On the morning of the 23rd, a press conference for Apple TV+’s Pachinko Season 2 was held at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas. The event featured appearances by Youn Yuh Jung, Lee Min Ho, Kim Min Ha, Jung Eun Chae, and Kim Sung Kyu, who shared insights about the highly anticipated series.
Fresh off a press event in New York last week, Lee Min Ho expressed his excitement about the upcoming season. “I was grateful for the overwhelming love we received during Season 1. It was even more meaningful to connect with those who supported us before the drama aired,” he shared.
Discussing the difference between the two seasons, the actor explained, “Season 1 was about survival and their belief in the land. Season 2, however, delves into the real lives of people. Hansu has evolved, and I wanted to express his growing desire for more.”
Lee Min Ho also shared a behind-the-scenes story about the opening scene. “Just a few days before filming, they suddenly asked me to do the moonwalk. So, I had to cram in all the practices in three days. Dancing is a challenge for me, so it required a lot of practice,” he revealed.
Addressing the nickname “toxic lover” that some fans have given his character, Lee Min Ho said, “I don’t see it that way. From the moment Hansu first met Sunja, he was drawn to her with feelings that went beyond love. He saw her as someone of the same ilk, falling for her at first sight. It wasn’t just about love; it started with a desire to possess, and that feeling persisted.” He went on, “In that era, men and women didn’t need to understand each other; their own desires were more important. In Season 1, as they physically grew apart, Hansu’s obsession only deepened.”
Reflecting on his decision to take on the role, Lee Min Ho said, “When I first got the audition offer and read the script, I was moved by the fact that a story that hadn’t received much attention was now drawing global interest. After joining, I didn’t approach it as a historical duty, but with gratitude for the sacrifices of our ancestors. We live in a time where, with a little effort, we can access very personal stories. It was meaningful to listen to the stories of those who lived through that era, often unnoticed and overlooked.”
He further elaborated on his character, saying, “We constantly wrestle with our sense of existence. I saw Hansu as someone whose identity becomes more blurred as his desires grow. The most important thing was to be pure and honest about his desires. In every scene, I focused on what Hansu was yearning for. I believe he’s someone who makes rational choices without wasting unnecessary energy.”
Addressing why he chose the role despite not having a large amount of screen time, Lee Min Ho said, “I’ve never based my decision on the amount of screen time. In Korean projects, there weren’t many opportunities to show something new, but when a message resonates with me, I’m more drawn to the project’s direction than to the quantity of my role.”
Finally, Lee Min Ho gave fans a taste of what to expect in the new season. “If Season 1 was about the barren land, Season 2 is more focused on relationships. You’ll feel that the romance is emphasized even more,” he teased.
Based on the New York Times best-selling novel of the same name, Pachinko tells a sweeping story of love and survival through the eyes of a resilient mother, Sunja, who sets down roots in a foreign land. The multi-generational saga spans four generations, capturing the broader themes of love and survival. Season 1 of Pachinko was a critical success, winning several prestigious awards, including Critics’ Choice and Gotham Awards. Season 2 consists of eight episodes, with the first episode premiering on August 23rd, followed by weekly releases every Friday on Apple TV+ until October 11th.
>> ‘Pachinko Season 2’ Preview: Sunja’s Struggles Continue as New Challenges Emerge
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