Soo Hugh, the showrunner of the critically acclaimed series “Pachinko,” is currently exploring multiple projects that may involve co-producing or shooting in Korea, or collaborating with a Korean partner. This exciting news comes just before the Canneseries TV festival in France, where Hugh is serving on the main jury and participating in a Meet With keynote session.
Hugh’s connection to Korea seems natural, considering her previous work in the industry. She first gained recognition for her involvement in AMC’s supernatural thriller “The Terror” Season 1, set in the Arctic during the mid-19th century. Following this success, she received rave reviews for her work on Apple TV+’s “Pachinko,” a sweeping series that follows a Korean family from 1915 to 1989, exploring their struggles under Japanese rule and subsequent emigration to Japan.
Both “The Terror” and “Pachinko” represent a significant shift in the landscape of television, as they bridge the gap between American and international storytelling. This intersection of cultures and voices is emblematic of the current globalized nature of the entertainment industry.
In a recent Omdia report, Korean content was highlighted as a dominant force on streaming platforms, particularly Netflix. Hugh acknowledges the innovative and dynamic nature of Korean filmmaking, noting that Korea often surpasses America in terms of technological advancements in the industry.
“Pachinko” has been praised for its immersive storytelling and rich character development. The series has received a 97% reviewers’ rating, with critics lauding its period detail and exploration of historical themes such as colonization and racism.
Hugh’s embrace of melodrama in her storytelling has been a point of contention for some viewers, but she stands by her choice to incorporate this element into her work. She believes that melodrama can be a powerful tool for exploring complex themes and emotions.
As a jury member at Canneseries, Hugh recognizes the importance of storytelling in reflecting the current social and political climate. She emphasizes the need for entertainment to coexist with thought-provoking narratives that challenge viewers to engage with pressing issues.
In addition to her work on “Pachinko,” Hugh has recently signed a multi-year deal with Universal Content Productions and launched the Thousand Miles Project, an incubator program for aspiring writers from the AAPI community.
For aspiring writers and creators, Hugh offers valuable advice on the importance of developing compelling characters and focusing on the “why” of a story rather than just the “what” and “where.” By investing time and care into crafting meaningful characters and narratives, creators can create impactful and engaging series that resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
