Youn Yuh-jung, Lee Min-ho's 'Pachinko' set for global release in March

Actors Lee Min-ho, right, and Kim Min-ha in a scene from Apple TV+ series "Pachinko"/ Courtesy of Apple TV+

By Kwak Yeon-soo

The much-anticipated Apple TV+ series "Pachinko" will be unveiled on March 25, the streaming giant said Thursday.

Adapted from Min Jin Lee's best-selling novel of the same title, "Pachinko" chronicles the lives and dreams of four generations of a Korean immigrant family in Japan.

It follows a story spanning decades of Sunja's life, who is abandoned by her partner Hansu and is left with an unplanned pregnancy that could bring shame upon her family. She marries a young pastor, whom she then moves to Japan with.

The Oscar-winning actress Youn Yuh-jung portrays the older Sunja while rookie actress Kim Min-ha plays the teenage Sunja. "The Heirs" and "The King: Eternal Monarch" star Lee Min-ho will take on the role of Hansu, a merchant who embarks on an illicit romance with Sunja. The series was filmed in Korea and Canada.

The eight-episode series will be told in three languages ― Korean, Japanese and English ― and will debut with the first three episodes followed by new weekly installments each Friday until April 29.

Actress Youn Yuh-jung in a scene from Apple TV+ series "Pachinko"/ Courtesy of Apple TV+

"Pachinko" is written and produced by Soo Hugh, who was behind "The Terror" and "The Killing." Kogonada and Justin Chon directed four episodes each.

"They say there are those projects that come along and change the very core of who you are as a filmmaker and a person. Undoubtedly, 'Pachinko' is that project for me," Hugh said in a statement.

"Not only is this a story of my forebears, it's my tribute to them ― to all of the Sunjas buried deep in all of our family's history. It's been an incredible honor to bring this series to life with this dedicated and gifted cast and crew."

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