It's official-- the internet has a new obsession, and so do we! What's that you may ask? We'll give you a hint. It starts with a K, and ends in Hunters.
That's right, it's the animated movie that's taking the nation by storm-- K-Pop Demon Hunters!
This is the movie people are talking about everywhere, and it's not hard to see why! After all, it checks all of the boxes of our Movie Awesomeness CriteriaTM:
- Expressive characters? Check.
- Playful humor? Check.
- Vibrant and rich world? Double check!
- 10/10 soundtrack? It's a 20/10!
Whether your favorite song is from the spirited Huntrix trio or their rivals the mysterious Saja Boys, every song from this film is a bop!
It doesn't matter if you're a newbie or have been invested since the days of BTS (that's 2013!), we can guess what's on your mind: That's right, K-Pop!
We're in the mood for some musical main characters, so we compiled a list of our favorite books about K-Pop in honor of K-Pop Demon hunters. So sit back, relax, and play Golden on repeat while we share the YA books we're sure K-Pop fans will love!
#1: K-Pop Confidential by Stephan Lee
Have you ever dreamed of leaving your old life behind and becoming a K-Pop idol? Candace Park certainly has... and after secretly entering an audition for one of the biggest producers in the industry, she learns she might actually be good at it! But the life of a K-Pop trainee isn't all fun and games. Can Candace stay true to herself as she navigates her new life under the spotlight?
#2: XOXO by Axie Oh
Jenny has her life carefully planned out. Gaining acceptance to a prestigious music conservatory for her cello skills is in the plan. Meeting handsome Jaewoo? Not so much, especially when it turns out that he's a member of one of the top K-Pop bands globally-- which comes with a no dating rule! Read on if you love K-Pop meet cutes and adorable music-based romances.
#3: I'll Be the One by Lyla Lee
This brilliant debut stars Skye Shin-- plus sized, proud of it, and self-proclaimed K-Pop star in the making! After competing in a reality tv show to become a K-Pop star, she's determined to combat fatphobic Korean beauty standards and look good doing it. With her self love and strong spirit, Skye is a perfect role model to teens everywhere!
#4: Shine by Jessica Jung
Shine is the only book on our list to be written by a former K-Pop star, so we knew we had to include it on this list! Jessica Jung used to be a member of SNSD, so she knows all about what it's like to be a K-Pop star. This makes her the perfect person to write Rachel Kim, a K-Pop trainee who falls for K-Pop star Jason Lee. Although this is a romance, Jessica isn't afraid to address the darker sides of the K-Pop industry in a much needed call-out.
#5: Once Upon A K-Prom by Kat Cho
Once Upon A K-Prom uses the childhood friends to lovers trope in the best way possible-- by adding a K-Pop star into the mix! After he made it big as a K-Pop star, Elena Soo never expected her childhood friend Robbie Choi to ask her to prom! Now she has to navigate her own feelings, but also the pressure from Robbie's numerous fans to stay away. Is their bond worth sticking up for?
#6: Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Cheng
Our last pick for this list puts a spin on the K-Pop genre by making it a thriller! Disgraced former popstar Sunny Lee is desperate to redeem herself and reshape her public image by entering a cutthroat K-Pop competition alongside her ex-groupmate Candie. As mysterious injuries start happening to her competitors, the competition turns deadly for all involved. Sapphic yearning and mysterious visions add extra spice to this intriguing read!
Try pairing one of these books with a CD from Blackpink, EXO, or your favorite K-Pop artist to enhance your experience! All sorts of K-Pop can be found in TADL's Sight and Sound department, so stop on by and say hi.