by 
“Pachinko” is a critically acclaimed period drama from that sheds light on the tumultuous realities Koreans faced during Japan’s occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1989.
Read on to learn where you can watch “Pachinko’s” epic saga of resilience and cultural identity on streaming services in Canada.
Table of Contents
What Is Pachinko About?
Set in the early 20th century, “Pachinko” chronicles the lives of a multi-generational Korean family as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of life as immigrants in Japan. The series unfolds with Sunja, a young woman born and raised in a poverty-stricken Busan who falls in love with Koh Han Su, a mysterious man from a higher social class. As their romance deepens, Sunja finds herself pregnant with Han Su’s child, only to discover that he is a married man and has another family in Japan. Refusing to be his mistress to avoid discrimination from the overly conservative Korean society, Sunja leaves Han Su to provide a better life for her child.
After running away, Sunja managed to find solace and comfort from Baek Isak, a kind minister who gave her a chance for a fresh start by moving to Osaka, Japan. Together, they begin a new chapter in their lives in Japan in pursuit of a better future.
“Pachinko” was released in March 2022 on Apple TV. It has episodes with an average runtime of one hour.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of Pachinko?
Korean-American producer Soo Hugh created “Pachinko” based on Min Jin Lee’s bestselling eponymous novel from 2017, while South Korean-born American filmmakers Kogonada and Justin Chon helmed the series. “Pachinko” is also an exclusive Apple TV production. Its main cast features a roster of actors from South Korea and Japan, including renowned Korean actor Lee Min-ho, esteemed veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung, who has won an Oscar and a BAFTA, as well as the breakout star Kim Min Ha. Here’s the entire cast of “Pachinko”:
- Youn Yuh Jung as Kim Sunja
- Kim Min Ha as teenage Sunja
- Lee Min Ho as Koh Hansu
- Yu Na as childhood Sunja
- Soji Arai as Baek Mozasu
- Carter Jeong and Koren Lee as baby Mozasu
- Jin Ha as Solomon Baek
- Yoon Kyung Ho as teenage Solomon
- Han Jun Woo as Baek Yoseb
- Jeong In Ji as Yangjin
- Jung Eun Chae as Kyunghee
- Felice Choi as older Kyunghee
- Kaho Minami as Etsuko
- Noh Sang Hyun as Baek Isak
- Anna Sawai as Naomi
- Jimmi Simpson as Tom Andrews
What is the Rating for Pachinko?
“Pachinko” is rated 14+ in Canada, which means that the series is not appropriate for audiences aged 14 and below for mild to moderate depictions of coarse language, violence, and sexual content.
How Many People Watch Pachinko?
There is no available information regarding the show’s viewership numbers, but “Pachinko” generated a lot of buzz among South Korean, Japanese, and Western audiences during its release on Apple TV.
How Are the Reviews for Pachinko?
“Pachinko” has received widespread acclaim from critics because of its intricate character development, historical context, exploration of identity, thought-provoking themes, the cast’s outstanding performances, and detailed, grandiose production set. It was also praised for its smooth transition of languages from Korean to Japanese and English. “Pachinko” scored 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 8.3/10 on IMDb, and 87/100 on Metacritic. Here’s what critics love about the series:
- “Pachinko is breathtaking in almost every department. Epic in scope but intimate in focus, it is easily not just one of this year’s great dramas; it stands out as among the best of the past few years.” – Globe and Mail
- “Pachinko proves itself an exceptional entry in the literary-hit-to-prestige-miniseries pipeline. The tears will flow, and every one is earned.” – The Ringer
Where to Watch Pachinko in Canada
“Pachinko” is available on streaming services in Canada.
Is Pachinko Available on Streaming?
Apple TV
“Pachinko” is exclusively streaming on Apple TV. To watch the series on the platform, sign up for an account and subscribe to any of the following plans:
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Simultaneous Screens | Video Resolution | Free Trial Period |
| Stand-alone subscription | CAD$8.99 | 6 devices | HD to 4K | 7 days |
| Apple One bundle | CAD$18.95 | 6 devices | HD to 4K | 1 month |
You can only watch Apple TV’s content through Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV. If you’re not an iOS device user, you can still access Apple TV on a web browser.
“Silo,” “Ted Lasso,” and “The Crowded Room” are some of the must-see Apple TV originals you can watch on the platform.
Is Pachinko Available for Rent (VOD)?
“Pachinko” is not available on any video-on-demand services since it is an Apple TV exclusive.
Is Pachinko Available on Cable or Free TV?
“Pachinko” does not air on any cable channels in Canada.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch Pachinko?
You can easily stream “Pachinko” on Apple TV Canada, so there is no need to use a VPN.
A Multigenerational Epic of Hope and Heritage
“Pachinko” demonstrates the transformative power of hope and the enduring bond to our heritage, reminding its viewers that even in the face of adversity, our ancestral strengths can pave the way for a brighter future.
You can watch all eight episodes of “Pachinko” on Apple TV in Canada.
