“Pachinko” (season 2) episode 4 is now on Apple TV+. Its third episode followed Sunja and her family after they moved out of Osaka due to a bomb threat. They relocated to a farm and soon got used to their new lives. Hansu began showering them with gifts. Sunja thought he was trying to get close to Noa and her family. So, she told Noa to never let Isak slip from his memories. Subsequently, Mozasu noticed some eggs regularly disappearing from their produce. Chang-ho investigated to find the culprit, Noa’s Japanese classmate. Even though the kid teased him in school, Noa shows him mercy.
Meanwhile, Solomon proposed a new business plan to Tom Andrews in 1989. Now, “Pachinko” (season 2) episode 4 follows Hansu, who gives Sunja a pleasant surprise. Chang-ho hopes to start a new life with Kyunghee. Solomon makes progress in his land deal and grows closer to Naomi.
Spoilers Ahead
Pachinko (Season 2) Episode 4 “Chapter Twelve” Recap:
“Pachinko” (season 2) episode 4 follows Sunja (Minha Kim) and her family’s life a while after they relocate to a farm. Noa (Kim Kang-hoon) and young Mozasu (Carter Jeong) learn to adjust to the new environment. Mozasu loves his life without a school. But he doesn’t appreciate Noa not having fun with him like before. Kim Chang-ho (Kim Sungkyu) makes Mozasu realize the pressure Noa bears as an older sibling. In the future, Noa will need to be responsible for their family. So, he cannot afford to fail. While Mozasu tries to wrap his head around this notion, Noa spends time with his Japanese classmate, who recently stole their eggs.
The classmate says he doesn’t want to return to school. Since Noa used to top their class, he doesn’t think he will be as good as Noa. Regardless, unlike before, he considers Noa his friend, which warms Noa’s heart. On the other hand, Chang-ho notices the man in charge of the rice paddy flirting with Kyunghee (Jung Eun-chae). Chang-ho realizes she feels forced to comply with this man’s demands and steps in for Kyunghee even if the man is his superior. Soon after, Hansu gives Sunja a pleasant surprise. He finds Sunja’s mother, Yangjin (Jeong In-ji) and brings it to her family. Thanks to Hansu, Sunja meets Yangjin after years of separation.
Sunja and Hansu
Sunja and Yangjin get emotional seeing each other after years. Hansu sees their heartwarming union from a distance. Later, Yangjin gets to meet her grandchildren for the first time. Mozasu keeps talking about his dreams of adventure across the world. She notices the Japanese influence on Mozasu. So, she tells both him and Noa never to forget that they are Korean. Anyhow, on this special occasion, they all have a special meal. Then, Hansu pays them a surprise visit. Both Sunja and her mother thank Hansu for his kindness. They also request him to join them for the dinner and he agrees.
Sunja admires Noa for studying with so much interest. He offers to teach her how to read. But she refuses that offer as she is concerned about his future. Later that night, Chang-ho meets Kyunghee at a nearby lake. She realizes his interest in her but rejects furthering their friendship since she doesn’t want to be unfaithful to her husband. On the other hand, while walking around the farm, Sunja meets Hansu. He offers to teach her how to drive a car. Despite her initial hesitation, she agrees to take the lesson. While learning how to drive, she accidentally crashes the car into a hole.
Solomon and Naomi
In 1989, Solomon (Jin Ha) stays busy at work after his argument in the supermarket. So, he cannot be in touch with Sunja (Youn Yuj-jung) as before. She misses him and shows up at his apartment for a surprise visit. However, he had already made a dinner plan with Naomi (Anna Sawai). As Sunja recounts a dream she had, Naomi rings his doorbell. Right off the bat, she asks him about news concerning his new deal. The news reveals that bones were discovered under Han Geum-ja’s (Park Hye-jin) house in Japan. So, Naomi gets worried about its impact on Solomon’s prospects.
Moments later, Naomi meets Sunja. Sunja realizes Solomon and Naomi are planning to go out on a date. She still invites Naomi for a homemade meal with them. Although not obliged to, Naomi agrees to stay. She helps Sunja prepare the meal. Sunja guides her through the traditional way of making a dish. Then, Naomi shares her fond memories of helping her mother make dinner as a kid. At the time, it gave her a much-needed comfort in her father’s frequent absence. On the other hand, food gave Sunja a way of survival. Cooking for others was how she spent much of her life. So, it became her strength.
Hearing that, Naomi reveals how Solomon’s stance on the land deal empowered her. Solomon privately speaks with Tom Andrews (Jimmi Simpson). Turns out, because of news about the bones, Abe backed out from the land deal. Tom hopes to make the best of this opportunity. However, in the future, people will realize that Solomon is behind this malicious plan. So, he asks Solomon for a heads-up on the deal out of concern for his future. Solomon is fine with the deal despite those issues.
Pachinko (Season 2) Episode 4 “Chapter Twelve” Ending Explained:
In 1989, Naomi enjoys a meal with Sunja and Mozasu. Sunja asks her about work and whether it takes a toll on her. Soon, she reveals a few details about her upcoming deal that she has high hopes for. During further discussion, Solomon reveals new details on the land deal. Sunja gets concerned about Geum-ja. Solomon claims Geum-ja is happy to sell her land and is getting a huge sum in exchange. But it doesn’t end Sunja’s worries. Later, she tells him that she does not want to know any details about his land deal, knowing he will likely lie to her.
However, like what Yangjin expected from her grandkids, Sunja does not want Solomon to forget his roots. Back at her apartment, Sunja calls Kato-san, the Japanese man she met at the supermarket. They talk about their present lives considering their traumatic past. He thinks they should cherish the time they have rather than worry about what they lost.
What crucial decision does Kyunghee make about her future?
When Sunja is away, Noa’s new Japanese friend invites him to see something exciting. Since no one else is at home, Noa goes out with him. Together, they notice a whole bunch of fireflies swarming around and try to catch them. Outside, Sunja accidentally crashes Hansu’s car. So, they both push it to get it back on the road—eventually, they kiss each other in the heat of the moment. Moments later, they stop kissing as they suspect someone is around them. He thinks they should not fear being in a relationship. But despite all his help, she does not want to be with him as she is still loyal to Isak.
Eventually, Sunja returns home to her mother, who realizes Hansu is Noa’s father. Yangjin tells Sunja never to let Noa know that Hansu is his father. On the other hand, Sunja’s rejection hurts Hansu’s ego. So, he shows up at the Japanese neighbour’s house and starts beating him senselessly. Noa sees it and runs away. Hansu realizes Noa just saw him in that violent state. Later, Sunja’s family all take part in a traditional ceremony.
Then, at night, their rice shed suddenly starts burning. Seeing all their hard work turned to ashes, Kyunghee gets emotional. Chang-ho follows her and tries to ease her pain. Instead of thinking of an afterlife, he thinks they should embrace the time they have in the present particularly considering the possible attacks by the Americans. In that emotional moment, he and Kyunghee kiss each other possibly to embrace the beginning of their relationship.
