K-pop acts have always been known for their complicated concepts and lore. These lores often employ literary references which keep the fans on their toes, allowing them to participate in the concept by reading, watching or researching the hints provided. Other than this, many K-pop artists have always been readers who encourage their fans to do the same. In such cases, fans have been curious about the kind of books their favourite idols read and posed questions about their favourite books during fan signs. In this article, you will find Ten books recommended by K-pop acts. You can read these books to cure boredom while waiting for their comeback!
1. The Fault In Our Stars By John Green—GOT7 Jinyoung
GOT7 used to be a group under JYP Entertainment. After their contract was over, they exited the company as a group. However, although GOT7 formed under the label, they still assure fans of their return. Got7's Jinyoung has always been a well-known member for his talent in singing. He is also known for being a bookworm. He recommended books like The Fault in Our Stars and Jojo Moyes' Me Before You to his fans. These are both heartbreaking stories of love that sparks during the most fateful situations and how it perseveres even after the passing of loved ones. These stories follow the theme of grief. Both books are very much loved all over the world.
2. I Decided To Live As Me By Kim Sooh-yun—BTS Jungkook
Jungkook of BTS, as an INFP, has always been sensitive and curious. He has read a great deal of interesting and deep books that he has recommended to fans over the years. I Decided to Live as Me is akin to a self-help book, except it is not a set of rules that will "fix you," but it expresses the human stream of consciousness. It is about living as yourself and reading what you think. The theme is abstract, and it is precisely the genre that those of us who find peace in self-interpretation will enjoy immensely.
3. Demian By Herman Hesse—IU
Undeniably, IU is the most famous soloist and vocalist of her generation. What's more, she's also an excellent actress. Over the years, she has garnered a lot of fans for her talents. She is also an avid reader and has recommended the book Demian by Herman Hesse to her fans. The book is about finding one's true self amidst the constant crashing states of the psyche. It showcases several themes, including the spiritual ideologies of both the East and the West.
4. Jaehyun Of NCT—guns, Germs, And Steel By Jared Diamond
NCT is a group under SM Entertainment known for being the K-pop group with the most number of members and subunits in the industry. Jaehyun is a member of the NCT subunits NCT 127, NCT DoJaeJung, and NCT U. He recommended the book Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond to a fan on his fan page. He also told fans that the book is hard to read and more of a history book. His advice to fans is to read it little by little, without rushing.
5. Wonwoo Of Seventeen: The Hound Of The Baskervilles By Arthur Conan Doyle
Wonwoo is a member of the Hybe and Pledis group Seventeen. He is renowned for his dancing skills and rap. He is also a part of Seventeen's rap unit. Wonwoo has always shown interest in the Western classics by authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and William Shakespeare. He recommended The Hound of the Baskervilles, a detective fiction novel featuring the famous character Sherlock Holmes.
6. Seohyun Of Girls’ Generation—the Gift Of Acabar By Og Mandino
Girls Generation is a group that has attained a place in history for being a widely popular girl group of its time and setting the bar for all the girl groups that were to follow them. Seohyun is the youngest member of the group. She recommended The Gift of Acabar to her fans. It is a lovely story about hope and perseverance, which warms our hearts as we read it.
7. Dami Of Dreamcatcher—the Girl Who Drank The Moon By Kelly Barnhill
Dami is a member of the K-pop group Dreamcatcher. They are known for their ‘tough’ and unconventional concepts. This book, incidentally, fits into the magical world they've built. It is a fantasy story about a girl who accidentally gathers superhuman powers. She must learn to place control over her skills before committing some irreversible accidents.
8. Jonghyun Of Shinee—the Lord Of The Rings By J.r.r. Tolkien
Jonghyun was a very beloved member of the SM group Shinee. He was known for being a sound and intelligent person, a great vocalist, and a priceless gem in the idol industry. He seemed to be a fan of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. He's read and recommended the books The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion by the same author.
9. Hongseok Of The Pentagon: The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho
Hongseok is a member of the Cube group Pentagon and is known for being a vocalist. At one of his shows, he expressed his liking for Paulo Coelho and his works. Alchemist, in particular, is a magical story that takes place in the desert, yet it is about the enrichment of the heart.
10. Irene Of Red Velvet—kim Ji-young, Born 1982 By Cho Nam-joo
Irene has always been very famous for her talents. Irene is a member of the SM group Red Velvet, who are set to make their comeback this November. Throughout the years, Irene has been through a lot of forced controversies. One was about her being a feminist since she was seen reading this book. Kim Ji-young, Born in 1982, is a book with a powerful statement. It is about the difficult yet unorganised life of one of the many ordinary women who were born to suffer.
