PACHINKO follows one Korean family through the generations, beginning in early 1900s Korea with Sunja, the prized daughter of a poor yet proud family, whose unplanned pregnancy threatens to shame them. Betrayed by her wealthy lover, Sunja finds unexpected salvation when a young tubercular minister offers to marry her and bring her to Japan to start a new life. In Japan, Sunja's family members endure harsh discrimination, catastrophes and poverty, yet they also encounter great joy as they pursue their passions and rise to meet the challenges this new home presents.