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K-pop Confidential #1
K-pop Confidential
In this novel about chasing big dreams, a Korean-American girl travels to Seoul in hopes of debuting in a girl group at the same K-pop company behind the most popular boy band on the planet.
Candace Park knows a lot about playing a role. For most of her life, she's been playing the role of the quiet Korean girl who takes all AP classes and plays a classical instrument, keeping her dreams of stardom-and her obsession with SLK, K-pop's top boyband-to herself. She doesn't see how a regular girl like her could possibly become one of those K-pop goddesses she sees on YouTube. Even though she can sing. Like, really sing.
So when Candace secretly enters a global audition held by SLK's music label, the last thing she expects is to actually get a coveted spot in their trainee program. And convincing her strict parents to let her to go is all but impossible ... although it's nothing compared to what comes next.
Under the strict supervision of her instructors at the label's headquarters in Seoul, Candace must perfect her performance skills to within an inch of her life, learn to speak Korean fluently, and navigate the complex hierarchies of her fellow trainees, all while following the strict rules of the industry. Rule number one? NO DATING, which becomes impossible to follow when she meets a dreamy boy trainee. And in the all-out battle to debut, Candace is in danger of planting herself in the middle of a scandal lighting up the K-pop fandom around the world.
If she doesn't have what it takes to become a perfect, hair-flipping K-pop idol, what will that mean for her family, who have sacrificed everything to give her the chance? And is a spot in the most hyped K-pop girl group of all time really worth risking her friendships, her future, and everything she believes in?
Candace Park knows a lot about playing a role. For most of her life, she's been playing the role of the quiet Korean girl who takes all AP classes and plays a classical instrument, keeping her dreams of stardom-and her obsession with SLK, K-pop's top boyband-to herself. She doesn't see how a regular girl like her could possibly become one of those K-pop goddesses she sees on YouTube. Even though she can sing. Like, really sing.
So when Candace secretly enters a global audition held by SLK's music label, the last thing she expects is to actually get a coveted spot in their trainee program. And convincing her strict parents to let her to go is all but impossible ... although it's nothing compared to what comes next.
Under the strict supervision of her instructors at the label's headquarters in Seoul, Candace must perfect her performance skills to within an inch of her life, learn to speak Korean fluently, and navigate the complex hierarchies of her fellow trainees, all while following the strict rules of the industry. Rule number one? NO DATING, which becomes impossible to follow when she meets a dreamy boy trainee. And in the all-out battle to debut, Candace is in danger of planting herself in the middle of a scandal lighting up the K-pop fandom around the world.
If she doesn't have what it takes to become a perfect, hair-flipping K-pop idol, what will that mean for her family, who have sacrificed everything to give her the chance? And is a spot in the most hyped K-pop girl group of all time really worth risking her friendships, her future, and everything she believes in?
332 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2020
About the author
Stephan Lee
4 books340 followersStephan is a YA lover, ardent K-pop fan, and journalist. He currently works as Senior Editor at Bustle after a five-year stretch covering books and movies at Entertainment Weekly. At EW, he traveled to Seoul for three weeks to write a feature about Korean entertainment’s world domination, interviewing K-pop idols and Korean filmmakers. He earned an MFA in Creative Writing at The New School.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,050 reviews
May 20, 2022
My obsession with BLACKPINK is thriving right now.
Except that BLACKPINK is the only K-Pop group I listen to and I have literally no exposure to K-Pop other than them. Because who needs anyone else when you have the queens?
I have to admit, even for someone with limited knowledge of the K-Pop world and Korean culture, this book was amazing at explaining everything and making sure nothing was lost. Now, instead of screaming incoherently about how amazing BLACKPINK is, I can scream about how amazing BLACKPINK is and actually know what I'm talking about.
Remind me to actually focus on the book.
BUT BEFORE I DO THAT can I just say that the book cover is seriously giving me Gayo Daejun 2018 vibes. Like LOOK AT THIS:
Also, BOOMBAYAH debut:
and the ending pose of Forever Young:
and the ending pose of WHISTLE:
Okay, I’m done. Almost definitely.
Narrator: she was not, in fact, done.
This was...a ride. I read it within twenty-four hours, and for someone who’s been in a reading slump since September, that was amazing. This was fast-paced and engaging. The concept was amazing (even for someone who isn’t interested in K-Pop) and it wasn’t a whole ride-to-fame idea. It was a genuine look at K-Pop trainee programs and the real, raw reality of what it’s like to prepare for that kind of career. It’s not actually glitter and glam.
That was one of the parts that I loved about this: it was real. There was no airbrushing, no excuses. K-Pop Confidential straight-up said that life as a K-Pop trainee is a living hell. Trainees are openly fat-shamed and told to get plastic surgery, and their schedules are fucking insane. Candace’s life is completely insane. Who wakes up at 4AM to go to the gym, takes Korean for 6 hours, and goes to group training for another six? Answer: K-Pop trainees.
Something that BLACKPINK’s Lisa has said: “The training may be hard, but it’s worth it.” This book made me question that.
Out of curiosity while I was reading, I looked up K-Pop idol’s weights and -
Most of them weigh less than I do. I am short and I have struggled with anorexia. And these women, most of whom are a decade older and a few inches taller than me, weigh less than I do.
I’m genuinely confused. K-Pop companies expect their girls to be pictures of health and beauty, as shown in their glowing skin, abs, amazing hair, coordination, promotion of image, etc. AND YET THEY ARE EXPECTED TO WEIGH LESS THAN A HIGHSCHOOL FRESHMAN???
THAT’S NOT HEALTHY.
Is it really worth it?
The plot of this book was amazing. Again, I am obsessed with BLACKPINK and this look at the world of K-Pop was exactly what I needed. Especially while blasting Crazy Over You on repeat because that song is fucking amazing and how did I underrate it so much when The Album first came out -
BITCH TALK ABOUT THE BOOK.
An overview: Candace Park is a Korean-American high schooler, often overlooked by her parents. She’s used to being the “quiet one” - mouth shut, head down, tests aced. But she loves singing. Candace secretly auditions for a K-Pop training program for one of the biggest companies in Korea (fictional, of course, because unfortunately we’re not allowed to publicly destroy YG). When she passes the audition, she has to convince her too-strict mother to allow her to move to Korea for the summer so that she can train to become an idol.
After a lot of work, she does convince her parents to let her move to Korea. And then the real work begins. Candace has to learn how to speak Korean properly, how to dance (which she literally cannot do), how to project an image, how to make her skin glowy and her body lines pretty enough for her overbearing superiors. She is forced into diets and makeover sessions, overnight dance lessons, and pressured performances.
Before I go on to anything else about the book (because there’s a lot more I want to cover) I have to mention how unrealistic the book became at times. It was nothing insane, I just know that it's not at all likely to happen if something like this unfolded in real life.
For example, Candace auditioned with “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish. Personally, I don’t like Billie Eilish’ music and I don’t listen to her, but...Bad Guy has literally zero vocal range. Or vocals in general. It showcases no talent other than background synthesized autotune, which also doesn't fit since Candace was playing an acoustic guitar? I’m not sure how she got past her audition just by mumbling into a microphone, since K-Pop companies generally look for versatile, strong voices. Also because apparently the other auditioners were strong vocalists with actual songs to perform. So I find it unrealistic that Candace got in on an auto tuned whisper.
And then Binna’s rejection from performing was also unrealistic. Here you have Candace, who has trained for three months and can’t even do the showcase dance properly, and she is accepted. Binna, who has been training for over ten years and is the Leader and Center of Team Two, is rejected?
There were just a few parts where there was no real reason for Candace to be the one who got everything. After three months of training, she thinks she's ready to debut and says that she's "earned it", but Binna and JinJoo had been training for their whole lives. What about them?
There was also the "no-dating" rule which is actually realistic since the only thing you have to do for that is not go out with someone, but the unrealistic thing was that everyone was (supposedly) straight. The trainee facility was literally divided down the middle to separate the girls and the boys. But you're telling me not two girls out of 250 were lesbian/bi/pan/not-heterosexual? Or two of the guys?
Also, insta-love. Enough said.
Other than those little spots where it just didn’t make sense for Candace to be the star, the plot was pretty good.
I definitely flew through this book. The storyline was engaging and fast-paced, and the prologue definitely got me hooked. I also found it relatable as fuck that the first chapter opened with Candace completely faking her entire orchestra concert, because that is literally me.
Aside from the unrealistic moments, Candace’s journey with the K-Pop trainee program was so much fun to read. I loved reading about the system and the business cover-ups and the huge deals that are made. I learned a lot about Korean culture and the literally-insane pressure there is on K-Pop idols.
The characters were all pretty well-developed, even though there wasn’t a lot of layering or fleshing-out of their personalities. They weren’t bitchy cardboard cutouts, they had personalities, they had skills, and they were people. Each character had a unique vibe to them.
And my dumbass matched each of their vibes to BLACKPINK songs.
Binna - How You Like That; Binna was super swag and fierce, but hardworking and empathetic. She was the Main Rapper and Leader of Team Two, plus their Center in most showcases and the best dancer. She was an amazing friend and much nicer than her badass exterior image demanded her to be. She was super dedicated and supportive and I just loved her.
Helena - Pretty Savage; Helena was extremely savage. She was also the source of a lot of girl-on-girl hate, which is unfortunate but not unexpected. Helena was absolutely a bitch. The resolution at the end explaining why she had been a bitch just came too fast. It was right at the ending. She could have had a lot of character development, but for most of the book she was just the catty LA bitch. I will say that I understand her reasons and I did like her ferocity, but her justification was too rushed for me.
Aram - So Hot; Aram’s main personality trait was her beauty. A little unfortunate, but I guess it kind of makes sense since she was the Visual of Team Two. Her vibe was really her standoffish personality at the beginning, plus her stunning beauty - but over time, Aram proved herself as a more respectful and supportive group member.
JinJoo - You Never Know; JinJoo is literally underestimated so much. She had been training to become an idol since before she could talk, and yet she was considered the worst of Team Two? She deserved so much better. And she was so willing to put up with being shamed for her body and voice, just as long as she got to debut. You Never Know was super dreamy and a bit sad, like her, but also gorgeous and stands up to unbased hate.
YoungBae - Really; his relationship with Candace was sweet and romantic, but they weren’t allowed to be a couple. They had a friendly basis under their romance, which was good. But there was also a more fierce vibe under it, and Really shows his more rapper-vibe along with his role as the love interest.
Candace - Kick It; I know Kick It is technically about a breakup, but the main theme of it is about being independent and learning to be better off without toxicity. And that was Candace. She stuck to her own story and her own goals. Kick It has amazing vocals and showcases a lot of sass - but also a softer side and some determination. She wasn’t a super sassy character, but her sarcastic moments had me smirking.
“I am shook to Shakespearean proportions. I am shooketh.”
I actually loved that line. Candace’s narrative was witty and raw and I could absolutely see everything through her eyes.
The romance was pretty sweet, but I didn’t really ship Candace and YoungBae and I didn’t like the whole love triangle (insta-love + love triangle = annoying tropes).
There was, however, drama. There was a lot of drama. The intensity of K-Pop training and the girl-group concept made for a lot of drama. I was hoping there wouldn’t be girl-on-girl hate, but there was. It wasn’t a lot, but I also think it didn’t have to be there. I liked that Helena was basically the only one who was a bitch, though. There weren’t huge girl feuds, just arguments and some petty moves.
At least there was a solid reason for their being that kind of conflict. Some books will throw in hate moments just to add more ~tension~ to the plot, but this story had an excuse for adding in the angry moments. BLACKPINK’s Jennie has said, “Usually, there’s like, ‘Oh, I want to sing more’ or ‘Oh, I want to be in the middle’. There’s always those little fights going on in the groups.” There was a lot of pressure and competition to be the star.
What doesn’t make sense is that if an idol or trainee is overly competitive or spends too much time in the spotlight, they’re written off as a bitch or a spoiled brat. They’re unkind and unlikeable and they’re considered the “villain”. But if someone doesn’t want to be the Center or they don’t want to upstage other people, they’re called lazy and soft - because someone hardworking would want their time to shine and improve. There’s no in-between. And I think Candace’s perspective really showed that double standard.
This book was funny and exciting, but also intense at some parts. It was engaging and fun and just made me even more obsessed. I learned a lot, laughed at some parts, and got really excited and drawn in by the premise. I took off a star for the romance, which I just didn’t ship. Overall, I really enjoyed this look at K-Pop culture. I’m going to go blast BLACKPINK now.
Except that BLACKPINK is the only K-Pop group I listen to and I have literally no exposure to K-Pop other than them. Because who needs anyone else when you have the queens?
I have to admit, even for someone with limited knowledge of the K-Pop world and Korean culture, this book was amazing at explaining everything and making sure nothing was lost. Now, instead of screaming incoherently about how amazing BLACKPINK is, I can scream about how amazing BLACKPINK is and actually know what I'm talking about.
Remind me to actually focus on the book.
BUT BEFORE I DO THAT can I just say that the book cover is seriously giving me Gayo Daejun 2018 vibes. Like LOOK AT THIS:
Also, BOOMBAYAH debut:
and the ending pose of Forever Young:
and the ending pose of WHISTLE:
Okay, I’m done. Almost definitely.
This was...a ride. I read it within twenty-four hours, and for someone who’s been in a reading slump since September, that was amazing. This was fast-paced and engaging. The concept was amazing (even for someone who isn’t interested in K-Pop) and it wasn’t a whole ride-to-fame idea. It was a genuine look at K-Pop trainee programs and the real, raw reality of what it’s like to prepare for that kind of career. It’s not actually glitter and glam.
That was one of the parts that I loved about this: it was real. There was no airbrushing, no excuses. K-Pop Confidential straight-up said that life as a K-Pop trainee is a living hell. Trainees are openly fat-shamed and told to get plastic surgery, and their schedules are fucking insane. Candace’s life is completely insane. Who wakes up at 4AM to go to the gym, takes Korean for 6 hours, and goes to group training for another six? Answer: K-Pop trainees.
Something that BLACKPINK’s Lisa has said: “The training may be hard, but it’s worth it.” This book made me question that.
Out of curiosity while I was reading, I looked up K-Pop idol’s weights and -
Most of them weigh less than I do. I am short and I have struggled with anorexia. And these women, most of whom are a decade older and a few inches taller than me, weigh less than I do.
I’m genuinely confused. K-Pop companies expect their girls to be pictures of health and beauty, as shown in their glowing skin, abs, amazing hair, coordination, promotion of image, etc. AND YET THEY ARE EXPECTED TO WEIGH LESS THAN A HIGHSCHOOL FRESHMAN???
THAT’S NOT HEALTHY.
Is it really worth it?
The plot of this book was amazing. Again, I am obsessed with BLACKPINK and this look at the world of K-Pop was exactly what I needed. Especially while blasting Crazy Over You on repeat because that song is fucking amazing and how did I underrate it so much when The Album first came out -
BITCH TALK ABOUT THE BOOK.
An overview: Candace Park is a Korean-American high schooler, often overlooked by her parents. She’s used to being the “quiet one” - mouth shut, head down, tests aced. But she loves singing. Candace secretly auditions for a K-Pop training program for one of the biggest companies in Korea (fictional, of course, because unfortunately we’re not allowed to publicly destroy YG). When she passes the audition, she has to convince her too-strict mother to allow her to move to Korea for the summer so that she can train to become an idol.
After a lot of work, she does convince her parents to let her move to Korea. And then the real work begins. Candace has to learn how to speak Korean properly, how to dance (which she literally cannot do), how to project an image, how to make her skin glowy and her body lines pretty enough for her overbearing superiors. She is forced into diets and makeover sessions, overnight dance lessons, and pressured performances.
Before I go on to anything else about the book (because there’s a lot more I want to cover) I have to mention how unrealistic the book became at times. It was nothing insane, I just know that it's not at all likely to happen if something like this unfolded in real life.
For example, Candace auditioned with “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish. Personally, I don’t like Billie Eilish’ music and I don’t listen to her, but...Bad Guy has literally zero vocal range. Or vocals in general. It showcases no talent other than background synthesized autotune, which also doesn't fit since Candace was playing an acoustic guitar? I’m not sure how she got past her audition just by mumbling into a microphone, since K-Pop companies generally look for versatile, strong voices. Also because apparently the other auditioners were strong vocalists with actual songs to perform. So I find it unrealistic that Candace got in on an auto tuned whisper.
And then Binna’s rejection from performing was also unrealistic. Here you have Candace, who has trained for three months and can’t even do the showcase dance properly, and she is accepted. Binna, who has been training for over ten years and is the Leader and Center of Team Two, is rejected?
There were just a few parts where there was no real reason for Candace to be the one who got everything. After three months of training, she thinks she's ready to debut and says that she's "earned it", but Binna and JinJoo had been training for their whole lives. What about them?
There was also the "no-dating" rule which is actually realistic since the only thing you have to do for that is not go out with someone, but the unrealistic thing was that everyone was (supposedly) straight. The trainee facility was literally divided down the middle to separate the girls and the boys. But you're telling me not two girls out of 250 were lesbian/bi/pan/not-heterosexual? Or two of the guys?
Also, insta-love. Enough said.
Other than those little spots where it just didn’t make sense for Candace to be the star, the plot was pretty good.
I definitely flew through this book. The storyline was engaging and fast-paced, and the prologue definitely got me hooked. I also found it relatable as fuck that the first chapter opened with Candace completely faking her entire orchestra concert, because that is literally me.
Aside from the unrealistic moments, Candace’s journey with the K-Pop trainee program was so much fun to read. I loved reading about the system and the business cover-ups and the huge deals that are made. I learned a lot about Korean culture and the literally-insane pressure there is on K-Pop idols.
The characters were all pretty well-developed, even though there wasn’t a lot of layering or fleshing-out of their personalities. They weren’t bitchy cardboard cutouts, they had personalities, they had skills, and they were people. Each character had a unique vibe to them.
And my dumbass matched each of their vibes to BLACKPINK songs.
Binna - How You Like That; Binna was super swag and fierce, but hardworking and empathetic. She was the Main Rapper and Leader of Team Two, plus their Center in most showcases and the best dancer. She was an amazing friend and much nicer than her badass exterior image demanded her to be. She was super dedicated and supportive and I just loved her.
Helena - Pretty Savage; Helena was extremely savage. She was also the source of a lot of girl-on-girl hate, which is unfortunate but not unexpected. Helena was absolutely a bitch. The resolution at the end explaining why she had been a bitch just came too fast. It was right at the ending. She could have had a lot of character development, but for most of the book she was just the catty LA bitch. I will say that I understand her reasons and I did like her ferocity, but her justification was too rushed for me.
Aram - So Hot; Aram’s main personality trait was her beauty. A little unfortunate, but I guess it kind of makes sense since she was the Visual of Team Two. Her vibe was really her standoffish personality at the beginning, plus her stunning beauty - but over time, Aram proved herself as a more respectful and supportive group member.
JinJoo - You Never Know; JinJoo is literally underestimated so much. She had been training to become an idol since before she could talk, and yet she was considered the worst of Team Two? She deserved so much better. And she was so willing to put up with being shamed for her body and voice, just as long as she got to debut. You Never Know was super dreamy and a bit sad, like her, but also gorgeous and stands up to unbased hate.
YoungBae - Really; his relationship with Candace was sweet and romantic, but they weren’t allowed to be a couple. They had a friendly basis under their romance, which was good. But there was also a more fierce vibe under it, and Really shows his more rapper-vibe along with his role as the love interest.
Candace - Kick It; I know Kick It is technically about a breakup, but the main theme of it is about being independent and learning to be better off without toxicity. And that was Candace. She stuck to her own story and her own goals. Kick It has amazing vocals and showcases a lot of sass - but also a softer side and some determination. She wasn’t a super sassy character, but her sarcastic moments had me smirking.
“I am shook to Shakespearean proportions. I am shooketh.”
I actually loved that line. Candace’s narrative was witty and raw and I could absolutely see everything through her eyes.
The romance was pretty sweet, but I didn’t really ship Candace and YoungBae and I didn’t like the whole love triangle (insta-love + love triangle = annoying tropes).
There was, however, drama. There was a lot of drama. The intensity of K-Pop training and the girl-group concept made for a lot of drama. I was hoping there wouldn’t be girl-on-girl hate, but there was. It wasn’t a lot, but I also think it didn’t have to be there. I liked that Helena was basically the only one who was a bitch, though. There weren’t huge girl feuds, just arguments and some petty moves.
At least there was a solid reason for their being that kind of conflict. Some books will throw in hate moments just to add more ~tension~ to the plot, but this story had an excuse for adding in the angry moments. BLACKPINK’s Jennie has said, “Usually, there’s like, ‘Oh, I want to sing more’ or ‘Oh, I want to be in the middle’. There’s always those little fights going on in the groups.” There was a lot of pressure and competition to be the star.
What doesn’t make sense is that if an idol or trainee is overly competitive or spends too much time in the spotlight, they’re written off as a bitch or a spoiled brat. They’re unkind and unlikeable and they’re considered the “villain”. But if someone doesn’t want to be the Center or they don’t want to upstage other people, they’re called lazy and soft - because someone hardworking would want their time to shine and improve. There’s no in-between. And I think Candace’s perspective really showed that double standard.
This book was funny and exciting, but also intense at some parts. It was engaging and fun and just made me even more obsessed. I learned a lot, laughed at some parts, and got really excited and drawn in by the premise. I took off a star for the romance, which I just didn’t ship. Overall, I really enjoyed this look at K-Pop culture. I’m going to go blast BLACKPINK now.
December 30, 2022
This book was literally so fun. If you're a kpop fan, you'll love every bit of it. If you're someone unfamiliar with the world of kpop, this will be an insightful read. It's fun, it's dramatic, & it's chaotic.
August 23, 2020
HOLY. GUACAMOLE. I just had the best week curled up with this absolute gem of a book. It is a hit on like, every level. There is all of the glamour and intrigue of our very relatable, big-hearted, gutsy heroine entering the world of K-pop and finding her voice, but it’s also so brilliantly grounded in family, friendship, and just the perfect amount of ~romance~ — and UGH, every single part of story is exciting but thoughtfully plotted, every remix of a trope so well-earned and satisfying in the narrative, and EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER is so real to me that I just want to reach out through the pages and HUG THEM. There’s also so much growth in this novel, not just for Candace but everyone around her, and the way it all gets pulled together is just *CHEF’S KISS* perfection. I am not an expressive reader — like most people, I’m just kind of a stone-faced reading zombie — but I genuinely laughed out loud and shed so many unexpected tears at family moments that I had to put the book down for a hot second to catch my breath.
I also love that you can enjoy this book whether you’re brand new to K-pop, or a deeply entrenched fan — Candace is a perfect bridge into the world, and once you are in it with her, you are FULLY IN IT. The behind-the-scenes of it all is unflinching, honest, heartfelt, and at times so joyful or devastating that it feels like you’re right in the room with them. Especially when you’re seeing things through the lens of Candace, who is equal parts funny and self-aware and hardworking and hopeful but also just as prone to moments of immaturity and misunderstanding that she takes responsibility for and grows from.
And just!! The world-building! The wish fulfillment!! The way it is all so deeply grounded in family and friendship! This book took a risk with an extremely high concept, and in someone else’s hands it could have just been all glitz — which would have been fine! — but this has so, SO much heart. I can already tell I’m going to reread this book a hundred times. I wish it would hurry up and come out already so I can scream about it with everyone else.
I also love that you can enjoy this book whether you’re brand new to K-pop, or a deeply entrenched fan — Candace is a perfect bridge into the world, and once you are in it with her, you are FULLY IN IT. The behind-the-scenes of it all is unflinching, honest, heartfelt, and at times so joyful or devastating that it feels like you’re right in the room with them. Especially when you’re seeing things through the lens of Candace, who is equal parts funny and self-aware and hardworking and hopeful but also just as prone to moments of immaturity and misunderstanding that she takes responsibility for and grows from.
And just!! The world-building! The wish fulfillment!! The way it is all so deeply grounded in family and friendship! This book took a risk with an extremely high concept, and in someone else’s hands it could have just been all glitz — which would have been fine! — but this has so, SO much heart. I can already tell I’m going to reread this book a hundred times. I wish it would hurry up and come out already so I can scream about it with everyone else.
October 13, 2020
4.5 stars.
Stephan Lee's K-Pop Confidential is such fun!!
Confession time: I know nothing about K-Pop. I don’t know BTS from Y2K or BLACKPINK from blackjack, but I do love reading about the music scene and stories of people going after their dreams of stardom, so this book really appealed to me.
Candace Park is a dutiful daughter. She does what’s expected: studies hard, gets good grades, helps out at her parents’ convenience store, she even plays the viola (badly) in her school's orchestra because her mother says it will make her stand out and be more likely to get scholarships for college.
But what Candace wants is to sing. She thinks she’s good at it, her best friends think so too, but her mother doesn’t take her desire seriously, and thinks singing is something you do for fun; it's not a "real" ability. So one day, on a whim, thanks to the coaxing of her best friends, she goes to audition for the entertainment company responsible for all of the major K-Pop groups. They’re looking for singers for their first-ever girl group and girls from all over are hoping for their chance.
Much to her surprise, the company wants her. She will become a trainee, one of a large group from which the members will be picked. They want her to come to Seoul and train with all of the others for several months. After much convincing, her parents will let it happen as long as she’s ready to go back to school when the summer ends if she’s not picked.
She’s not prepared for how immensely hard it all is. She’s up against girls who have been preparing for this their entire lives. Her looks, her weight, her skills, her personality—it’s all under intense scrutiny. And no matter how hard she works, she might not even get picked, and even if she is picked, her group may never even debut if plans change. There's another American girl in the mix, so she wonders if she even has a chance.
As she gets closer and closer to achieving her dreams, she starts to wonder if stardom is worth risking her friendships, changing her life and her family’s, not to mention the way the company treats its stars as well as obsession of the fans, who want their stars to be perfect, untouchable, only available to them.
I enjoyed this so much. It’s fun and soapy and I could picture all of it in my mind’s eye, so it would make a fun movie.
Don’t be put off because you don’t follow K-Pop—it’s a totally enjoyable book nevertheless, and there's even a glossary at the end!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Stephan Lee's K-Pop Confidential is such fun!!
Confession time: I know nothing about K-Pop. I don’t know BTS from Y2K or BLACKPINK from blackjack, but I do love reading about the music scene and stories of people going after their dreams of stardom, so this book really appealed to me.
Candace Park is a dutiful daughter. She does what’s expected: studies hard, gets good grades, helps out at her parents’ convenience store, she even plays the viola (badly) in her school's orchestra because her mother says it will make her stand out and be more likely to get scholarships for college.
But what Candace wants is to sing. She thinks she’s good at it, her best friends think so too, but her mother doesn’t take her desire seriously, and thinks singing is something you do for fun; it's not a "real" ability. So one day, on a whim, thanks to the coaxing of her best friends, she goes to audition for the entertainment company responsible for all of the major K-Pop groups. They’re looking for singers for their first-ever girl group and girls from all over are hoping for their chance.
Much to her surprise, the company wants her. She will become a trainee, one of a large group from which the members will be picked. They want her to come to Seoul and train with all of the others for several months. After much convincing, her parents will let it happen as long as she’s ready to go back to school when the summer ends if she’s not picked.
She’s not prepared for how immensely hard it all is. She’s up against girls who have been preparing for this their entire lives. Her looks, her weight, her skills, her personality—it’s all under intense scrutiny. And no matter how hard she works, she might not even get picked, and even if she is picked, her group may never even debut if plans change. There's another American girl in the mix, so she wonders if she even has a chance.
As she gets closer and closer to achieving her dreams, she starts to wonder if stardom is worth risking her friendships, changing her life and her family’s, not to mention the way the company treats its stars as well as obsession of the fans, who want their stars to be perfect, untouchable, only available to them.
I enjoyed this so much. It’s fun and soapy and I could picture all of it in my mind’s eye, so it would make a fun movie.
Don’t be put off because you don’t follow K-Pop—it’s a totally enjoyable book nevertheless, and there's even a glossary at the end!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
April 13, 2022
4.5 ✨
2022 really made me go back to my obsession with Kpop. Now, I have this urge to read a lot of kpop books and add them to my ever-growing tbr. EUUGH.
I did not expect this book to be sooo goood. It wasn't predictable, the characters had personalities, and I enjoyed how the story smoothly went while there are so many things happening. I have a bad experience with other "kpop genre" books so obviously I set my expectations low for this one.
This whole lil review is just me casting the book characters as 4th gen kpop idols, because why nott?? Let's start with our main character, Candace!
Itzy's Lia as Candace
Candace gave me huge Lia vibes because (1) they both have amazing and beautiful vocals, main vocal materials, and (2) they are both from North America but Candace was just from New Jersey and Lia was from Canada. They have their similarities righttt?? And they're both smol. It's just adfgfsgjhgs.
Stayc's Sieun as Jinjoo
Jinjoo and Sieun have this whole main vocal thing vibe!! Just like Sieun who started her career at a young age, Jinjoo also began to train as a kpop idol when she was still young. They both have cute and humble personalities so I think Sieun is really the best fit for Jinjoo!
IVE's (former iz*one) Yujin as Helena
Honestly, I pictured Helena as Jessica Jung lool, soo i had to think of a 4th gen idol. Olivia Hye came first to my mind but I don't stan her group (Loona) and I don't know her that well, so I just chose Yujin. Helena and Yujin don't have many similarities but Yujin simply just has this vibe that "looks mean at first but once you get to know her, she's actually okay" even tho she's truly nice and cheerful.
Aespa's Karina as Binna
I may or may not be biased here. Heehee. It's just that Binna was my favorite character here and Karina is my Aespa bias. They are also both leaders and main dancers of the group. They have caring and warm personalities and I imagined Binna having a pretty face that reflects her pretty nature. I both love them!!
Itzy's Yuna as Aram
Extrovert?? Visualss?? Yess gurlss. Yuna is my itzy bias and aram is my second favorite character! These two girlies both radiate beauty, grace, and confidence. It's funny tho that I cast Yuna, the maknae of itzy, as Aram who is Candace's unnie and I cast Lia, the second oldest in itzy, as Candace who is younger than Aram. So it's basically the opposite in real life haha
Nmixx's Kyujin as Bowhee
Bowhee was just a side character in this book, she only had like three-five scenarios. But i can't help ittt! Kyujin is my Nmixx bias (they just debuted!!!) she's small, cute, and her face is aegyo material, and I literally pictured BowHee to look like this.
NCT's Mark as Youngbae
I- Should I explain this???!!! They're both rappers and dancers and they both exclude this fun energyyy. I can imagine Youngbae as Mark with his jokes. I can even hear Mark's Send Me Your Location right now. (I know Mark is in between the 3rd & 4th gen, pls excuse me he's the only one i have in mind haha)
Well, that's it. I had fun making this review and casting the characters as idols. Overall, this book was enjoyable and fast-paced. Every kpop fans and newbie K-fans should read this. and even if you aren't a kpop fan, add this to your tbr now!!
2022 really made me go back to my obsession with Kpop. Now, I have this urge to read a lot of kpop books and add them to my ever-growing tbr. EUUGH.
"The middle fingernail behind me lights up purple, like my hair.
Of course I’m the middle finger."
I did not expect this book to be sooo goood. It wasn't predictable, the characters had personalities, and I enjoyed how the story smoothly went while there are so many things happening. I have a bad experience with other "kpop genre" books so obviously I set my expectations low for this one.
This whole lil review is just me casting the book characters as 4th gen kpop idols, because why nott?? Let's start with our main character, Candace!
Itzy's Lia as Candace
Candace gave me huge Lia vibes because (1) they both have amazing and beautiful vocals, main vocal materials, and (2) they are both from North America but Candace was just from New Jersey and Lia was from Canada. They have their similarities righttt?? And they're both smol. It's just adfgfsgjhgs.
Stayc's Sieun as Jinjoo
Jinjoo and Sieun have this whole main vocal thing vibe!! Just like Sieun who started her career at a young age, Jinjoo also began to train as a kpop idol when she was still young. They both have cute and humble personalities so I think Sieun is really the best fit for Jinjoo!
IVE's (former iz*one) Yujin as Helena
Honestly, I pictured Helena as Jessica Jung lool, soo i had to think of a 4th gen idol. Olivia Hye came first to my mind but I don't stan her group (Loona) and I don't know her that well, so I just chose Yujin. Helena and Yujin don't have many similarities but Yujin simply just has this vibe that "looks mean at first but once you get to know her, she's actually okay" even tho she's truly nice and cheerful.
Aespa's Karina as Binna
I may or may not be biased here. Heehee. It's just that Binna was my favorite character here and Karina is my Aespa bias. They are also both leaders and main dancers of the group. They have caring and warm personalities and I imagined Binna having a pretty face that reflects her pretty nature. I both love them!!
Itzy's Yuna as Aram
Extrovert?? Visualss?? Yess gurlss. Yuna is my itzy bias and aram is my second favorite character! These two girlies both radiate beauty, grace, and confidence. It's funny tho that I cast Yuna, the maknae of itzy, as Aram who is Candace's unnie and I cast Lia, the second oldest in itzy, as Candace who is younger than Aram. So it's basically the opposite in real life haha
Nmixx's Kyujin as Bowhee
Bowhee was just a side character in this book, she only had like three-five scenarios. But i can't help ittt! Kyujin is my Nmixx bias (they just debuted!!!) she's small, cute, and her face is aegyo material, and I literally pictured BowHee to look like this.
NCT's Mark as Youngbae
I- Should I explain this???!!! They're both rappers and dancers and they both exclude this fun energyyy. I can imagine Youngbae as Mark with his jokes. I can even hear Mark's Send Me Your Location right now. (I know Mark is in between the 3rd & 4th gen, pls excuse me he's the only one i have in mind haha)
"I’m shook to Shakespearean levels—I’m shooketh."
Well, that's it. I had fun making this review and casting the characters as idols. Overall, this book was enjoyable and fast-paced. Every kpop fans and newbie K-fans should read this. and even if you aren't a kpop fan, add this to your tbr now!!
August 10, 2020
If you can’t love yourself...
September 26, 2020
THIS BOOK WAS SO FREAKING GOOD GO READ IT!!!!
February 18, 2021
you can check out my reading vlog of this book (and 2 other kpop books) here: https://youtu.be/bOJlZNAM0iI
March 26, 2020
I was privileged to read a book I knew I would truly love. This is mainly a fun read for K-Pop heartthrobs and new members to the world of K-Pop. Many people are slowly noticing the K-Pop world because of BTS(Bangtan Boys). BTS is a Korean boy band who hit it big in 2018 and only kept skyrocketing to No.1 worldwide. The author educates the reader on a few well known K-Pop girl bands and Korean phrases. I knew the majority of the things the author mentioned only because of my love of watching Korean Dramas.
The author's main focal point in the book is how much are you willing to change yourself to be in the spotlight. This book dealt with 50 fictitious girls worldwide who were competing for a spotlight in creating SLK 2.0 girl band. The main character, Candace, strives with her voice and soul to be something different that your usual K-Pop star. The reader truly feels engaged in the lives of the girls and can feel the emotional aspect of becoming an idol. These struggles are: how you dress, your weight, your choreography, your singing, your family background, and no physical contact with boys period. The fans in general only get a partial glimpse into girls' lives, but there is so much that the cameras hide. This is almost a historical aspect of struggles all K-Pop stars in real life go through. It probably is a historical book, but I'll need to do more digging first. I enjoyed listening to few K-Pop songs that were mentioned in the book. I can't wait to read more books by this author.
The author's main focal point in the book is how much are you willing to change yourself to be in the spotlight. This book dealt with 50 fictitious girls worldwide who were competing for a spotlight in creating SLK 2.0 girl band. The main character, Candace, strives with her voice and soul to be something different that your usual K-Pop star. The reader truly feels engaged in the lives of the girls and can feel the emotional aspect of becoming an idol. These struggles are: how you dress, your weight, your choreography, your singing, your family background, and no physical contact with boys period. The fans in general only get a partial glimpse into girls' lives, but there is so much that the cameras hide. This is almost a historical aspect of struggles all K-Pop stars in real life go through. It probably is a historical book, but I'll need to do more digging first. I enjoyed listening to few K-Pop songs that were mentioned in the book. I can't wait to read more books by this author.
February 21, 2021
Tantos motivos me fizeram AMAR esse livro que nem sei por onde começar!
1. Para além do K-pop: A jornada da Candace para encontrar sua voz, convencer a família a deixá-la participar do programa de treinees de uma das empresas de K-pop mais populares do mundo, debutar no grupo feminino mais hypado de todos os tempos... É simplesmente encantadora. Confesso que chorei no ínicio da história, porque ela conseguiu tocar em um local muito pessoal para mim. A protagonista vive uma vida planejada pelos pais, uma que ela nunca conseguiu se adaptar. Ela está infeliz naquela posição, e finalmente decide reunir coragem para contar a eles. Sendo tão nova, fiquei inspirado por ela.
2. A importância do K-pop para pessoas asiáticas imigrantes: logo no início, Candace fala que é, em segredo, uma grande fã de K-pop. Ela não conta para ninguém porque acha que pode ser vergonhoso. Mas quando vê como essa cultura, a sua cultura, está dominando o mundo, algo acende dentro dela. Uma faísca que a mostra que há lugar, sim, no mundo para garotas como ela. É por isso que ela decide arriscar suas chances em uma audição nos Estados Unidos para o programa de treinamento.
3. As referências ao mundo pop: Candace é FÃ de Ariana Grande e é muito divertido vê-la surtando quando músicas como "Problem" são escolhidas para o momento do treinamento. O livro, claro, foca em citar grandes grupos femininos do K-pop, especialmente Blackpink e Girls' Generation. Eu AMEI ler sobre a performance de Boombayah, por exemplo. Fiquei triste, porém, em ver que BTS não foi citado em nenhum momento. Entendo que, para os propósitos do livro, não havia como: a garota vai treinar na empresa que comanda o grupo masculino de K-pop mais popular de todos os tempos. Ainda assim, acho que um pequeno ajuste poderia ter incluído o grupo (que o autor AMA e faz questão de citar em todas as entrevistas) nessa história.
4. As diferenças culturais entre Estados Unidos e Coreia do Sul: Candace é coreana, mas viveu boa parte da sua vida nos Estados Unidos. Ela arrisca apenas algumas palavras em coreano e adota inteiramente o estilo de vida ocidental. Por isso, muitas de suas atitudes acabam se chocando com a cultura coreana, e ela é contantemente repreendida. O jeito de aceitar um presente (recuse três vezes e espere que a pessoa insista) e de aceitar um elogio ("me parece que realmente trabalhamos duro", "me parece que demos o nosso melhor"...) foram alguns dos pontos que me chamaram a atenção e me ajudaram a entender melhor o contexto do livro. Acho que isso fez toda a diferença para a construção da história.
5. As amizades da Candace nos Estados Unidos: Eu estou abrindo um fã-clube neste exato momento para os dois amigos dela, Imani e Ethan. Eles são TÃO fofos, divertidos e tudo aquilo que amigos devem ser!!! O jeito como eles a incentivavam e a apoiavam em cada passo da jornada dela é ALGO ALÉM. Dei muita risada com a Imani, especialmente. Se você não gostou dela... Girl, bye.
6. As críticas à indústria do K-pop, mas sem esquecer que a indústria ocidental não é melhor: Para os fãs de K-pop, não é novidade que os idols não podem namorar, comer demais e, às vezes, precisam até passar por cirurgias plásticas para entrar em um determinado padrão de beleza. Muito disso é criticado pela protagonista, que acha algumas atitudes absurdas. Ainda assim, para não deixar que isso se torne um argumento a ser usado pelos haters de K-pop, é chamada a atenção para o fato de que Hollywood não é muito diferente. Quando vemos absurdos que acontecem com artistas ocidentais, como a situação contratual que impede Taylor Swift de tocar suas músicas antigas sem antes regravá-las e toda a polêmica envolvendo a liberdade de Britney Spears, somos lembrados que, se quisermos criticar a indústria coreana, precisamos melhorar E MUITO.
7. A narração do audiolivro: "K-pop Confidential" é narrado pela atriz Joy Osmanski, que já participou de séries como "Santa Clara Diet" e "Stargirl". Além de ser carismática e dar uma voz única à protagonista, ela canta MUITO bem. Alguns trechos do livro têm letras de música, que Osmanski arrasa cantando. Fiquei surpreso, porque dificilmente encontro produções tão boas assim.
8. O treinamento: O foco do livro é no treinamento para se tornar uma idol. Fiquei positivamente surpreso, porque esperava que ele fosse focar no romance, como aconteceu com "Shine". A rotina maluca de obrigações, as responsabilidades enormes, as competições, as apresentações para CEOs e superiores... Tudo foi muito bem feito, sempre com base em muita pesquisa por parte do autor. Achei, inclusive, curioso como ele disse que "O mágico de Oz" e "Jogos vorazes" foram suas inspirações para esse livro: é a jornada de uma heroína em um mundo que coloca adolescentes um contra o outro em competições cada vez mais acirradas.
Acho que esses oito motivos já cobrem bem o que mais me chamou a atenção nessa história. Poderia continuar citando outros pontos positivos: a relação da Candace com a família, a caracterização das outras treinees, a ótima escrita, o final surpreendente... No entanto, só descarei mais um, que é a mensagem que o autor espera que os leitores levem a história:
"This is the heart of K-Pop Confidential for me: no one outside of yourself can take away or diminish your true sense of worth, no matter how powerful they seem, even if they seem to hold the keys to your future.
Young people today have so much going against them and so little support. It’s clear that older generations don’t have all the answers and therefore don’t have the right to force you to fit their standards. Candace’s journey is gaining the courage to acknowledge this and take her future into her own hands."
A entrevista inteira, aliás, que foi linkada acima, é excelente. Eu já quero ser amigo do Stephan Lee só pelas recomendações de leitura dele: "Espere até me ver de coroa", "Parachutes", "Os garotos do cemitério", "Grown"... Todos livros que eu AMO!!
Minha melhor leitura do ano até agora!! <3
1. Para além do K-pop: A jornada da Candace para encontrar sua voz, convencer a família a deixá-la participar do programa de treinees de uma das empresas de K-pop mais populares do mundo, debutar no grupo feminino mais hypado de todos os tempos... É simplesmente encantadora. Confesso que chorei no ínicio da história, porque ela conseguiu tocar em um local muito pessoal para mim. A protagonista vive uma vida planejada pelos pais, uma que ela nunca conseguiu se adaptar. Ela está infeliz naquela posição, e finalmente decide reunir coragem para contar a eles. Sendo tão nova, fiquei inspirado por ela.
2. A importância do K-pop para pessoas asiáticas imigrantes: logo no início, Candace fala que é, em segredo, uma grande fã de K-pop. Ela não conta para ninguém porque acha que pode ser vergonhoso. Mas quando vê como essa cultura, a sua cultura, está dominando o mundo, algo acende dentro dela. Uma faísca que a mostra que há lugar, sim, no mundo para garotas como ela. É por isso que ela decide arriscar suas chances em uma audição nos Estados Unidos para o programa de treinamento.
3. As referências ao mundo pop: Candace é FÃ de Ariana Grande e é muito divertido vê-la surtando quando músicas como "Problem" são escolhidas para o momento do treinamento. O livro, claro, foca em citar grandes grupos femininos do K-pop, especialmente Blackpink e Girls' Generation. Eu AMEI ler sobre a performance de Boombayah, por exemplo. Fiquei triste, porém, em ver que BTS não foi citado em nenhum momento. Entendo que, para os propósitos do livro, não havia como: a garota vai treinar na empresa que comanda o grupo masculino de K-pop mais popular de todos os tempos. Ainda assim, acho que um pequeno ajuste poderia ter incluído o grupo (que o autor AMA e faz questão de citar em todas as entrevistas) nessa história.
4. As diferenças culturais entre Estados Unidos e Coreia do Sul: Candace é coreana, mas viveu boa parte da sua vida nos Estados Unidos. Ela arrisca apenas algumas palavras em coreano e adota inteiramente o estilo de vida ocidental. Por isso, muitas de suas atitudes acabam se chocando com a cultura coreana, e ela é contantemente repreendida. O jeito de aceitar um presente (recuse três vezes e espere que a pessoa insista) e de aceitar um elogio ("me parece que realmente trabalhamos duro", "me parece que demos o nosso melhor"...) foram alguns dos pontos que me chamaram a atenção e me ajudaram a entender melhor o contexto do livro. Acho que isso fez toda a diferença para a construção da história.
5. As amizades da Candace nos Estados Unidos: Eu estou abrindo um fã-clube neste exato momento para os dois amigos dela, Imani e Ethan. Eles são TÃO fofos, divertidos e tudo aquilo que amigos devem ser!!! O jeito como eles a incentivavam e a apoiavam em cada passo da jornada dela é ALGO ALÉM. Dei muita risada com a Imani, especialmente. Se você não gostou dela... Girl, bye.
6. As críticas à indústria do K-pop, mas sem esquecer que a indústria ocidental não é melhor: Para os fãs de K-pop, não é novidade que os idols não podem namorar, comer demais e, às vezes, precisam até passar por cirurgias plásticas para entrar em um determinado padrão de beleza. Muito disso é criticado pela protagonista, que acha algumas atitudes absurdas. Ainda assim, para não deixar que isso se torne um argumento a ser usado pelos haters de K-pop, é chamada a atenção para o fato de que Hollywood não é muito diferente. Quando vemos absurdos que acontecem com artistas ocidentais, como a situação contratual que impede Taylor Swift de tocar suas músicas antigas sem antes regravá-las e toda a polêmica envolvendo a liberdade de Britney Spears, somos lembrados que, se quisermos criticar a indústria coreana, precisamos melhorar E MUITO.
7. A narração do audiolivro: "K-pop Confidential" é narrado pela atriz Joy Osmanski, que já participou de séries como "Santa Clara Diet" e "Stargirl". Além de ser carismática e dar uma voz única à protagonista, ela canta MUITO bem. Alguns trechos do livro têm letras de música, que Osmanski arrasa cantando. Fiquei surpreso, porque dificilmente encontro produções tão boas assim.
8. O treinamento: O foco do livro é no treinamento para se tornar uma idol. Fiquei positivamente surpreso, porque esperava que ele fosse focar no romance, como aconteceu com "Shine". A rotina maluca de obrigações, as responsabilidades enormes, as competições, as apresentações para CEOs e superiores... Tudo foi muito bem feito, sempre com base em muita pesquisa por parte do autor. Achei, inclusive, curioso como ele disse que "O mágico de Oz" e "Jogos vorazes" foram suas inspirações para esse livro: é a jornada de uma heroína em um mundo que coloca adolescentes um contra o outro em competições cada vez mais acirradas.
Acho que esses oito motivos já cobrem bem o que mais me chamou a atenção nessa história. Poderia continuar citando outros pontos positivos: a relação da Candace com a família, a caracterização das outras treinees, a ótima escrita, o final surpreendente... No entanto, só descarei mais um, que é a mensagem que o autor espera que os leitores levem a história:
"This is the heart of K-Pop Confidential for me: no one outside of yourself can take away or diminish your true sense of worth, no matter how powerful they seem, even if they seem to hold the keys to your future.
Young people today have so much going against them and so little support. It’s clear that older generations don’t have all the answers and therefore don’t have the right to force you to fit their standards. Candace’s journey is gaining the courage to acknowledge this and take her future into her own hands."
A entrevista inteira, aliás, que foi linkada acima, é excelente. Eu já quero ser amigo do Stephan Lee só pelas recomendações de leitura dele: "Espere até me ver de coroa", "Parachutes", "Os garotos do cemitério", "Grown"... Todos livros que eu AMO!!
Minha melhor leitura do ano até agora!! <3
April 12, 2021
i had a LOT of fun reading this book and it was really easy to binge. the one main bummer that knocked it down from a 4 to a 3 for me is that i felt the ending happened so suddenly, rivalries that were set up for the entire book mended themselves in a few pages, a (in my opinion) very out-of-nowhere plot-twist was thrown in the final 20 pages or so to add onto the drama of the main conflict and i was Stressed!! keeping up with everything in the end
honestly, everything up to the ending for me was great, if just a little unbelievable, but still great! but the whirlwind ending soured it just a tad for me :(
honestly, everything up to the ending for me was great, if just a little unbelievable, but still great! but the whirlwind ending soured it just a tad for me :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2020
If I could create the perfect book for a k-pop fan in a lab, K-POP CONFIDENTIAL would be it. Amazing narrator, authentic world-building about how hard it is and how high pressure it is to be a k-pop star, and amazing, believable, wish-fulfillment scenes about becoming a k-pop star yourself and also interacting with the stars we all love. I HOPE THIS BECOMES A MOVIE!!!!
January 4, 2024
as a huge bts and blackpink fan i couldn't say i didn't love this book, it was funny, captivating and interesting 💜
i think every k-pop fan would like it, especially since it gives a realistic perspective of the work and sacrifices that members of a band make before debuting and after
in the last 50 pages the atmosphere was a little too tense but i'm really curious how these problems will be resolved in the next volume
i think every k-pop fan would like it, especially since it gives a realistic perspective of the work and sacrifices that members of a band make before debuting and after
in the last 50 pages the atmosphere was a little too tense but i'm really curious how these problems will be resolved in the next volume
October 29, 2020
Originally, I was going to give it two stars but say it's not a bad kind of two stars, but after this vapid-ass ending it's actually 1.5 stars. It's just a big no from me.
The good things in this book are: Candace's relationship with her grandpa and his story (a tragically minor part of the story), the girls she's in a team with (literally each of them more interesting than the MC, but more on that later), the described experience of being a trainee and preparing to debut. But it all pales in comparison with so many unrealistic things described in the book and the vapid eventual message that as i finished this book i was just shaking my head incredulously.
I'm going to put my complaints in the spoilers below. Disclaimer: I am fully aware that I am perhaps not the target audience for this book; the MC is 15 years old, and I haven't been 15 years old... for a long time. A 15 year old will probably like this book much more than I did.
The good things in this book are: Candace's relationship with her grandpa and his story (a tragically minor part of the story), the girls she's in a team with (literally each of them more interesting than the MC, but more on that later), the described experience of being a trainee and preparing to debut. But it all pales in comparison with so many unrealistic things described in the book and the vapid eventual message that as i finished this book i was just shaking my head incredulously.
I'm going to put my complaints in the spoilers below. Disclaimer: I am fully aware that I am perhaps not the target audience for this book; the MC is 15 years old, and I haven't been 15 years old... for a long time. A 15 year old will probably like this book much more than I did.
May 5, 2020
Wow. No joke, if you love kpop or even if you don't and you just love YA in general, you need to read this book. I actually read this book a month ago but I've just been basking in it because it was everything I hoped it would be and more.
To quote Stefon, KPOP CONFIDENTIAL has everything: amazing kpop song lyrics, a hot boy band, a cute cute forbidden love triangle, photo shoots, a music video shoot, a motorcycle ride through Seoul, incredible female friendships, family drama, terrible villains, scandal, high pressure performances and more.
The best part of it though has to be the narrator, Candace Park. You don't expect to come across characters this complex, especially in a teen book about kpop. But I could read her all day. She's really funny, very smart, brave, bratty, excitable, sad, hopeful, all of it. It's amazing to see her go from being a quite and studious Korean American girl in New Jersey to an outspoken and confident kpop star trying to debut in this girl group that's supposed to be the girl version of the most popular boy band in the world, SLK. You can tell that the writer really loves this character and all of the characters and has so much respect for kpop fans and Korean culture.
My other favorite part is one of the villains, Helena Cho, who's one of Candace's roommate and rival, the only other girl from America competing for a spot in the girl group. She's really hateable and sassy and also funny to read, but she also has a lot more going on than you think.
You can tell this book isn't just about jumping in on the kpop trend but is trying to be a classic book that anyone can love. For me it definietly succeeded!
To quote Stefon, KPOP CONFIDENTIAL has everything: amazing kpop song lyrics, a hot boy band, a cute cute forbidden love triangle, photo shoots, a music video shoot, a motorcycle ride through Seoul, incredible female friendships, family drama, terrible villains, scandal, high pressure performances and more.
The best part of it though has to be the narrator, Candace Park. You don't expect to come across characters this complex, especially in a teen book about kpop. But I could read her all day. She's really funny, very smart, brave, bratty, excitable, sad, hopeful, all of it. It's amazing to see her go from being a quite and studious Korean American girl in New Jersey to an outspoken and confident kpop star trying to debut in this girl group that's supposed to be the girl version of the most popular boy band in the world, SLK. You can tell that the writer really loves this character and all of the characters and has so much respect for kpop fans and Korean culture.
My other favorite part is one of the villains, Helena Cho, who's one of Candace's roommate and rival, the only other girl from America competing for a spot in the girl group. She's really hateable and sassy and also funny to read, but she also has a lot more going on than you think.
You can tell this book isn't just about jumping in on the kpop trend but is trying to be a classic book that anyone can love. For me it definietly succeeded!
January 11, 2021
This is such a fun and insightful book, and I really enjoyed this! K-Pop Confidential is a deep-dive into the K-Pop world.
- Follows Candace, a Korean-American teen who loves to sing and auditions to be the next K-Pop star on a whim - and actually lands the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Seoul, become a K-Pop trainee, and hopefully debut as the next girl group.
- This book pairs humour and serious moments really well. I enjoyed Candace's journey and growth across the book and also the friendships and shenanigans that she goes through.
- However, the serious moments also have a lot of weight. The book explores the emphasis and fixation on body image and appearance of K-Pop idols, abuse and from management, the rules about dating, and the strict regiments that the trainees go through to lose weight. (Consequently, there are significant discussions about weight in this story.)
- In saying that, I never felt like that this book was condescending or judgemental. Rather, I appreciated that this book was critical of the practices and standards in K-Pop while also acknowledging the incredible talent and hard work that the trainees and idols have and endure.
- I also liked the romance (not a huge focus on the plot, but cute enough!) and the mother-daughter relationship between Candance and her mother.
Trigger/content warning: fatphobia, verbal abuse, body shaming, restrictive eating, blood mention, panic attack
- Follows Candace, a Korean-American teen who loves to sing and auditions to be the next K-Pop star on a whim - and actually lands the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Seoul, become a K-Pop trainee, and hopefully debut as the next girl group.
- This book pairs humour and serious moments really well. I enjoyed Candace's journey and growth across the book and also the friendships and shenanigans that she goes through.
- However, the serious moments also have a lot of weight. The book explores the emphasis and fixation on body image and appearance of K-Pop idols, abuse and from management, the rules about dating, and the strict regiments that the trainees go through to lose weight. (Consequently, there are significant discussions about weight in this story.)
- In saying that, I never felt like that this book was condescending or judgemental. Rather, I appreciated that this book was critical of the practices and standards in K-Pop while also acknowledging the incredible talent and hard work that the trainees and idols have and endure.
- I also liked the romance (not a huge focus on the plot, but cute enough!) and the mother-daughter relationship between Candance and her mother.
Trigger/content warning: fatphobia, verbal abuse, body shaming, restrictive eating, blood mention, panic attack
September 4, 2020
This might be the most surprising read of 2020 for me.
Read
January 26, 2021A wonderful YA novel that shows that if you tell a classic story in a fresh way, it's as compelling as ever.
Read
August 18, 2021No tvl, tak tohle byl hodně tvrdý střet se zákulisím k-popu. Já myslela, že jdu číst takovou zaláskovanou young adultovku o holce z Ameriky, co se dostane do trainee programu a řeší milostný trojúhelník s idolem a jiným trainee a dostala jsem facku, nebo možná spíš pěstí do nosu. Jako takhle, ta pohádkovost tam byla, spousta přehnaných momentů a situací, totálně hollywood konec, ale ten zbytek byl masakr.
Tady se dočkáte popisu trainee života bez servítků a fakt je to tam napsané naplno a bez jakékoliv korektnosti. Seberou holku na konkurzu, přestěhují ji do Jižní Koreje, zavřou do baráku s 50 jejíma rivalkama, ze kterého může jednou za čtrnáct dní vypadnout, aby se na den viděla s rodinou (první měsíc vůbec), vezmou jí mobil a víceméně ji tam nonstop šikanují. Nespí, hladoví, pořád tam po ní někdo řve, jedná se tam s ní jako s věcí, body shaming totálně naplno, ráno vstane ve čtyři, jde do posilovny, pak sní na snídani jednu bramboru, šestihodinová lekce korejštiny, šestihodinový taneční trénink, pak další a další, konec rozvrhu někde kolem půlnoci. Nutí ji do plastických operací, předělávají ji, nějací producenti tam pravidelně ty holky hodnotí, jestli jsou dost hubené, hezké, jak se hýbou, jak zpívají, jak působí, jaký jsou typ… Na kluka se ani jedna z nich nesmí skoro ani podívat, jsou úplně oddělení a vidí se jen v jídelně, kde je dělí „gender glass“ (to je průhledná stěna, která je průhledná proto, aby ty holky před těma klukama moc nejedly a zůstaly hubené).
I can’t decide what’s worse—the hunger or the lack of sleep. With the new ultra-restrictive diet in place, the hunger doesn’t always feel like physical pain; it’s more like an absence of will. Because I’m forcing myself to attack my training, to give it 100 percent despite the hunger, what I no longer have energy for is resisting. I hate to admit this, but hunger makes me a better trainee.
Pro člověka, co o tomhle prostředí ví úplné houby (jako já) je to dost fascinující čtení hlavně díky těmhle informacím (jinak samotná zápletka a i romantická linka je meh). Měla jsem to v Kindlu, a tam byla spousta slov a výrazů zvýrazněná a po kliknutí se mi rozbalila poznámka, co to komplet vysvětlila, takže je to zároveň taková trochu encyklopedie. Taky je tam zmíněná hromada písniček a choreografií (skutečných), takže jsem vysedávala na YouTube a čekovala Blackpink, Red Velvet a další.
Asi přečtu i druhý díl, až vyjde, dost mě zajímá ten přechod k životu idola, který hlavní hrdinku čeká.
Being an idol, your name no longer belongs to you, your body no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the company, and to the fans. There are constant scandals over nothing, criticism over nothing. Yet because I am not my own, I have to apologize for all of it, without ever knowing why.
Jako takhle. Boží to není, ale je to hustý!
Tady se dočkáte popisu trainee života bez servítků a fakt je to tam napsané naplno a bez jakékoliv korektnosti. Seberou holku na konkurzu, přestěhují ji do Jižní Koreje, zavřou do baráku s 50 jejíma rivalkama, ze kterého může jednou za čtrnáct dní vypadnout, aby se na den viděla s rodinou (první měsíc vůbec), vezmou jí mobil a víceméně ji tam nonstop šikanují. Nespí, hladoví, pořád tam po ní někdo řve, jedná se tam s ní jako s věcí, body shaming totálně naplno, ráno vstane ve čtyři, jde do posilovny, pak sní na snídani jednu bramboru, šestihodinová lekce korejštiny, šestihodinový taneční trénink, pak další a další, konec rozvrhu někde kolem půlnoci. Nutí ji do plastických operací, předělávají ji, nějací producenti tam pravidelně ty holky hodnotí, jestli jsou dost hubené, hezké, jak se hýbou, jak zpívají, jak působí, jaký jsou typ… Na kluka se ani jedna z nich nesmí skoro ani podívat, jsou úplně oddělení a vidí se jen v jídelně, kde je dělí „gender glass“ (to je průhledná stěna, která je průhledná proto, aby ty holky před těma klukama moc nejedly a zůstaly hubené).
I can’t decide what’s worse—the hunger or the lack of sleep. With the new ultra-restrictive diet in place, the hunger doesn’t always feel like physical pain; it’s more like an absence of will. Because I’m forcing myself to attack my training, to give it 100 percent despite the hunger, what I no longer have energy for is resisting. I hate to admit this, but hunger makes me a better trainee.
Pro člověka, co o tomhle prostředí ví úplné houby (jako já) je to dost fascinující čtení hlavně díky těmhle informacím (jinak samotná zápletka a i romantická linka je meh). Měla jsem to v Kindlu, a tam byla spousta slov a výrazů zvýrazněná a po kliknutí se mi rozbalila poznámka, co to komplet vysvětlila, takže je to zároveň taková trochu encyklopedie. Taky je tam zmíněná hromada písniček a choreografií (skutečných), takže jsem vysedávala na YouTube a čekovala Blackpink, Red Velvet a další.
Asi přečtu i druhý díl, až vyjde, dost mě zajímá ten přechod k životu idola, který hlavní hrdinku čeká.
Being an idol, your name no longer belongs to you, your body no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the company, and to the fans. There are constant scandals over nothing, criticism over nothing. Yet because I am not my own, I have to apologize for all of it, without ever knowing why.
Jako takhle. Boží to není, ale je to hustý!
May 5, 2020
Y'ALL, THIS IS THE ONE.
I'm a huge Kpop fan and I've been waiting for the perfect Kpop YA novel. Ive read the Maurene Goo and the ARC of the Lyla Lee and all the others I could get my hands on, but this is the only one that NAILED IT.
I couldn't get enough of Candace Park's journey. I related to her so much when she fought her parents to let her go to train at a Kpop training center at a record label in Seoul. It's the record label that created the biggest Kpop boy band in the world, SLK (clearly based on BTS and Big Bang), which is looking for their first-ever girl group, which is very hyped. It's clear that the group is supposed to be like Blackpink.
I can't say much without ruining the plot but it's SO GOOD. Candace has a cute romance with a boy trainee... VERY FORBIDDEN, which is accurate to real rules in Kpop... and she may or may not attract the interest of the star of SLK.
Everything about this book is exciting and authentic. I can tell that the author did a lot of behind the scenes research and he's a very funny observant writer ... the details about Kpop and Korean families and customs are amazing and kinda the best part. There are so many good scenes including a music video shoot and a secret date and crazy rehearsals. This would be an AWESOME movie, I hope it gets made into one.
I can't wait for this to come out and be a huge best-seller. It's like nothing I've ever read!
I'm a huge Kpop fan and I've been waiting for the perfect Kpop YA novel. Ive read the Maurene Goo and the ARC of the Lyla Lee and all the others I could get my hands on, but this is the only one that NAILED IT.
I couldn't get enough of Candace Park's journey. I related to her so much when she fought her parents to let her go to train at a Kpop training center at a record label in Seoul. It's the record label that created the biggest Kpop boy band in the world, SLK (clearly based on BTS and Big Bang), which is looking for their first-ever girl group, which is very hyped. It's clear that the group is supposed to be like Blackpink.
I can't say much without ruining the plot but it's SO GOOD. Candace has a cute romance with a boy trainee... VERY FORBIDDEN, which is accurate to real rules in Kpop... and she may or may not attract the interest of the star of SLK.
Everything about this book is exciting and authentic. I can tell that the author did a lot of behind the scenes research and he's a very funny observant writer ... the details about Kpop and Korean families and customs are amazing and kinda the best part. There are so many good scenes including a music video shoot and a secret date and crazy rehearsals. This would be an AWESOME movie, I hope it gets made into one.
I can't wait for this to come out and be a huge best-seller. It's like nothing I've ever read!
Read
July 21, 2020This was a lot of fun and a great look into a world I don't know at all beyond whatever I've learned from other K-Pop YAs, though this has been the most educational so far. I love when books/movies expose the incredibly hard work behind things that look fun and fluffy and this is definitely big in that department!
The development of the secondary characters is a little uneven, and I thought it struggled a little to capture the scope of the competition beyond just their team (it always felt a little surprising to me when I was reminded there were actually 45 other girls there I knew almost nothing about), but those were small details in a very entertaining whole.
The development of the secondary characters is a little uneven, and I thought it struggled a little to capture the scope of the competition beyond just their team (it always felt a little surprising to me when I was reminded there were actually 45 other girls there I knew almost nothing about), but those were small details in a very entertaining whole.
November 18, 2020
If I could give this book six stars, I'd do it. How about 7? You know what? I'm just going to fling out a thousand happy stars to this gem of a book that got me and my five-year-old son hooked on BlackPink.
I first came across this book on Instagram (where I see books and buy them because I'm a trash human being with no self-control) and promptly ordered it. I knew from the K-pop vibes it was giving off as I opened the Amazon box that I would have to drop all planned reads for this one. The pull was so strong. My hands shook. My body shivered with the expectation. The world tilted on its axis. I was ready.
This book follows Candace, a simple Korean-American from Jersey who enters a K-pop talent call and much to her surprise, is chosen to attend a training camp in Seoul, South Korea. She enters the competitive and grueling world of K-pop Bootcamp where the food is scarce, the boys are walled, and the girls are fierce. She quickly learns how much she wants to debut, and what she's willing to sacrifice to get there.
So, I don't know much K-pop other than BTS because I see those dolls at Barnes and Noble whenever I go buy books to quell my depression. I quickly began looking up the songs and groups referenced and now I am a BlackPink superfan and even began to Etsy some fan stickers and I am not ashamed. I am a 38-year-old American and I AM NOT ASHAMED.
Anyhow, this book was super fun. We get a glimpse into the world of K-pop and what fans and trainees really do go through. It's eye-opening and inspirational and heartbreaking all in one. I really do wish Mr. Lee continues the story, with an ending like that! But I would be satisfied even if he didn't. I loved this book so much. I hope you all enjoy it too!
H-h-how you like that?
You going to like that duh duh duh duh duh
:D
I first came across this book on Instagram (where I see books and buy them because I'm a trash human being with no self-control) and promptly ordered it. I knew from the K-pop vibes it was giving off as I opened the Amazon box that I would have to drop all planned reads for this one. The pull was so strong. My hands shook. My body shivered with the expectation. The world tilted on its axis. I was ready.
This book follows Candace, a simple Korean-American from Jersey who enters a K-pop talent call and much to her surprise, is chosen to attend a training camp in Seoul, South Korea. She enters the competitive and grueling world of K-pop Bootcamp where the food is scarce, the boys are walled, and the girls are fierce. She quickly learns how much she wants to debut, and what she's willing to sacrifice to get there.
So, I don't know much K-pop other than BTS because I see those dolls at Barnes and Noble whenever I go buy books to quell my depression. I quickly began looking up the songs and groups referenced and now I am a BlackPink superfan and even began to Etsy some fan stickers and I am not ashamed. I am a 38-year-old American and I AM NOT ASHAMED.
Anyhow, this book was super fun. We get a glimpse into the world of K-pop and what fans and trainees really do go through. It's eye-opening and inspirational and heartbreaking all in one. I really do wish Mr. Lee continues the story, with an ending like that! But I would be satisfied even if he didn't. I loved this book so much. I hope you all enjoy it too!
H-h-how you like that?
You going to like that duh duh duh duh duh
:D
December 25, 2022
I really thought that I would love this...
I will say that I do think that the way this book was written, and a little because it was published by Scholastic, that a younger 13/14 demographic that is so often pushed out of YA by adult readers like myself will probably have a better time.
I just felt like I had read this book before, seen it done better, and that Candace as a main character didn't know what she wanted. It was hard to root for her and follow her ups and downs when the narrative seemed to be telling me she wanted one endgame and then her inner monologue was singing a completely different song. While I'm willing to suspend my disbelief a little for books that have a synopsis like this, where fame and fortune and the entertainment industry are at play... it was just asking for a lot.
So for the kid in your life I'm sure they'll enjoy it. Sadly this was a miss and I don't see myself reading the sequel because based on how this ends I don't even understand how we got to the synopsis of that book let alone the actual contents.
I will say that I do think that the way this book was written, and a little because it was published by Scholastic, that a younger 13/14 demographic that is so often pushed out of YA by adult readers like myself will probably have a better time.
I just felt like I had read this book before, seen it done better, and that Candace as a main character didn't know what she wanted. It was hard to root for her and follow her ups and downs when the narrative seemed to be telling me she wanted one endgame and then her inner monologue was singing a completely different song. While I'm willing to suspend my disbelief a little for books that have a synopsis like this, where fame and fortune and the entertainment industry are at play... it was just asking for a lot.
So for the kid in your life I'm sure they'll enjoy it. Sadly this was a miss and I don't see myself reading the sequel because based on how this ends I don't even understand how we got to the synopsis of that book let alone the actual contents.
September 19, 2020
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Mimi Koehler
Every now and again, a book manages to completely overwhelm me in the best sort of way. Without my permission, it decides that it has to be read in one sitting and even once I finish it, thoughts of it will still rumble around in my brain for days after. K-Pop Confidential was such a read.
Addictive, glamorous and exposing the dark underbelly of the Korean music industry, K-Pop Confidential is an unputdownable must-read for everyone, whether they’re a fan of K-Pop or not. A mesmerising debut that leaves you wanting more!
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
Every now and again, a book manages to completely overwhelm me in the best sort of way. Without my permission, it decides that it has to be read in one sitting and even once I finish it, thoughts of it will still rumble around in my brain for days after. K-Pop Confidential was such a read.
Addictive, glamorous and exposing the dark underbelly of the Korean music industry, K-Pop Confidential is an unputdownable must-read for everyone, whether they’re a fan of K-Pop or not. A mesmerising debut that leaves you wanting more!
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
April 29, 2021
Стефан Ли "K-pop: за кулисами мечты"
3 из 10
Жанр: YA, современный роман
POV: 1POV, от первого лица
Геометрия чувств: прямая
Теги: k-pop, стереотипы о корейской развлекательной индустрии
РЕЦЕНЗИЯ:
С ростом популярности к-попа и корейских дорам в мире, стоило ожидать, что это все рано или поздно окажет влияние на YA романы.
Все кто более-менее следит за моими блогами, знает, что я давно люблю и то и другое, поэтому стараюсь не проходить мимо книг с данной тематикой, хотя заранее понимаю, что многого от них ждать не стоит.
Романы про k-pop айдолов, по моим наблюдениям, бывают двух типов: наивно милые и наивно глупые. И с одной стороны это все простительно и понятно, потому что сами корейцы любят такие форматы в своих дорамах, а с другой стороны то, что смотрится неплохо на экране, не есть хорошо в формате литературного произведения.
Если говорить конкретно о романе «K-pop: за кулисами мечты», то тут проблема в том, что автор хоть и пытался добавить жести и показать темную сторону корейской развлекательной индустрии – это все не сработало. И на мой личный взгляд дело не только в сюжете (который резко скачет от одного к другому), но и в совершенно непрописанных персонажах, плохом авторском стиле и том факте, что автор не хотел нормально сконцентрироваться ни на одной из тем, а пытался охватить все и сразу.
Это правда, что трейни перед дебютом проходят долгий и очень тяжелый труд. Тренировки проходят с утра до вечера, шанс дебютировать один на миллион, а стоит расслабиться и даже этот призрачный шанс ускользает из рук навсегда. Это правда, что трейни должны сохранять чистейшую репутацию, отношения запрещены, а внешность – важнее таланта. Тут автор не соврал и не приукрасил ничего, однако почему-то при прочтении абсолютно отсутствовала эстетика и вайб пздца. Да, тут и истеричная наставница (которая ни к месту орала, что она не старая и знает, что такое месячные), и парень-менеджер, который приставал к юным девочкам, и изнурительные тренировки, и вынужденные диеты, чтобы соответствовать стандартам корейской красоты, ну и да, запретная влюбленность, куда же без нее. Но как бы есть и есть... Главная героиня, Кэндис, слишком легко со всем этим справляется, складывается впечатление, что все это проходит вокруг нее, но не с ней, потому что автор все подает как-то легко. Происходящее с героиней не вызывает сочувствия, героине не хочется сопереживать, а если смотреть на все остальное, то так и хочется сказать «расскажи нам уж что-нибудь новенькое».
Помимо прочего, как я и говорила выше – персонажи романа плоские и неинтересные. Кэндис не обладает четким характером, сначала она скромная милашка, а потом резко дерзкая чика, которая дерзит перед всеми главе агентства. Героиня не кажется особо целеустремленной или трудолюбивой, хотя автор и старается ее такой показать. Сами ее поступки и действия противоречат всему этому. Она все также тайком жует сладости, тайно пользуется телефоном, но даже если на это закрыть глаза (ок, мы все в ее возрасте бы не удержались), то самое глупое, что она бегает на свидания с парнем поболтать, несмотря на то что, общение между парнями и девушками в агентстве запрещены и если что, тебя просто выкинут за ворота, заставив платить огромный штраф. Учитывая, что героиня сто раз до этого подчеркнула, что штраф огромный, а у ее семьи нет таких денег, то задаешься вопросом «а зачем ты это делаешь?». И да, этот парень не «любовь-всей-моей-жизни», это просто парень с которым она пару раз пересеклась и с которым ей просто приятно болтать. Стоит ли оно того? Ну не знаю, на мой взгляд ТОЧНО НЕТ.
Как вы поняли, любовная линия тоже очень тусклая. Я бы даже сказала, что ее нет. Есть девочка-героиня и мальчик-герой (чьего имени я даже не помню), а все их сближение обосновано тем, что им приятно общаться, и им так тяжело, они так устали, и вот это все. Нет никакой химии, искры. Чувства героев, даже простая симпатия, толком ни на чем не основаны, все пересечения ребят безмоциональны и пусты. А уж намек на любовный треугольник настолько высосан из пальца, что просто смешно. Сами посудите, «вторым» парнем является парень мега-звезда, самый популярный айдол Кореи (короче аля Чонгук из BTS), с которым героиня пересекается ДВА раза, нет, вы поняли ДВА раза. И эти пересечения «чтобы было», автор пытала��ь через это раскрыть героиню, мол ее отношение к индустрии, попытки остаться собой и не сломаться, а я вот считаю, что автору стоило уж поинтереснее это раскрутить.
Конфликт с другими женскими персонажами тоже вышел очень тухлый. В тренировочной группе героини еще 4 девушки (если я не путаю), более-менее автор раскрывает лишь одну из них. Остальные девушки представлены в стиле: «ее зовут ..» и «у нее волосы такого-то и такого цвета». Все. Главная «соперница», тоже показана типично стервозно (что конечно же под конец открывается и раскрывается с другой стороны) – то есть плоско и скучно. Второстепенные герои вообще очень серые и идут фоном, потому что автор не посчитал даже нужным хоть как-то их раскрыть. Они вроде и есть где-то там на заднем фоне, что-то там делают, говорят, но по факту ты даже не запоминаешь их имена, а сами персонажи сливаются в единое целое «кто-то там».
Ну а конец… сложилось впечатление, что автор устал писать, не знал, что еще впихнуть и как все закончить, поэтому просто написал эпилог, куда впихнул тупо ВСЕ. Вместо того, чтобы раскрывать все по мере повествования, закончить некоторые истории чуть раньше, Стефан Ли завершил все в стиле «короче все стало так и так, и вот так, все гуд».
Очень жаль, что под такой красивой и удачной обложкой (а я считаю ее очень подходящей для k-pop романа), скрывается такая сырая и глупая история. Вдвойне обидно за то�� факт, что я считаю, что на основе всех историй k-pop индустрии, можно забацать невероятно сильный, эмоциональный дарк роман с эстетикой подростковых сериалов от NETFLIX. В умелых руках это все может стать мега-хитом в стиле «Элиты» или «13 причин почему», но нет и нет… Вместо этого мы имеем... ну вот это все.
3 из 10
Жанр: YA, современный роман
POV: 1POV, от первого лица
Геометрия чувств: прямая
Теги: k-pop, стереотипы о корейской развлекательной индустрии
РЕЦЕНЗИЯ:
С ростом популярности к-попа и корейских дорам в мире, стоило ожидать, что это все рано или поздно окажет влияние на YA романы.
Все кто более-менее следит за моими блогами, знает, что я давно люблю и то и другое, поэтому стараюсь не проходить мимо книг с данной тематикой, хотя заранее понимаю, что многого от них ждать не стоит.
Романы про k-pop айдолов, по моим наблюдениям, бывают двух типов: наивно милые и наивно глупые. И с одной стороны это все простительно и понятно, потому что сами корейцы любят такие форматы в своих дорамах, а с другой стороны то, что смотрится неплохо на экране, не есть хорошо в формате литературного произведения.
Если говорить конкретно о романе «K-pop: за кулисами мечты», то тут проблема в том, что автор хоть и пытался добавить жести и показать темную сторону корейской развлекательной индустрии – это все не сработало. И на мой личный взгляд дело не только в сюжете (который резко скачет от одного к другому), но и в совершенно непрописанных персонажах, плохом авторском стиле и том факте, что автор не хотел нормально сконцентрироваться ни на одной из тем, а пытался охватить все и сразу.
Это правда, что трейни перед дебютом проходят долгий и очень тяжелый труд. Тренировки проходят с утра до вечера, шанс дебютировать один на миллион, а стоит расслабиться и даже этот призрачный шанс ускользает из рук навсегда. Это правда, что трейни должны сохранять чистейшую репутацию, отношения запрещены, а внешность – важнее таланта. Тут автор не соврал и не приукрасил ничего, однако почему-то при прочтении абсолютно отсутствовала эстетика и вайб пздца. Да, тут и истеричная наставница (которая ни к месту орала, что она не старая и знает, что такое месячные), и парень-менеджер, который приставал к юным девочкам, и изнурительные тренировки, и вынужденные диеты, чтобы соответствовать стандартам корейской красоты, ну и да, запретная влюбленность, куда же без нее. Но как бы есть и есть... Главная героиня, Кэндис, слишком легко со всем этим справляется, складывается впечатление, что все это проходит вокруг нее, но не с ней, потому что автор все подает как-то легко. Происходящее с героиней не вызывает сочувствия, героине не хочется сопереживать, а если смотреть на все остальное, то так и хочется сказать «расскажи нам уж что-нибудь новенькое».
Помимо прочего, как я и говорила выше – персонажи романа плоские и неинтересные. Кэндис не обладает четким характером, сначала она скромная милашка, а потом резко дерзкая чика, которая дерзит перед всеми главе агентства. Героиня не кажется особо целеустремленной или трудолюбивой, хотя автор и старается ее такой показать. Сами ее поступки и действия противоречат всему этому. Она все также тайком жует сладости, тайно пользуется телефоном, но даже если на это закрыть глаза (ок, мы все в ее возрасте бы не удержались), то самое глупое, что она бегает на свидания с парнем поболтать, несмотря на то что, общение между парнями и девушками в агентстве запрещены и если что, тебя просто выкинут за ворота, заставив платить огромный штраф. Учитывая, что героиня сто раз до этого подчеркнула, что штраф огромный, а у ее семьи нет таких денег, то задаешься вопросом «а зачем ты это делаешь?». И да, этот парень не «любовь-всей-моей-жизни», это просто парень с которым она пару раз пересеклась и с которым ей просто приятно болтать. Стоит ли оно того? Ну не знаю, на мой взгляд ТОЧНО НЕТ.
Как вы поняли, любовная линия тоже очень тусклая. Я бы даже сказала, что ее нет. Есть девочка-героиня и мальчик-герой (чьего имени я даже не помню), а все их сближение обосновано тем, что им приятно общаться, и им так тяжело, они так устали, и вот это все. Нет никакой химии, искры. Чувства героев, даже простая симпатия, толком ни на чем не основаны, все пересечения ребят безмоциональны и пусты. А уж намек на любовный треугольник настолько высосан из пальца, что просто смешно. Сами посудите, «вторым» парнем является парень мега-звезда, самый популярный айдол Кореи (короче аля Чонгук из BTS), с которым героиня пересекается ДВА раза, нет, вы поняли ДВА раза. И эти пересечения «чтобы было», автор пытала��ь через это раскрыть героиню, мол ее отношение к индустрии, попытки остаться собой и не сломаться, а я вот считаю, что автору стоило уж поинтереснее это раскрутить.
Конфликт с другими женскими персонажами тоже вышел очень тухлый. В тренировочной группе героини еще 4 девушки (если я не путаю), более-менее автор раскрывает лишь одну из них. Остальные девушки представлены в стиле: «ее зовут ..» и «у нее волосы такого-то и такого цвета». Все. Главная «соперница», тоже показана типично стервозно (что конечно же под конец открывается и раскрывается с другой стороны) – то есть плоско и скучно. Второстепенные герои вообще очень серые и идут фоном, потому что автор не посчитал даже нужным хоть как-то их раскрыть. Они вроде и есть где-то там на заднем фоне, что-то там делают, говорят, но по факту ты даже не запоминаешь их имена, а сами персонажи сливаются в единое целое «кто-то там».
Ну а конец… сложилось впечатление, что автор устал писать, не знал, что еще впихнуть и как все закончить, поэтому просто написал эпилог, куда впихнул тупо ВСЕ. Вместо того, чтобы раскрывать все по мере повествования, закончить некоторые истории чуть раньше, Стефан Ли завершил все в стиле «короче все стало так и так, и вот так, все гуд».
Очень жаль, что под такой красивой и удачной обложкой (а я считаю ее очень подходящей для k-pop романа), скрывается такая сырая и глупая история. Вдвойне обидно за то�� факт, что я считаю, что на основе всех историй k-pop индустрии, можно забацать невероятно сильный, эмоциональный дарк роман с эстетикой подростковых сериалов от NETFLIX. В умелых руках это все может стать мега-хитом в стиле «Элиты» или «13 причин почему», но нет и нет… Вместо этого мы имеем... ну вот это все.
October 29, 2020
I had so much fun reading this! It was a WILD ride, and I had the best soundtrack (it's in the back of the book!). This was such an insightful look of what goes on behind the scenes of K-pop, and our main character Candace had a super fresh voice. I only started listening to K-pop a few months ago and I'm very much a casual fan - I love the music but other than that I don't really know a lot about it - and this was super educational. I think this'll be a great read both for die hard K-pop stans and people who don't know anything about it but want to know more!
My one downside is that I would have liked the ending to be fleshed out more. I was so engaged throughout the entire book, and then the ending just felt really rushed and I think it had the potential to do more. But then again, this could maybe be taken on in a sequel???
My one downside is that I would have liked the ending to be fleshed out more. I was so engaged throughout the entire book, and then the ending just felt really rushed and I think it had the potential to do more. But then again, this could maybe be taken on in a sequel???
March 30, 2022
I enjoyed this one a lot!!
K-pop Confidential follows Candace Park, a Korean-American girl who enjoys singing and music. When she auditions for a K-pop idol training contest, she doesn't believe she has any chance. Then she's accepted AND she gets her parents to agree to let her go to summer training. But idol training might kill her before she survives the summer.
This was a wild af book. The things the girls went through at this training camp were abusive and horrific. It was weirdly thrilling and devastating to read about. I don't know how much of it is actually true, but I could definitely see any music industry do this to its musicians, especially a pop genre.
I really liked Candace's character. She's quirky and determined. I loved seeing her grow into herself, find confidence and start to believe in her own abilities. I could've done with a lot of the girl hate and girl rivalry, but I know that's definitely something that would happen in this kind of situation. Plus, seeing Candace make genuine friendships more than made up for it.
I didn't realize this was a series, but then the book ended like that and !?! If there wasn't a sequel I would be mad.
Rep: Korean-American cishet female MC, Chinese-Korean cishet female side character, South Asian-Korean cishet female side character, Korean-American and Korean cast.
CWs: Body shaming, forced dieting, forced disordered eating, fatphobia, physical and emotional abuse (including sleep deprivation), sexism, bullying/hazing. Moderate: misogyny, sexual harassment, objectification of underage girls, medical content (MC's grandfather is hospitalized).
K-pop Confidential follows Candace Park, a Korean-American girl who enjoys singing and music. When she auditions for a K-pop idol training contest, she doesn't believe she has any chance. Then she's accepted AND she gets her parents to agree to let her go to summer training. But idol training might kill her before she survives the summer.
This was a wild af book. The things the girls went through at this training camp were abusive and horrific. It was weirdly thrilling and devastating to read about. I don't know how much of it is actually true, but I could definitely see any music industry do this to its musicians, especially a pop genre.
I really liked Candace's character. She's quirky and determined. I loved seeing her grow into herself, find confidence and start to believe in her own abilities. I could've done with a lot of the girl hate and girl rivalry, but I know that's definitely something that would happen in this kind of situation. Plus, seeing Candace make genuine friendships more than made up for it.
I didn't realize this was a series, but then the book ended like that and !?! If there wasn't a sequel I would be mad.
Rep: Korean-American cishet female MC, Chinese-Korean cishet female side character, South Asian-Korean cishet female side character, Korean-American and Korean cast.
CWs: Body shaming, forced dieting, forced disordered eating, fatphobia, physical and emotional abuse (including sleep deprivation), sexism, bullying/hazing. Moderate: misogyny, sexual harassment, objectification of underage girls, medical content (MC's grandfather is hospitalized).
October 6, 2020
I'm a simple girl. I see something that vaguely resembles my internal fantasy that I'm a hidden dancing, rapping, singing, fitness goddess and I click. No questions asked. So I started reading this like any normal person would. (Listening to Dynamite by BTS while trying desperately to hide how much of a simp I am.)
I read it all in a day so it's a very quick easy one. Also, a good thing to note is that YoungBae, the main romantic interest is fucking bae GOALS. Which honestly startled the fuck out of me because I thought that this would be some awkward, girl-obsesses-over-boy kind of crush. Another thing to note is that I've been running a bit of a dry spell when it came to male leads and I'm honestly just happy to find someone that I don't think is an absolute man-child.
I also particularly liked that this book wasn't an over-romanticized version of the kpop industry. Usually very young adults, even tweens are molded into a "perfect" sex dream of an idol. They are constantly criticized and isolated because they are believed to belong solely to the fans. This is harsh but accurate. And when Candace was going through the training, she was openly ridiculed, constantly fat-shamed and the butt of a variety of sexist remarks. All accurate. In my deep dive into Kpop ---> AKA --->
Honestly, I've had to put myself in a ton of morally compromising situations. The beauty standards in Korea are over-the-top, ludicrous. My mom lived there for four years and I can tell you that even in restaurants, they will stare at you like you're out of your fucking mind if you're a girl and you order a whole plate of chicken wings and a beer. Just what it is. This in mind I know that the process for turning out these mass-produced mannequin-esque trainees must be absolutely ghastly. Their schedules are constant with minimal breaks. Their pay, in the beginning, is trash, and a lot of time the success rate is so low that you could be working for ten years, earning pennies all while working your ass off.
But South Korea... South Korea has found a formula that is addictive. By allowing their idols to live and breathe for their fans, to not date, not hug, not even SPEAK to another female they've given fans the ability to take ownership of idols in a way that America can never comprehend. I once watched this documentary that deep-dived into the Kpop phenomena that took a look at one of the top boy groups in Korea right now - MonstaX. One of the boys pulled out their phone and scrolled through their calendar, showing the camera the fact that he had no days off. 365 days in a year and not a single day to take a breath and just... idk? Live like a normal 17 year old?
From morning til night, they were constantly pumping out content. Snapchats. Tweets. Instagram lives. Fan mail readings and personalized gifts and messages. Photoshoots. Interviews. Multiple dance compilations for one song. Airport pictures. What they were doing. How they were feeling. At night they would film bedtime content where the members would get in a bed and talk to each other as if they were falling asleep - letting the fans feel like they were cozied up to their dream boys as they drifted to sleep. Like a sleep meditation session hosted by your idol.
Candace (yeah I'm getting back to the story now) was never going to make it as a Kpop idol. I knew that from the first chapter. Was it cute of her to try? Sure. Yeah. Was it a bit far-fetched? Did I find myself rolling my eyes sometimes at Candace's antics? Um. Yeah. I'm not dumb.
But... there's something so enticing about falling into this world. And it was refreshing that the author highlighted these flaws and also didn't shy away from Candace's as well. When an author acts like their MC walks on water when it's more like they trample through the shallows, that's when I have an issue.
Woo glad I got that Kpop rant over with. Feel like my head was an attic with too many boxes labeled KPOP IS DAEBAK OMG up there.
I read it all in a day so it's a very quick easy one. Also, a good thing to note is that YoungBae, the main romantic interest is fucking bae GOALS. Which honestly startled the fuck out of me because I thought that this would be some awkward, girl-obsesses-over-boy kind of crush. Another thing to note is that I've been running a bit of a dry spell when it came to male leads and I'm honestly just happy to find someone that I don't think is an absolute man-child.
I also particularly liked that this book wasn't an over-romanticized version of the kpop industry. Usually very young adults, even tweens are molded into a "perfect" sex dream of an idol. They are constantly criticized and isolated because they are believed to belong solely to the fans. This is harsh but accurate. And when Candace was going through the training, she was openly ridiculed, constantly fat-shamed and the butt of a variety of sexist remarks. All accurate. In my deep dive into Kpop ---> AKA --->
Honestly, I've had to put myself in a ton of morally compromising situations. The beauty standards in Korea are over-the-top, ludicrous. My mom lived there for four years and I can tell you that even in restaurants, they will stare at you like you're out of your fucking mind if you're a girl and you order a whole plate of chicken wings and a beer. Just what it is. This in mind I know that the process for turning out these mass-produced mannequin-esque trainees must be absolutely ghastly. Their schedules are constant with minimal breaks. Their pay, in the beginning, is trash, and a lot of time the success rate is so low that you could be working for ten years, earning pennies all while working your ass off.
But South Korea... South Korea has found a formula that is addictive. By allowing their idols to live and breathe for their fans, to not date, not hug, not even SPEAK to another female they've given fans the ability to take ownership of idols in a way that America can never comprehend. I once watched this documentary that deep-dived into the Kpop phenomena that took a look at one of the top boy groups in Korea right now - MonstaX. One of the boys pulled out their phone and scrolled through their calendar, showing the camera the fact that he had no days off. 365 days in a year and not a single day to take a breath and just... idk? Live like a normal 17 year old?
From morning til night, they were constantly pumping out content. Snapchats. Tweets. Instagram lives. Fan mail readings and personalized gifts and messages. Photoshoots. Interviews. Multiple dance compilations for one song. Airport pictures. What they were doing. How they were feeling. At night they would film bedtime content where the members would get in a bed and talk to each other as if they were falling asleep - letting the fans feel like they were cozied up to their dream boys as they drifted to sleep. Like a sleep meditation session hosted by your idol.
Candace (yeah I'm getting back to the story now) was never going to make it as a Kpop idol. I knew that from the first chapter. Was it cute of her to try? Sure. Yeah. Was it a bit far-fetched? Did I find myself rolling my eyes sometimes at Candace's antics? Um. Yeah. I'm not dumb.
But... there's something so enticing about falling into this world. And it was refreshing that the author highlighted these flaws and also didn't shy away from Candace's as well. When an author acts like their MC walks on water when it's more like they trample through the shallows, that's when I have an issue.
Woo glad I got that Kpop rant over with. Feel like my head was an attic with too many boxes labeled KPOP IS DAEBAK OMG up there.
![Profile Image for rein [[free palestine]].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1704654490i/98468573._UX200_CR0,24,200,200_.jpg)
May 25, 2021
3.5*
I haven't been this invested in a book in a long time
I love kpop if you couldn't tell from my bio and this just made me really think about all the stuff they go through. I loved the tiny references sprinkled through-out the book! The writing style was very simple and straight forward. I read a lot of different types of books with different kinds of writing styles but it was refreshing to read something with such a simple writing style. The characters weren't my favorite but they weren't the worst. I wish we got to see more of the other trainees and hopefully we get that in the second book. I found it really interesting to read about the trainee life and will be picking up the second book K-pop revolution!
𝕜𝕡𝕠𝕡
☾ BTS ARMY bias: V (ultimate bias)
☾ TXT MOA bias: Yeonjun
☾ ENHYPEN ENGENE bias: Ni-Ki
☾ Twice bias: Dahyun
☾ Itzy bias: Ryujin
☾ Blackpink bias: Jisoo
**I do NOT support YG entertainment/JYP entertainment**
I haven't been this invested in a book in a long time
I love kpop if you couldn't tell from my bio and this just made me really think about all the stuff they go through. I loved the tiny references sprinkled through-out the book! The writing style was very simple and straight forward. I read a lot of different types of books with different kinds of writing styles but it was refreshing to read something with such a simple writing style. The characters weren't my favorite but they weren't the worst. I wish we got to see more of the other trainees and hopefully we get that in the second book. I found it really interesting to read about the trainee life and will be picking up the second book K-pop revolution!
𝕜𝕡𝕠𝕡
☾ BTS ARMY bias: V (ultimate bias)
☾ TXT MOA bias: Yeonjun
☾ ENHYPEN ENGENE bias: Ni-Ki
☾ Twice bias: Dahyun
☾ Itzy bias: Ryujin
☾ Blackpink bias: Jisoo
**I do NOT support YG entertainment/JYP entertainment**
December 13, 2020
This was definitely another wish-fulfillment type K-Pop book where an American girl gets to go to Korea to become an idol, meet her favorite group members, etc. It was fun enough despite being not the most realistic - I really liked the individual characters, though some could have been fleshed out a little more.
Almost would have gotten 3 to 3.5 stars just for being a breezy, enjoyable read... But the ending fizzled out, it feels like it's missing about 20-50 pages of resolution, and there's some really inconsistent/unrealistic character behavior that was never quite explained.
Idol trainee life seems brutal - I wonder how close to reality this book is. I definitely don't think you could have a shot at debut in a summer crash course when you can't dance or really speak the language though, phew.
Almost would have gotten 3 to 3.5 stars just for being a breezy, enjoyable read... But the ending fizzled out, it feels like it's missing about 20-50 pages of resolution, and there's some really inconsistent/unrealistic character behavior that was never quite explained.
Idol trainee life seems brutal - I wonder how close to reality this book is. I definitely don't think you could have a shot at debut in a summer crash course when you can't dance or really speak the language though, phew.
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