Minha Kim stars in “Pachinko” Academy Award winner Youn Yuhjung and Minha Kim return for Season 2 of “Pachinko,” premiering Friday, Aug. 23, on Apple TV+.
Cover Story
Sunja’s saga: ‘Pachinko’ returns for Season 2
By Dana Simpson
Pachinko is a game of
chance. Commonly played in cacophonous, neon halls that hum with the farrago of machine clangor and player anticipation, pachinko is a popular Japanese pastime whose closest American counterpart is the slot machine. First created (in its recognized form) in the 1920s, pachinko culture in Japan all but shut down during World War II, only to reemerge with gusto in the late 1940s as the country rebuilt and immigrants from nearby countries, such as 1950s’ war-torn Korea, arrived in droves and began to play.
Named for this iconic game, “Pachinko” begins its second season Friday, Aug. 23, on Apple TV+. A sweeping epic that begins in 1915, “Pachinko” is based on the 2017 National Book Award finalist of the same name by Korean American author Min Jin Lee. It follows leading lady Kim Sun-
ja and her family as she ages and seeks out a better life amid the chaos and confusion of a world dominated by war, loss and prejudice. Despite the wide scale of the story, Apple promotes the series as being “intimate in tone” and describes it as “a sweeping saga that journeys between Korea, Japan and America to tell an unforgettable story of war and peace, love and loss, triumph and reckoning.”
In the Apple TV+ series, created by Soo Hugh (“The Whispers”), Sunja is played by three separate actresses — Yu-Na (“Good Partner”) in childhood, Minha Kim (“Investigation Partners”) as a teen-turned-young adult and by Academy Award-winning actress Youn Yuh-jung (“Minari,” 2020) in elder adulthood. The latter two actresses are both confirmed as returning for the non-linear series’ second season. Since the series spans 80 years of Sunja’s life, it is hard to say whether Season 2 of
the series will begin exactly where the first season ended. Rather, according to the official Apple description of the season, “the parallel stories pick up in Osaka in 1945, where Sunja is forced to make dangerous decisions for her family’s survival during World War II, and in Tokyo in 1989, which finds Solomon exploring new, humble beginnings.”
Based on this description, however, we know that Sunja’s grandson, Solomon, played by “Love Life” actor Jin Ha, will return for another installment. Joining him are Lee Min-ho (“Boys Over Flowers”) as Hansu, Anna Sawai (“Shogun”) as Naomi, Eunchae Jung (“Return”) as Kyunghee, Soji Arai (“The Ramen Girl,” 2008) as Mozasu and Han Joon-Woo (“Sense8”) as Yoseb. Kim Sungkyu (“Kingdom”) also joins the cast as Changho, a character from the novel who has yet to appear on screen. The generational drama, which is told in Korean,
Japanese and English (with subtitles), was released to high acclaim from critics and audiences alike. To boot, “Pachinko” won the 2023 Peabody Award for Entertainment and was nominated for both a Primetime Emmy and a BAFTA in its first season, among other honors.
At the end of the day, creator Hugh is delighted to be back for what she hopes is the second of four seasons in total, although further renewals remain unconfirmed at this time.
“This show is fiction ... but it’s built on the backs of people like these incredible women who lived,” Hugh explained to IndieWire following the Season 1 release, going on to explain the intricacies of working with a near-century-long plot.
“There’s just so much story to tell,” Hugh noted, somewhat bemused. “I think about Sunja and where we left her. And ... Kyunghee just has this amazing story in Season 2.”
What’s Available NOW On
“Agent Recon” (Aug. 20)
This sci-fi action flick follows Alastair (Chuck Norris), the captain of a covert Earth security force, as he calls in super-powered rookie Jim (Derek Ting) to join a mission led by Colonel Green (Marc Singer) and his skilled Marines to track down a mysterious energy disturbance at a base in New Mexico.
“The White Princess” (Aug. 20) Available via BritBox, this miniseries, adapted from Philippa Gregory’s best-selling novel and part of The Cousins’ War book series, sees England ostensibly united by the marriage of Elizabeth of York (Jodie Comer) and King Henry VII (Jacob Collins-Levy). But, their personal and political rift runs deep and the war that rages between them threatens to tear the kingdom apart once again.
“OceanXplorers” (Aug. 19)
National Geographic presents this six-part underwater discovery series from director James Cameron. It takes audiences aboard an advanced scientific research vessel, OceanXplorer, to investigate the farthest frontiers of the world’s oceans, 80% of which are entirely unexplored. Combining a high-end, science-driven documentary with breathtaking sequences to capture the drama and thrill of exploration, the series is a high-stakes adventure.
“Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” - Season 3, New Episodes (Aug. 23)
Team Spidey returns to swing in and save the day with their incredible new Web-Spinner suits that allow them to explore exciting new places beyond their friendly neighborhood.
“Playdate with Winnie the Pooh” (Shorts) - Season 2, New Episodes (Aug. 21)
This Disney Junior animated series follows a young Pooh Bear as he enjoys playdates with his friends. Set in the exciting outdoors of the Hundred Acre Wood, these musical shorts emphasize collaborative play and the joy of spending time with others.
“Minnie’s BowToons: Camp Minnie” - Season 1, New Episodes (Aug. 23)
This Disney Junior series follows the adventures of Minnie Mouse (Kaitlyn Robrock) and Daisy Duck (Tress MacNeille) as they embark on adventures in the great outdoors and open up Camp Minnie.
Along for the ride are Clarabelle (April Winchell) as the activities director and Cuckoo-Loca (Nika Futterman), who is there to lend a wing.
“Stress Positions” (Aug. 21)
Terry Goon (John Early) is keeping strict quarantine in his ex-husband’s Brooklyn brownstone while caring for his nephew Bahlul (Qaher Harhash), a 19-year-old model from Morocco, bedridden after an electric scooter accident. Unfortunately for Terry, everyone in his life wants to meet the model.
“Classified” - Season 1 (Aug. 22)
This coming-of-age drama follows 15-year-old Ella (Imani Pullum), a student in Oakland, California. Arrested at a protest and facing serious jail time, Ella avoids incarceration thanks to her stepmother, Dianne (Christine Horn), who has connections in high places. As part of the deal, Ella must leave her home in California and spend the remainder of her secondary education with her father (Sule Rimi) and Dianne in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“Reasonable Doubt”Season 2 (Aug. 22)
Healing from her wounds after last season’s arduous trial and deadly affair, Jax Stewart (Emayatzy Corinealdi) is attempting to get her life back on track. Until, that is, one of her closest friends reveals that she killed her husband, and is claiming self-defense — but an uncompromising prosecutor thinks otherwise. McKinley Freeman, Morris Chestnut, Tim Jo, Angela Grovey, Thaddeus J. Mixson and Aderinsola Olabode also star.
“Drive-Away Dolls” (Aug. 22) This comedy caper directed by Ethan Coen follows Jamie (Margaret Qualley), who regrets her breakup with her girlfriend, and Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan), who desperately needs to relax. In search of a fresh start, they embark on an unexpected road trip to Tallahassee, Florida. Things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals.
“Langston Kerman: Bad Poetry” (Aug. 20)
Comedian Langston Kerman talks parenting a top-tier baby, teaching mean teens and managing his mother-in-law’s dating apps in this hilarious special.
“Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Cosmos The Movie” (Aug. 22)
One by one, Sailor Moon’s friends and loved ones are targeted by a formidable new enemy who threatens to destroy everything and rule over the cosmos.
“The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Aug. 23)
This film follows lifelong best friends Odette (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), Barbara Jean (Sanaa Lathan), and Clarice (Uzo Aduba), known as “The Supremes,” who share the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood from decades of weathering life’s storms. Through the joys and sorrows of life, marriage and children, happiness and blues, love and loss, new shades of heartbreak and illness threaten to stir up the past.
“Wyatt
The
in this gritty docudrama about the gunfight that defined an era.
“Incoming” (Aug. 23)
Get pumped for the biggest party of the year with this the new, raunchy coming-of-age comedy film. Settling into their first week of high school, freshmen Eddie (Ramon Reed), Connor (Raphael Alejandro), Koosh (Bardia Seiri) and Benj (Mason Thames) are already facing a major right of passage: their first party.
Earp and The Cowboy War” (Aug. 21)
legendary feud between Wyatt Earp and Ike Clanton unfolds through vivid reenactments
“Lethal Weapon”Complete Series (Aug. 24)
Based on the hit movie franchise, this action series tells the story of classic cop duo Riggs (Clayne Crawford) and Murtaugh (Damon Wayans), as they work a crime-ridden beat in modern-day Los Angeles. Riggs’ penchant for diving into the line of fire clashes with Murtaugh’s by-the-book technique. Later in the series, Wesley Cole (Sean William Scott) joins into the fray.
Sports Zone
7
1
11
Friday
7 a.m. USA 2024 AIG Women’s Open Second Round. From The Old Course at St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland. (Live) 2:25 p.m. ESPN2 Bundesliga Soccer Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Bayer 04 Leverkusen. From Borussia-Park Stadium in Mönchengladbach, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. (Live)
3 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf BMW Championship, Second Round. From Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, Colo. (Live) USA NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series Wawa 250 Powered By Coca-Cola, Qualifying. From Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (Live)
5 p.m. USA NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400, Qualifying. From Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (Live)
6 p.m. MSG Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball Team Blue vs. Team Orange. From Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Ill. (Live)
7 p.m. GOLF PGA Korn Ferry Tour Golf Albertsons Boise Open, Second Round. From Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, Idaho. (Live)
7:30 p.m. USA NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series Wawa 250 Powered By Coca-Cola. From Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (Live)
8:30 p.m. MSG Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball Team Gold vs. Team Purple. From Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Ill. (Live)
9:30 p.m. SNY MLB Baseball New York Mets at San Diego Padres. From PETCO Park in San Diego. (Live)
10 p.m. ESPN Professional Fighters League 2024 PFL Playoffs: Welterweights & Featherweights (Main Card). A professional MMA organization where athletes compete. (Live)
3:30 a.m. FS1 NRL Rugby Coverage of matches played in Australia’s National Rugby League. (Live)
5:25 a.m. ESPN2 Formula 1 Racing Dutch Grand Prix, Practice 3. Third free practice of the Netherlands Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Live) Saturday
Scotland. (Live)
11 a.m. ESPN2 2024 U.S. Open Tennis Qualifying, Third Round. From the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y. (Live)
3 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf BMW Championship, First Round. From Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, Colo. (Live)
6:30 p.m. ATTPT MLB Baseball Cincinnati Reds at Pittsburgh Pirates. From PNC Park in Pittsburgh. (Live)
7 p.m. GOLF PGA Korn Ferry Tour Golf Albertsons Boise Open, First Round. From Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, Idaho. (Live) WNYW-5 WUTV-29 MLB Baseball All the latest action from Major League Baseball. (Live)
9:30 p.m. SNY MLB Baseball New York Mets at San Diego Padres. From PETCO Park in San Diego. (Live)
7 a.m. USA 2024 AIG Women’s Open Third Round. From The Old Course at St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland. (Live)
8:55 a.m. ESPN2 Formula 1 Racing Dutch Grand Prix, Qualifying. Qualifying of the Netherlands Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Live)
10 a.m. CNBC 2024 Vuelta a España Stage 8. Coverage of the 79th edititon of the cycling race taking place in Spain. (Live)
12 p.m. ESPN College Football Florida State vs. Georgia Tech. From Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Live)
WGRZ-2 WICU-12 2024 AIG Women’s Open Third Round. From The Old Course at St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland. (Live)
12:30 p.m. USA Premier League Soccer Aston Villa vs. Arsenal. From Villa Park in Birmingham, England, United Kingdom. (Live) WSEE-35 Italian Serie A Soccer Parma vs. AC Milan. From Ennio Tardini Stadium in Parma, Parma, Italy. (Live)
1 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf BMW Championship, Third Round. From Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, Colo. (Live)
WIVB-4 NFL Football Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills. From Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. (Live)
1:30 p.m. FS1 Horse Racing Saratoga Live. Live horse racing from Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. (Live)
2:30 p.m. WSEE-35 NWSL Soccer Portland Thorns FC at NJ/NY Gotham FC. From Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. (Live)
3 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Champions Golf The Ally Challenge, Second Round. From Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc, Mich. (Live) MSG Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball Team Purple vs. Team Orange. From Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Ill. (Live) WGRZ-2 WICU-12 PGA Tour Golf BMW Championship, Third Round. From Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, Colo. (Live)
3:30 p.m. ESPN2 College Football McNeese State at Tarleton State. From Memorial Stadium in Stephenville, Texas. (Live)
4 p.m. S1 College Football Montana State at New Mexico. From University Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M. (Live)
4:30 p.m. WSEE-35 NWSL Soccer Angel City FC at San Diego Wave FC. From Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. (Live)
5 p.m. WIVB-4 NWSL Soccer Angel City FC at San Diego Wave FC. From Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. (Live)
5:30 p.m. MSG Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball Team Blue vs. Team Gold. From Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Ill. (Live)
6 p.m. GOLF PGA Korn Ferry Tour Golf Albertsons Boise Open, Third Round. From Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, Idaho. (Live) SNY Minor League Baseball Reading Fightin’ Phils at Binghamton Rumble Ponies. From Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton,
In Focus
BY JAY BOBBIN
Hepburn and two Fondas spend time ‘On Golden Pond’
While it was a family affair to a great degree, with Jane Fonda producing and co-starring with her father Henry, “On Golden Pond” also serviced Katharine Hepburn extremely well, resulting in her fourth Oscar win. Still a record for any performer, Turner Classic Movies presents the 1981 adaptation of Ernest Thompson’s play on Sunday, Aug. 18, as part of an all-day “Summer Under the Stars” salute to Hepburn. Henry Fonda also won an Academy Award for the drama, which earned an Oscar for Thompson’s screenplay. A senior-citizen couple is joined by their daughter at their summer cottage, and her ongoing estrangement from her father causes considerable tension, even after the arrival of her fiance and his son (Dabney Coleman, Doug McKeon). In interviews, Jane Fonda has confirmed that the nature of her character’s relationship with her father’s alter ego mirrored their real-life dealings, giving the Mark Rydell-directed film an extra subtext. The lovely music score is by Dave Grusin.
“Predator” (FX, Sunday, Aug. 18): Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of cinema’s top box-office draws at the time of this 1987 action fest, but he had formidable competition in the movie from the title character, a lethal alien that stalks the members of a military rescue team in a South American rainforest. The soldiers intend to save hostages being held by guerrillas, but their own survival soon becomes paramount because of the extraterrestrial’s presence. Carl Weathers and Jesse Ventura also star for director John McTiernan (“Die Hard”), and Kevin Peter Hall (“Harry and the Hendersons”) is inside the predator costume.
Jane Fonda in “On Golden Pond” classiccorner
Across 1. Sprinkle, as with sugar 5. Small amount
8. Long pass
12. Amazon home
assistant 13. “Much ___ About Nothing” 14. Wind instrument 15. X man Musk 16. Emmy-winning
Sunday OceanXplorers
NGEO 9 p.m.
This premiering six-part series goes aboard the OceanXplorer, a state-ofthe-art scientific research vessel, visiting the far corners of the world’s oceans with a team of explorers and scientists hoping to solve some of the ocean’s greatest mysteries.
Forbidden Love
TLC 10 p.m.
Elton John’s powerful vocals aren’t enough to inspire these wide-eye wanderers and star-
crossed voyagers to feel the love on this night as the couples face problems on multiple fronts, from Ashley confronting Mohammed’s twin to Lensa being pushed too far.
Monday
American Ninja Warrior
WGRZ-2 WICU-12 8 p.m.
Hosts Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall never tire of watching as men and women from all walks of life and every corner of the United States come together to pursue their common dream: reaching the peak of the ever-notorious Mount Midoriyama.
Below Deck Mediterranean
BRAVO 9 p.m.
Land life is looking better and better for Capt. Sandy as the crew continues to put the charter season at risk with poor choices and questionable delivery. While the guests are often oblivious, regular missteps by the crew could lead to stern warnings.
Tuesday Beat Shazam
WUTV-29 8 p.m.
Hear a tune you like, but can’t tell what it is? Shazam’s got you covered. While it may know every
NOW THE LORD IS THE SPIRIT AND WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS
Crossword Puzzle
drama four years in a row, with “The” 18. TV series starring James Van Der Beek
20. “___ Desk Concert” 21. Put on TV 22. Valparaiso’s land 24. Fodder for snopes.com
28. Margera of “Jackass” 29. Furrow maker 30. He-Man’s toon sister
33. Spiner of “Star Trek: T.N.G.” 35. Comedian Philips
37. Voting group
38. Jared Padalecki TV series 43. “ My Name Is Earl” star 44. Spelling of “Beverly Hills, 90210” 45. “Best Week ___” (VH1 series)
46. Bobby of hockey 47. Farm females 48. Quiz or exam 49. Thumbs downs 50. “___ Decision” (GSN show)
Down
1. Home paper 2. Calif. campus 3. “Yellowjackets”
channel 4. Throat part
5. Lion-colored
6. Lyric verses 7. Puccini opera
8. Seedy Manhattan area
9. Theater award 10. Tony Shaloub’s detective
11. Entreat
17. Barbershop request 19. “___ Tree Hill” 22. “NCIS” network
23. “So there!”
25. Netflix series about Queen Elizabeth
26. Dearie
27. Congeal
31. “The Colbert
___”
32. Sherman Hemsley series
33. Diner sandwich
34. Circuits
36. Sweater synthetic
37. Actors Max and Max Jr.
38. Except for
39. Functions
40. Emperor in “Quo Vadis” (1951)
41. Field of expertise
42. Problem in “The King’s Speech” (2010)
43. Subject on HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” maybe
song known to man, this episode aims to see if a pair of teachers, some best friends or father and his son-in-law can outguess the app. Divided by Design HGTV 9 p.m.
It’s a his-and-hers battle as Ray and Eilyn vie for a couple’s renovation project. But, the homeowner is a contractor with a very masculine sense of style, while his wife is fully entrenched in light, tropical tones. Can they find common ground?
Wednesday
Cursed Gold: A Shipwreck Scandal NGEO 8 p.m.
This series premiere examines the amazing true story about maverick scientist Tommy Thompson and the recovery of three tons of gold and priceless artifacts from a shipwreck in 1989. From celebrated explorer to infamous fugitive, it’s a cautionary tale.
The Real CSI: Miami
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 9 p.m.
Each new episode of this investigative series takes a look at a gripping, real-life crime case, highlighting victims and families seeking justice as they further explain the cutting-edge forensic science techniques used to find answers and solve the case.
Thursday Alone
HIST 8 p.m.
Things are getting quiet as the season changes and once the river begins to freeze, the survivalists are finding it difficult to deal with the loss of daylight. While one contestant looks to defeat a challenge, another sees their snare line stalked.
Lucky 13
WKBW-7 9 p.m.
Shaquille O’Neal and Gina Rodriguez test contestants’ knowledge with 13 trueor-false questions with a twist: just how well do they know what they know and what they don’t know. If they can predict how they’ve done, they could take home $1 million.
Friday
Let’s Make a Deal
Primetime
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 8 p.m.
Monty Hall is smiling down as the game show with the best doors celebrates
games such as “Ultimate Zonk Redemption” and “Otter Chaos” with contestants dressed as everything from nurses to cavemen and everything in between. Wayne Brady hosts.
Tell Me How I Died
A&E 10 p.m.
With thousands of suspicious deaths occurring yearly across the country, countless family members, friends and mourners are left with questions that can only be answered by forensic pathologists, who use their unique skills to further understand cases.
Saturday
Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out
FOOD 12 p.m.
Since summer is the perfect time for festivals — especially those involving beer — chef Michael Symon looks to teach viewers about some dishes that pair perfectly with their favorite brew, be it beef short ribs or some beer braised potatoes.
of
has his sights set on the perfect home. With the help of a high school friend he discovers his hopes and dreams may be out of his budget.
House Hunters
HGTV 10 p.m.
A traveling nurse has returned home to Overland Park, Kan., looking to settle down. But he is tired
apartments and
Michael Symon hosts “Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out” Saturday on Food Network
4 x 2” ad
Across 1. Lester Holt’s network
4. Sheepskin holder
8. Picker-upper 11. Slip in a pot
12. Hold sway over
13. Private 14. Mattel dolls
17. Outfield surface
18. “Huzzah!”
19. Multicolored
21. “The Music Man” locale 24. “This is ___”
25. That thing
26. Happen
27. Therefore
28. Envelope closer
30. Thingy
32. Hit on the head
34. It’s full of periods
35. “You don’t believe me?”
trivia quiz
41. Occurred 42. Locker room shower?
43. Alternative to net
44. Raised railroads
45. City near Phoenix 46. Newcomer, briefly Down 1. Point 2. Gaudy scarf 3. Risk getting bleeped 4. Graph paper design 5. Wish undone 6. Carte start 7. Nay say 8. Ginza locale 9. Farm mother 10. Columnist Coulter 15. Hit in the ring
16. Rum drink
19. Bars 20. “Now it’s
814-817-2086
Famous pooches
Questions:
1) What was the name of Martin’s dog in “Frasier”?
2) What type of dog is Snoopy?
3) Which TV show featured Bullet the Wonder Dog?
4) Yorkshire, Boston or Cairn — which type of terrier was Toto from the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz”?
5) Bloodhound or basset hound — which breed was the “Hound Dog” from Elvis Presley’s 1956 appearance on “The Steve Allen Show”?
6) True or false: In film and TV, the dogs that have played Lassie, a female Collie, were all male.
7) Which TV sitcom featured Buck, a cynical dog sometimes voiced by Cheech Marin?
8) What is the name of the Delgado-Pritchett family’s bulldog in “Modern Family”?
clear”
22. Solomon-like
23. Nuclear energy source
29. Gulf
31. Gripper
33. Ode or haiku
34. Dame ___
35. “SmackDown” org.
36. “2001” mainframe
37. Purpose
38. Music collectibles
39. Embitterment
40. It may need stroking
Kelsey Grammer in “Frasier”