Currently, we’re all in the process of looking for our next intriguing read. With the way our year has gone, reading as a hobby has returned with extreme vigor, leaving people hungry and searching for the perfect new book to add to their collection.

This is an especially exciting time to dig deep into the talented ocean of Korean authors. Though Korean literature spans thousands of genres, one of the most popular current genres—especially with preteens, teenagers, and young adults—is Korean literature that draws upon K-pop culture.

K-pop culture, if you’re unfamiliar with it, revolves around Korean popular music. Initially originated in South Korea, this genre of music typically refers to songs produced by idol groups, although K-pop technically incorporates all forms of Korean popular music (trot, folk, and more included).

Characterized by creative use of costume and color, perfectly synced dance routines, and multilingual appeal, K-pop has become a global phenomenon that is openly adored and enjoyed by people of all ages, all over the world. And now, K-pop is spreading beyond just the music scene. Now, it’s a culture all its own.

K-pop is now about the lore of the bands, and has turned into an entire lifestyle that spans industries. From makeup and skincare to clothing and more, it’s no surprise that K-pop would seamlessly make its way into the literary world.

Luckily, there are dozens of talented and skilled Korean authors who have provided the world with their own unique literature, giving readers an exciting glance into K-pop culture. From fiction to nonfiction, these K-pop books by Korean authors are (in our book, anyway) absolute must-reads.

Continue reading below to enjoy our list of K-pop books that we believe should make the top of your reading list!

Must-Read K-pop Books

Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo

This zippy, fun, and easy-to-read novel is a charming story about a Korean American K-pop star named Lucky finding love, adventure, and a bit of perspective during a mini-breakdown. When Lucky escapes her handlers and bodyguards after a performance in Hong Kong (in search of a hamburger, of course), she finds herself lost, dazed, and definitely confused during her jaunt back. Thankfully, she runs into Jack, a fellow Korean American (who just so happens to be very attractive, too) going through his own personal crisis. While Lucky thinks she’s hiding her real identity, Jack has secret plans to sell photos of their day together to the tabloids in an effort to kick-start his photography career. What happens next is satisfying for every romance-lover out there.

The author of Somewhere Only We Know, Maurene Goo, is a critically acclaimed young adult author who has several books on the market that K-pop fans and more should know about. Some of her famous books include I Believe in a Thing Called Love, and The Way You Make Me Feel.

If you’re looking for a solid dose of K-pop culture (and a fun, quick-paced, unpredictable love story to boot), you’ll definitely want to give this book a read!

Shine by Jessica Jung

In this novel, Korean American teen Rachel Kim is living the dream of being a member of DB Entertainment, Seoul’s largest K-pop label, known for churning out the biggest stars. Or is she? Rachel is caught in the world of trying to attain perfection, fame, and have it all—that means training constantly, never dating, and of course, being perfect.

As Rachel continues to experience this world, she constantly wonders if she has what it takes to actually be a K-pop star—especially when she begins to develop feelings for a fellow K-pop star. This book is filled with scandal, romance, and of course, plenty of insight into K-pop culture.

The most unique part of this book? It’s written by Jessica Jung, a legend in the K-pop world and the former lead singer of Girls’ Generation, a wildly popular K-pop group. This book offers readers perspective, entertainment, and a look at what K-pop stars are sometimes forced to give up in order to achieve their dreams of fandom and adoration.

I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee

This ragtag, inspirational, and refreshingly different K-pop book is sure to have you flipping the pages faster than you could possibly imagine. In this book, you become acquainted with Skye Shin, a gal who’s heard it all—fat girls can’t dance, wear colorful K-pop costumes, and they definitely can’t be K-pop stars. But when Skye hears there’s an internationally televised competition looking for the next big K-pop star, she’s determined to win—not just to show her friends, her mother, and society what the real deal is, but also to prove to herself that the fatphobic beauty standards of K-pop are meant to be broken.

Becoming the world’s first plus-size K-pop star is Skye’s plan, but she’ll have to win the contest without losing herself, her purpose, or her mission, first!

Written by Lyla Lee, this fun, thoughtful, and insightful rom-com is guaranteed to make you shift your perspective, ask questions, and of course, enjoy the ride. Written with body positivity and celebrating confidence in mind, this is perfect for readers who want an exciting love story with plenty of K-pop culture to immerse themselves in.

Lyla Lee was born in a small South Korean town but has since moved to various parts of the United States. Lee has written several other books, including titles like Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business, Mindy Kim, Class President, and Mindy Kim and the Birthday Puppy.