In this romantic coming-of-age 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. Perfect for fans of Mary H. K. Choi and Jenny Han. 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?
- Books
- YA Fiction & Indies
- Young Adult Fiction
- K-pop Confidential
K-pop Confidential
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
12+
Release Date
September 15, 2020
ISBN
978-1338639933
Buy This Book
Editor reviews
2 reviews
Perfect Read for New and Old K-Pop Fans
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
When Candace tries out for a K-Pop girl band, she never believed she had a chance. But when the company calls her back, she's over the moon. Next task, convince her parents to let her give it a real go. Both her mom and dad moved to Korea to give their children opportunities they didn't have. So, the fact that Candace wants to go back to Korea to try out for the first K-Pop girl band doesn't sit well with them. They would prefer it if she chose safer options, like working in a store similar to the one they own.
After convincing her parents to let her go to Korea, Candace thinks the hard part is over. But nothing can prepare her for the hardships to come. Being a K-Pop idol isn't easy with the strict diets and hardcore workouts. Not to mention the ruthlessness of her teammates. Some are nice and supportive, like Binna. While others make it as hard for her as possible, like Helana. Throw in two good looking boys (even though they're forbidden) and Candace soon finds herself lost between what's right and what's wrong.
In a surprisingly feministic novel, Stephan Lee creates a K-Pop masterpiece that will appeal to the current generation and other fans of K-Pop. Candace speaks without reservation in true American fashion and challenges old Korean beliefs. As the reader, we get to witness both the Korean and American side of her clash. While there's a side of romance, I love how the focus remains on Candace's growth along with the tense relationships between her bandmates. The cutthroat ways of the music industry aren't meant for the weak of heart, so it's a good thing Candace isn't one to back down from a challenge.
Final Verdict: K-POP CONFIDENTIAL is a ya contemporary full of music that's revolutionary and brings life to the K-Pop industry. I love Imani's dictionary in the back that defines terms that people from America or those who don't know much about K-Pop won't know. I would recommend this for fans of music, sisterhood, coming of age, and a twinge of cutesy romance.
After convincing her parents to let her go to Korea, Candace thinks the hard part is over. But nothing can prepare her for the hardships to come. Being a K-Pop idol isn't easy with the strict diets and hardcore workouts. Not to mention the ruthlessness of her teammates. Some are nice and supportive, like Binna. While others make it as hard for her as possible, like Helana. Throw in two good looking boys (even though they're forbidden) and Candace soon finds herself lost between what's right and what's wrong.
In a surprisingly feministic novel, Stephan Lee creates a K-Pop masterpiece that will appeal to the current generation and other fans of K-Pop. Candace speaks without reservation in true American fashion and challenges old Korean beliefs. As the reader, we get to witness both the Korean and American side of her clash. While there's a side of romance, I love how the focus remains on Candace's growth along with the tense relationships between her bandmates. The cutthroat ways of the music industry aren't meant for the weak of heart, so it's a good thing Candace isn't one to back down from a challenge.
Final Verdict: K-POP CONFIDENTIAL is a ya contemporary full of music that's revolutionary and brings life to the K-Pop industry. I love Imani's dictionary in the back that defines terms that people from America or those who don't know much about K-Pop won't know. I would recommend this for fans of music, sisterhood, coming of age, and a twinge of cutesy romance.
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