Koh Hansu is the powerful, enigmatic fish broker who shapes Sunja's destiny in Pachinko — a worldly, married businessman with ties to organized crime whose romance with the young Sunja sets the family saga in motion and whose influence shadows it for decades. Charismatic and ruthless, Hansu is both Sunja's first love and a source of lifelong complication.
His arc threads through the generations, as Hansu's choices, protection, and manipulations ripple across the family's fortunes long after his affair with Sunja. The series uses him to embody the seductive, dangerous compromises of survival and power, and the long reach of the past. He is charming, morally ambiguous, and impossible to fully escape.
Lee Min-ho, a Korean superstar, brings magnetic complexity to the role.
Key Episodes
S1 E2
Chapter Two
Hansu's relationship with the young Sunja deepens.
S1 E7
Chapter Seven
Hansu's enduring influence over the family is revealed.
Koh Hansu is one of the central figures in Pachinko, a drama/period/historical series that aired on Apple TV+ from 2022-present. Within the narrative of Pachinko, Koh Hansu serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout Seasons 1–2. The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.
Portrayed by Lee Min-ho, Koh Hansu has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Lee Min-ho's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. Lee Min-ho's work has been recognized with 1 major award, reflecting the critical acclaim their portrayal has received.
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? Frequently Asked Questions
Korean star Lee Min-ho plays Koh Hansu in Pachinko.
Hansu is the powerful broker whose romance with young Sunja shapes the family's destiny.
