The conclusion of Pachinko Season 2 has left many viewers in emotional turmoil, especially during the finale that culminated in a heartbreaking farewell between Sunja, played by Minha Kim, and her eldest son, Noa. The season wraps up in 1951, showcasing Noa, brought to life by Tae Ju Kang, flourishing at Waseda University. He appears to be thriving in his academic pursuits, well-dressed thanks to family friend Hansu and romantically involved with Anniko. However, cracks begin to show in Noa’s seemingly perfect life when Anniko’s unexpected visit to Hansu’s dinner leads to a tense confrontation.
In an explosive moment, Noa reveals the truth of his parentage to Anniko, confirming that Hansu is indeed his father and not a figure from the past as he had led her to believe. Following this revelation, Noa makes the unanticipated trip back to Osaka to see Sunja, despite declaring that everything in his life is currently going well. Yet, after a brief visit, filled with deception about his true feelings and circumstances, he immediately leaves, not allowing Sunja to grasp the reality of his turmoil.
This impactful final scene sends ripples through the narrative as Noa tries to vanish from the life he knows—and from his mother’s view. When Sunja realizes that something is amiss, it’s too late; Noa has already disappeared. Subsequent sequences reveal Noa pawning a watch and assuming a new identity as “Ogawa” in Nogano, distancing himself from his past and the expectations tied to it.
Soo Hugh, the showrunner, acknowledged the pressure involved in effectively portraying Noa’s emotional struggles without overwhelming the character. The filming process involved numerous takes to capture a performance that struck the balance between stoicism and the pain of goodbye. Hugh explained that showing too much emotion would alert Sunja to Noa’s distress, prompting her to intervene.
In conversation, Hugh highlighted how Noa’s journey reflects a desire to escape his past. “In his mind, he’s attempting to erase a non-existent life, believing that shedding his identity will lead to freedom,” she noted.
The episode concludes with revelations across different timeframes—Yoseb grappling with letters from Mr. Kim and Sunja distancing herself from Kato after learning unwelcome truths. Solomon experiences a strange mixture of professional acclaim and personal loss, while Mozasu confronts Yoshii, setting the stage for future conflicts.
As viewers eagerly anticipate the potential arrival of a third season, one thing remains clear: Pachinko continues to delve deep into the complexities of family, identity, and the struggle to forge one’s own path in a world often defined by lineage and expectation.