‘Pachinko’ Showrunner Soo Hugh Wants To Bring More Asian Stories To Our TVs

Growing up, Soo Hugh loved watching epic tales, movies like “Lawrence of Arabia” and “The Godfather.” Today, as a TV writer, creator and showrunner, she’s still drawn to those kinds of ambitious stories, such as her stunning adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s historical epic novel “Pachinko.” Premiering on Apple TV+ this Friday, the eight-episode series spans nearly a century, features a star-studded international cast, is told in three languages and was filmed on two continents. She has worked across many genres, including writing on the CBS series “Under the Dome,” a Stephen King adaptation executive produced by Steven Spielberg; creating ABC’s “The Whispers,” adapted from a Ray Bradbury short story; and serving as co-showrunner on the first season of AMC’s acclaimed horror anthology series “The Terror.” When “Pachinko” was published in 2017, Hugh’s then-agent, Theresa Kang-Lowe, who’s now a producer, sent her the book. Hugh knew it was an exquisitely crafted story, but didn’t know whether she was mentally ready to take it on after “The Terror.” “I remember thinking, ‘Oh my goodness. “I really mourn them, so I write them and show everyone: ‘We are going to do a big opening sequence,’” she said.