This parallel is exquisite. In the 1930s, Sunja is the immigrant fighting for a place to belong in a hostile Japan. In 1989, she returns to Japan as a matriarch, yet the feeling of displacement remains. We see Solomon trying to navigate the corporate world of Tokyo, realizing that his American confidence is ill-suited for the subtle, coded hierarchies of Japanese business.
The episode’s genius is in the parallel editing. In 1989, an elderly Sunja watches Solomon’s idealism crash against the rocks of corporate greed. She sees her grandson repeating her own mistakes—trying to fight a system that doesn’t care about honor. pachinko episode 4 recap
However, the episode also shows the first sparks of a genuine partnership. When Yoseb scolds them for their naivety, Isak defends Sunja with a quiet, steel resolve. We see that Isak’s goodness is not just passive piety; it is a shield he holds over her. For the first time, Sunja looks at Isak not just as a savior, but as a true husband. This parallel is exquisite
This is Solomon’s Hansu moment. He must choose between the cold, pragmatic path of assimilation (lie, cheat, succeed) and the messy, human path of justice. He chooses the latter, confronting his boss and resigning on the spot. It’s a noble, foolish, and deeply moving gesture. But as he walks out into the Tokyo rain, you can see the realization dawning: he has no plan B. We see Solomon trying to navigate the corporate
Pachinko Episode 4, titled "Chapter Four," is a pivotal installment that marks the end of director Kogonada’s tenure on the series. This episode masterfully weaves together the departure of young Sunja from Korea in 1931 and the return of elderly Sunja to her homeland in 1989, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, identity, and the heavy price of survival.
Pachinko streams on Apple TV+. New episodes drop Fridays.