Han

"Han" is episode 92 of The West Wing. A renowned North Korean pianist (Tony Lee) is greeted at the White House for a solo performance, but the formalities change when the musician slips a message to the President stating that he wants to defect. Despite C. J.'s passionate argument, others counsel Bartlet that granting the defection would endanger crucial ongoing negotiations with the nation. Also, members of the staff work hard to get the Preside... more

"Han" is episode 92 of The West Wing. A renowned North Korean pianist (Tony Lee) is greeted at the White House for a solo performance, but the formalities change when the musician slips a message to the President stating that he wants to defect. Despite C. J.'s passionate argument, others counsel Bartlet that granting the defection would endanger crucial ongoing negotiations with the nation. Also, members of the staff work hard to get the President's new choice for Vice President, Colorado Congressman Robert Russell, unanimously approved by both houses of Congress — but there's one holdout whose "nay" vote could embarrass everyone. The episode is named for the Korean cultural concept of lament, "Han", which Bartlet tells C. J. "There is no literal English translation. It's a state of mind. Of soul, really. A sadness. A sadness so deep no tears will come. And yet still there's hope." less