Where to start withPachinko
2 versions · originally a book, 2017
Themes: Immigration, Identity, Family, Resilience, Cultural Identity.
Start with Pachinko (Min Jin Lee, 2017) — the book. Pachinko exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a book in 2017; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Pachinko is a multi-generational epic examining the enduring resilience, cultural identity, and survival of a Korean family living in Japan.
✦ Most fans start here
Pachinko (2017)
The original novel
✦ Start herePachinko
Min Jin Lee · Book · 2017
The 2017 novel provides an exhaustive, intimate look at eight decades of history, offering the most comprehensive character development and internal perspective for readers who value deep, immersive literary storytelling.
2022 series
Pachinko
Soo Hugh · Series · 2022
The 2022 TV series translates the sprawling narrative into a visually stunning, cinematic experience, focusing on the emotional resonance of the immigrant struggle through powerful performances and a modern, non-linear structure.
Common questions
Should I read the Pachinko book before watching the 2022 TV series?
You can enjoy the 2022 TV series without reading the 2017 book first. Both versions tell the story of the same family, but they are independent adaptations. You may choose to experience them in any order depending on your preference for reading or watching.
Is the Pachinko TV series based on the 2017 book?
Yes, the 2022 TV series is an adaptation of the 2017 book titled Pachinko. The series translates the narrative of the novel for the screen, maintaining the core themes and historical scope established in the original written source material.
How long is the Pachinko book compared to the TV series?
The 2017 book Pachinko is a single novel that covers the entire multi-generational story. The 2022 TV series adaptation expands this narrative across episodic television, allowing for a different pacing and structure while covering the same source material.
What order should I consume the Pachinko book and TV series?
There is no required order for consuming the 2017 book or the 2022 TV series. Since the TV series is an adaptation of the book, you can start with either version to explore the story of the family at the center of Pachinko.