Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist) characters

Appears from the start

The only surviving son of a poor Korean fishing family, born with a cleft palate and a twisted foot. Kind, diligent, and used to being judged by strangers, he helps his parents run their boardinghouse and becomes Yangjin's husband.

Appears from the start

Hoonie's capable wife and Sunja's mother. Raised in poverty, she works tirelessly at the family boardinghouse near Busan and teaches her daughter to survive through labor, thrift, and endurance.

First appears in chapter 2

Hoonie and Yangjin's cherished daughter, raised at their boardinghouse in colonial Korea. Sheltered but hardworking, she helps her mother at the market and grows into the central figure linking the family's generations.

First appears in chapter 3

A prosperous Korean fish broker who works in Japan and conducts business at the Busan market. Sophisticated, observant, and much older than Sunja, he protects her from harassment and begins courting her in secret.

Also known as Baek Isak

First appears in chapter 7

A gentle Christian minister from northern Korea who becomes gravely ill while staying at Yangjin's boardinghouse on his way to Japan. His faith emphasizes grace and responsibility rather than judgment.

First appears in chapter 12

Isak's older brother, already settled in Osaka when Isak and Sunja arrive. Proud and protective, he supports the extended household through hard work despite discrimination against Koreans in Japan.

First appears in chapter 12

Yoseb's resourceful wife, who welcomes Sunja into the cramped Osaka household and becomes her closest lifelong companion. Her warmth and domestic skill help hold the family together.

Also known as Baek Noa

First appears in chapter 15

Sunja's first son, publicly raised as Isak's child. Serious, studious, and eager to earn respect in Japan, he is sensitive to the shame and prejudice attached to his Korean identity.

Also known as Baek Mozasu

First appears in chapter 24

Sunja and Isak's younger son. Less academic and more physically assertive than Noa, he meets hostility at school directly and is drawn toward the pachinko business as a route to independence.

First appears in chapter 38

A Japanese girl who falls in love with Mozasu. Direct and energetic, she is willing to build a life with him despite the prejudice faced by Koreans in Japan.

First appears in chapter 43

Mozasu and Yumi's son, born into a more prosperous branch of the family. His father plans an international education for him in hopes that wider opportunities will loosen the limits imposed on Koreans in Japan.

First appears in chapter 47

A Japanese divorcee who becomes Mozasu's companion. Independent and socially unconventional, she carries guilt and worry about her troubled daughter Hana.

First appears in chapter 48

Etsuko's estranged daughter and Solomon's former lover. Restless and self-destructive, she re-enters the family's life while seriously ill.

First appears in chapter 29

Mozasu's childhood friend, a Japanese boy with a disabled brother and a private sense of difference. His friendship offers Mozasu rare acceptance during their school years.