Sunja and Hansu
Sunja and Hansu's relationship is heavily explored throughout Pachinko. However, there is a clear difference in their power dynamics that is not only expressed in their actions and words but also in the significance of their names and of how other characters treat them because of their relationship. From the beginning, it is clear that Hansu can be manipulative, taking advantage of Sunja's innocence and longing for connection and using her for his pleasure. Even when forming a relationship with Sunja, he lowers himself to her level despite the significant age gap and asks her to call him "oppa", a playful term of endearment (Lee 36). Further Hansu doesn't mention how he is married with a family in Japan before having an affair with Sunja and while he attempts to take care of Sunja and her son Noa, is seen to continually be self-absorbed.
Significance of Names
One of the more subtle ways that the relationship between Sunja and Hansu is revealed is through the meaning behind their names. The name "Sunja" is derived from the Korean word "soonjung" which is to obey, which indicates that "Sunja" is expected to be a submissive person that obeys others. On the other hand, the name "Hansu" means a "master" or "chief" in Japanese. Thus, it is clear that even with the names of the characters, the power dynamics within their relationship is Hansu having the power and Sunja expected to obey and submit.
Another interesting aspect to consider is the origins around the names. Sunja is a Korean name whereas Hansu is a Japanese name. This also hints at the relationship that they have being similar to the relationship that Japan has with Korea. As explored in the previous section of Japanese Imperialism, Korea was at the bottom of the social hierarchy and expected to serve the Japanese. The Korean comfort women are an example of the power dynamics at play, where the Japanese felt entitled to the Korean people and their land. This is also an attitude that Hansu adopts when he considers Sunja- he sees Sunja and his son Noa as "his" and despite his Korean origins, is clearly integrated into Japanese society, providing him the power to control and command others.
Differences in "Shaming Culture"
Another clear difference that reveals the difference in power in Sunja and Hansu's relationship is how other characters react to their relationship. For instance, towards the end of the novel, Yangjin (Sunja's mother) makes it clear that Sunja should be ashamed about her affair with Hansu and that she "caused [her] own suffering" and pain, whether it be the difficulty she experienced after Isak's death to Noa's suicide and lack of reconciliation in her relationship with her son (Lee 414). Ultimately, the blame continues to land on Sunja, with her mother expressing the idea that "women can't make a mistake like that" and that a "woman's lot is to suffer", not only suggesting that the difficulties Sunja experiences are all because of her own actions and that this level of suffering is to be expected in her life because she is a woman (Lee 414).
This clearly reveals the double standards between men and women in a patriarchal society- Sunja is quick to be shamed but Hansu is never shamed about the numerous affairs he has throughout his marriage. Further, Sunja is expected to suffer and to submit to men whereas Hansu believes he is entitled to his power and can exercise it over Sunja as he wishes.
