tells the story of a Korean family who endures war, prejudice, and racism across generations. The second season picks up where the first left off, with the timeline alternating between 1989 and 1945, focusing on Sunja and her family.
