Secondary Characters in Pachinko
Isak Baek
Isak serves as a pivotal secondary character who deeply influences the trajectory of Sunja's life. As a sickly yet devout Christian minister, he offers Sunja salvation from her predicament of unwed pregnancy by marrying her.
"You are not to blame," he had said to her. "God loves you, and I shall love your child as my own."Note
Isak's character represents moral righteousness and selfless love, contrasting sharply with Hansu's worldly pragmatism.
Kyunghee
Kyunghee, Yoseb's wife, becomes Sunja's closest friend and confidante. Their relationship exemplifies female solidarity in the face of hardship.
ExampleThroughout their time in Osaka, Kyunghee and Sunja work together making kimchi and later selling food, showing how their bond transcends mere family ties to become a partnership of survival.
Yoseb
As Isak's older brother, Yoseb initially appears stern but reveals deep loyalty to family. His resistance to change and determination to maintain dignity despite discrimination illuminates the Korean immigrant experience in Japan.
"In this country, there is no future for us... Stay in your place, know your place."
