Pachinko Season 2 Episode 6 Review: Sunja’s Maternal Instincts Emerge as Hansu Faces Life Challenges

Pachinko Season 2, Episode 6 masterfully intertwines the narratives from two pivotal years—1950 and 1989—introducing fresh plot twists and compelling character arcs. This episode contrasts significantly with Episode 5, which focused on the aftermath of World War II and America’s atomic bombing of Nagasaki. The latest installment escalates the drama and poses critical questions about the lengths people will go to for their loved ones.

In this episode of Pachinko Season 2, the theme of toxic masculinity is explored as several male characters find themselves resorting to violence. Noa successfully passes his university entrance exam but is hesitant to relocate to Tokyo due to financial issues. Hansu strongly urges Noa to pursue higher education. In the 1989 timeline, Solomon is bent on exacting revenge on Abe-san. Meanwhile, an older Sunja unexpectedly forms a bond with Kato, culminating in Noa’s decision to enroll in university by the episode’s end.

Pachinko Season 2 Episode 6: The Contrast Between Sunja’s Composure and Hansu’s Hostility

Pachinko Season 2, Episode 6 features an adult Sunja dining with Kato at a Mexican restaurant, where she’s pleasantly surprised by the attentive service that allows guests to relax completely. This scene serves as a stark contrast to her younger self in 1950, who toils daily in her shop to sustain her family.

In a pivotal sequence, Mr. Kim (Kim Sung-kyu) appears at a rally in 1950 where Korean activists protest against Japan’s infringement on their rights. With Koreans being forced to register publicly and schools closing, Mr. Kim embodies the despair many felt during this turbulent period.

Following this, Mr. Kim succumbs to Hansu’s pressure, enacting violence against another worker for allegedly stealing money. This moment mirrors Hansu’s own violent tendencies as Mr. Kim retrieves the stolen goods for him. Later, Hansu rewards Mr. Kim with the company of a top hostess, highlighting the moral decay surrounding their interactions. Mr. Kim’s internal struggle deepens, especially regarding his hidden affections for Kyunghee.

Switching back to 1989, Solomon is fixated on acquiring Abe-san’s property to advance his golf club project. A colleague delivers unsettling information about Naomi, suggesting her involvement with another man, revealed through recent photographs. Despite dismissing it as a relic from her past, Solomon’s jealousy mounts when he witnesses Naomi dining with this man and his family, a moment that leaves him in turmoil.

Solomon sees Naomi having dinner with another man and his family in Pachinko Season 2 episode 6. (Image via Apple TV+) — Solomon observes Naomi having dinner with another man in Pachinko Season 2, Episode 6. (Image via Apple TV+)

Naomi later visits Solomon, revealing that she is committed to another man due to childhood arrangements between their families. This confrontation culminates in Solomon severing ties with Naomi, insisting she activate Abe-san’s loan, a request she firmly declines, vowing to obstruct his endeavors.

Additionally, the episode showcases Mozasu, who has been grappling with crippling debt from his Pachinko parlor venture. Rather than focusing on his financial woes, he becomes increasingly concerned about his mother, Sunja, and her relationship with Kato, questioning her motives after learning about her recent experiences.

Later, Sunja’s thoughtful act of purchasing a new wallet for Kato—after noticing his worn-out one—raises red flags for Mozasu, prompting him to investigate Kato, foreshadowing possible tensions between mother and son.

The narrative then shifts back to 1950, where Hansu confronts his father-in-law over his disdain for a suitor chosen for Hansu’s daughter. Tensions escalate as his father-in-law insists on proceeding with the marriage, prompting Hansu to vehemently defend his daughter’s worth. When his father threatens repercussions for interfering, it underscores the perilous intersections of familial duty and personal integrity.

“I have never touched that family. Do not make me consider otherwise.”

Hansu's father-in-law threatens to harm Sunja and Noa in Pachinko Season 2 episode 6. (Image via Apple TV+) — Hansu’s father-in-law issues a stark warning regarding Sunja and Noa in Pachinko Season 2, Episode 6. (Image via Apple TV+)

The episode culminates with Sunja patiently awaiting Noa outside his Telegraph office. Gathering him for lunch at the tofu stall favored by Noa’s love interest, she shares her unwavering promise to her late husband, Isak, to always support Noa and Mozasu. She hopes to impart life lessons, emphasizing the harsh realities of limited education and its impact on their future.

“If you stay here…the memories will burn in your soul.”

Noa reflects on Sunja’s words empathetically and, ultimately, decides to pursue his education. The episode closes on a poignant note, capturing the shared understanding between mother and son.