Solomon Baek is a central character in Apple TV+’s series Pachinko, played by Jin Ha. He is the son of Mozasu and Yumi, raised in a complex family environment after his mother’s death. With a background shaped by both Japanese and Korean cultures and educated in the United States, Solomon’s life reflects the struggles and aspirations of his multicultural identity. His journey navigates love, career setbacks, and family loyalty, ultimately leading him back to work in his father’s pachinko business.

Trivia/Facts

• Solomon Baek is the son of Mozasu and Yumi, portrayed by Jin Ha in Apple TV+’s Pachinko. After Yumi dies, Solomon is raised by Mozasu, his grandmother Sunja, and Mozasu’s girlfriend Etsuko. Mozasu hopes his son will become successful and sends him to English-speaking schools and Columbia University. Solomon grows up in a multicultural environment, making him more outgoing than typical Japanese or Korean people.
• At the age of 14, Solomon falls in love with Hana, who is Etsuko’s daughter. During his time at Columbia University, he dates Phoebe, a Korean-American student. Their relationship ends when Phoebe struggles to adapt to life in Tokyo, and Solomon is unwilling to propose marriage. This breakup marks a significant moment in his personal life.

Youn Yuh-jung and Jin Ha in Chapter Nine (2024)

• After graduating, Solomon secures a position with a British investment bank in Tokyo. His career faces a setback when his father Mozasu and uncle Goro’s yakuza connections impact a crucial real estate deal. Consequently, Solomon loses his job due to the scandal.
• Encouraged by Hana, whom he still loves, Solomon decides to join his father’s pachinko business. This new career path represents a return to his family’s roots and a chance to rebuild his professional life.

Who is Solomon Baek Dating?

In the second season of Apple TV+’s “Pachinko”, Solomon Baek rekindles a romance with Naomi, a former colleague, after being fired from Shiffley’s Financial. Their relationship becomes intimate in the fourth episode, but the original novel by Min Jin Lee doesn’t address their future.

In the book, Solomon is involved with Phoebe, a Korean American woman from Columbia University, not Naomi. Phoebe struggles to adapt to life in Japan and eventually breaks up with Solomon, who stays to manage his family’s pachinko business.

Youn Yuh-jung and Jin Ha in Chapter Nine (2024)

The TV show created Naomi to better align with Solomon’s struggles with his Korean-Japanese heritage. Naomi supports Solomon’s identity journey, making them a compatible couple. Soo Hugh, the creator, believes their strong connection could lead to a lasting relationship if Solomon follows his father’s path and runs the pachinko parlors, with Naomi’s support.

Solomon Baek’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Mozasu Baek (Father): Solomon’s relationship with his father, Mozasu, is shaped by high expectations. Mozasu wants Solomon to become successful and often pushes him toward ambitious goals. Despite their close bond, they face conflicts, especially when Solomon’s career is affected by Mozasu’s yakuza ties.
• Naomi (Colleague and Love Interest in TV Series): In the TV series, Solomon reconnects with Naomi after being fired. They start a romantic relationship, with Naomi supporting Solomon’s struggle with his identity in Japan. Their connection grows stronger, with Naomi likely to support Solomon’s future in the pachinko business.

Youn Yuh-jung and Jin Ha in Chapter Nine (2024)

• Yumi Baek (Mother): Solomon’s relationship with his mother, Yumi, is limited as she dies when he is young. Her death deeply impacts him, but he is raised with her values and memory by Mozasu and his family.
• Sunja (Grandmother): Solomon shares a strong bond with his grandmother, Sunja. She plays a key role in raising him and provides him with emotional support and wisdom.
• Etsuko (Father’s Girlfriend): Etsuko plays a significant role in Solomon’s life as she helps raise him. Although their relationship is generally positive, Etsuko’s daughter, Hana, becomes a romantic interest for Solomon, which adds complexity to their interactions.

Youn Yuh-jung and Jin Ha in Chapter Nine (2024)

• Hana (Etsuko’s Daughter): Solomon and Hana have a romantic relationship when they are teenagers. Despite their strong connection, their relationship faces challenges, and they eventually go through a period of separation.
• Phoebe (Ex-Girlfriend): Phoebe is Solomon’s girlfriend during his time at Columbia University. Their relationship ends due to Phoebe’s difficulty adjusting to life in Tokyo and Solomon’s reluctance to propose marriage. This breakup is a significant event in Solomon’s life.
• Koh Hansu (Businessman/Crime Boss): Koh Hansu, a powerful businessman with criminal connections, has a significant impact on Solomon’s life. Although they are not directly close, Hansu’s influence affects Solomon’s family, particularly through his ties to the yakuza.