Koh Hansu is a lead character in Apple TV+’s Pachinko, portrayed as a Zainichi Korean man living in Osaka, Japan. Born on the Korean island of Jeju, he works as a fish broker with strong ties to the Japanese yakuza, making him an influential and feared figure. Known for his immense wealth and called “Boss” by those around him, Koh’s life is marked by power, secrecy, and deep emotional complexity. His relationship with Sunja, a young woman he becomes infatuated with, reveals both his ruthless ambition and his vulnerable, conflicted heart.

Trivia/Facts

• Koh Hansu is a Zainichi Korean man, born on the Korean island of Jeju, who works as a fish broker in Osaka, Japan. Known for his connections with the yakuza, the organized crime syndicate in Japan, Koh is rumored to be incredibly wealthy. He is referred to as “Boss” by those around him, reflecting his influence and power. At the start of the novel, Koh is 34 years old and becomes infatuated with a 16-year-old girl named Sunja, after saving her from harassment in the Busan market.
• Koh takes a keen interest in Sunja after spotting her in the market. From then on, he starts to follow her, intrigued by her presence. His influence extends far beyond his business, as people in the community recognize his status. His initial interaction with Sunja is subtle, but it sets the stage for their complicated relationship.

Lee Min-ho in Chapter Nine (2024)

• Koh’s ruthless nature is highlighted when Sunja witnesses him berating a young boy at the fish market. Despite his harsh exterior, Koh still purchases the fish, showcasing his ability to control situations while maintaining his authority. His actions are closely observed by Sunja, who becomes more involved with him over time. Koh’s intimidating demeanor contrasts with moments of unexpected generosity.
• As Koh continues to interact with Sunja, he attempts to win her over by gifting her a fish, but she declines. Despite this, he remains persistent in his pursuit of her, using his wealth and influence. Their relationship becomes more personal when Koh intervenes to protect her from further danger. These moments of care reveal a more vulnerable side to his character.
• Koh and Sunja share deeper conversations, discussing topics like her education and his background. He shares stories about his difficult upbringing and experiences in various countries. This sparks Sunja’s curiosity and admiration, and Koh feels a strong connection to her. Despite his tough exterior, Koh reveals his dreams of Korea overcoming its struggles, hinting at his deep national pride.

Lee Min-ho in Chapter Nine (2024)

• The relationship between Koh and Sunja grows more intimate, culminating in a physical relationship. Koh, however, disappears for a time, leaving the fish market in turmoil. Upon his return, he gifts Sunja a pocket watch, but her inability to read time highlights the gap in their worlds. Despite this, he offers to teach her, showing a tender side to his character.
• Things take a sharp turn when Sunja reveals she is pregnant with Koh’s child. Although Koh is initially happy, he confesses that he is already married and cannot marry her. He offers to provide for her and her family, but Sunja is devastated by his confession. Koh’s refusal to marry her causes a rift, and Sunja walks away from him, disillusioned by the reality of his life.
• Even after their relationship ends, Koh continues to keep tabs on Sunja from afar. He buys back the pocket watch he had once gifted her, showing his lingering feelings for her. He also learns about the birth of his son but remains emotionally distant, trapped in the complexities of his personal and professional life. Despite his wealth and power, Koh’s life is filled with conflict and loss.
• Koh’s backstory sheds light on his formative years, growing up in a difficult environment and working under the influence of a powerful figure named Ryoichi. His journey from a poor background to becoming a wealthy man is marked by hardships, including the death of his father. These experiences shaped his cold, calculating nature, but also his deep sense of loyalty and responsibility.

Minha Kim and Lee Min-ho in Chapter Nine (2024)

• Koh’s later life is characterized by regret and unresolved emotions. He meets his biological son as the boy is walking to school, sharing a brief but meaningful conversation. Before they part, Koh gives his son a small gift, wrapped in cloth. This encounter, though brief, encapsulates the complexities of Koh Hansu’s character – a man torn between power, duty, and unfulfilled relationships.

Koh Hansu’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Sunja: Koh Hansu’s most important relationship is with Sunja, a young girl he meets at the Busan market. He becomes interested in her after saving her from some boys harassing her. Their relationship turns serious when Sunja becomes pregnant with his child, but Koh cannot marry her because he already has a family. Though he offers to support her financially, Sunja is hurt and feels betrayed, showing the imbalance of power betwee
• Isak: Koh and Isak, Sunja’s husband, don’t have many direct interactions, but their relationship is tense. Koh watches from the background as Isak marries Sunja and takes her to Japan. Koh’s influence remains in Sunja’s life, as she raises Koh’s child with Isak. The difference between Isak’s kind nature and Koh’s controlling personality shows the inner struggle Sunja faces between the two men.
• Koh’s Wife and Children: Koh has a family in Japan, including a wife and children, which complicates his relationship with Sunja. He cannot leave them to be with Sunja, though he still cares for her. He supports his family financially but remains emotionally distant, focusing more on his work and other relationships. This creates a divide between Koh and his own family.
• Nao, Koh’s Son: Noh’s relationship with his biological son, Nao, is distant. He doesn’t take an active role in Nao’s life, but they do share a brief encounter where Koh gives Nao a small gift. This gesture shows that Koh still cares for his son, even though he is not present in his upbringing. It highlights his regret for not being more involved in Nao’s life.
• Ryoichi: Ryoichi is a mentor figure in Koh’s early life and plays a big role in shaping who Koh becomes. He teaches Koh how to succeed in business and introduces him to important connections. Their relationship is based on power and guidance, with Ryoichi helping Koh navigate tough situations, including the loss of his father. Through Ryoichi, Koh learns how to survive and become ambitious, which drives many of his decisions.