In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Jin Ha, the Korean American actor portraying Solomon Baek in Apple TV’s acclaimed series Pachinko, and showrunner Soo Hugh shed light on the creative and personal depths of Season 2. The conversation reveals how their individual experiences and rigorous casting processes have shaped the latest chapter of this intergenerational saga.
Jin Ha’s Deep Dive into Solomon Baek
For Jin Ha, Pachinko represents more than just a significant career milestone; it’s a journey of self-exploration and cultural reflection. Playing Solomon Baek, Ha brings a personal connection to the character, drawing from his own immigrant background and struggles with identity.
Ha, born in Korea and having lived across Hong Kong and the United States, finds a parallel between his life and Solomon’s narrative. “My own experiences of moving between countries and grappling with race and ethnicity helped me deeply understand Solomon’s struggles,” Ha explains. He notes that, although Solomon’s character diverges from his own reality, the emotional resonance is palpable. “If I hadn’t pursued acting, I might have had to build emotional barriers similar to Solomon’s. Acting allows me to explore and display the multifaceted nature of his personality,” he adds.
Soo Hugh’s Vision and Rigorous Auditions
From the perspective of Soo Hugh, the showrunner and writer, expanding the source material of Pachinko required a keen focus on future developments while staying true to the book’s essence. Hugh emphasizes that Solomon’s character, in particular, needed to evolve to reflect his complex survival mechanisms as an immigrant. “Solomon’s ability to code-switch and read his environment—something we refer to as ‘nunchi’ in Korea—was crucial for his character’s development,” Hugh notes.
Hugh, alongside casting director Soo Kim, emphasized a meticulous approach to selecting the cast. Despite the star power of actors like Lee Min Ho, the team was focused on finding the best fit for each role rather than relying on established names. “Our casting process was intense. We wanted to ensure that each actor could truly embody their character, and we were thorough in our auditions to avoid any misalignment on set,” Hugh explains. The rigorous process ensured that the actors, including Min Ho, seamlessly integrated into their roles, contributing to the show’s authentic portrayal of its characters.
The Impact of Casting and Performances
The show’s success is partly attributed to its effective casting and the heartfelt performances of its actors. Lee Min Ho’s portrayal of a powerful yakuza, who struggles with personal relationships despite his strength, has been particularly well-received. His performance, along with those of other key actors like Japanese star Soji Arai and Anna Sawai, has been integral to the show’s depth and emotional impact.
Soo Hugh acknowledges the importance of having actors who are not just stars but who truly fit their roles. The casting process, described as “torturous” but necessary, has paid off, as evidenced by the seamless performances seen in the series.
In conclusion, Pachinko Season 2 continues to impress with its authentic storytelling and well-cast characters. Jin Ha’s personal connection to his role and Soo Hugh’s commitment to rigorous auditions highlight the dedication behind the series, promising an engaging continuation of this poignant tale of survival and identity.
