YA Books with Korean and Korean-American characters

I’m Asian. So, I always look forward to good Asian representation in the books I read. I’m not Korean, but I have read quite a few books in which you can find amazing Korean representation. I could be wrong about these books, and if I am, I would love for y’all to correct me! So, let’s get started.

1. Somewhere Only We Know

This is a K-pop book. If you love K-pop, you should definitely read it. However, it’s okay if you do not necessarily like K-pop. You don’t need to be a fan to like this book. If you love romance, you should read it. It has Korean-American main characters and the story is set in Korea and the USA.

2. Comeback: A K-pop Novel

As the name suggests, this one is another K-pop novel set in Korea. Before reading it, I had thought it was somewhat like Somewhere Only We Know, but I liked it better than Somewhere Only We Know. I’ve realized that a lot of people haven’t read this book, and they should! It is a love story, and even though everybody says it is cute, I would call it poignant and hopeful.

3. Frankly In Love

This one has just come out. I think people are loving it. It has characters who are Korean and Korean-American. Also, if you love reading the stories with a fake-dating trope, just dive in.

4. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (series)

I just love this series. The main character is Korean-American. The first book begins with the well-known fake-dating trope. And it is one of my favorite series. I usually do not read series, and it is the one I’m actually gonna finish.

5. I Believe In a Thing Called Love

This one is another cute book inspired by K-drama. If K-drama is up your alley, you should definitely read it. If it is not and you like reading teen romance, just read it.

6. Wicked Fox

This is another book that’s set in Korea and has some Korean characters. However, it is a fantasy-romance, and if you are into that kinda thing, just pick it up already.

7. The Sun Is Also a Star

I think everybody and their mum has read this romance…excluding me. It has a Jamaican main character and a Korean main character and this book are set in the USA. It is extremely hyped, and it seems like everybody loves it!

8. The Way You Make Me Feel

Another romance featuring Korean main characters. If you haven’t read it yet, pick it up.

9. Rebel Seoul

Looking for a sci-fi/ dystopian book with Korean characters? Just pick it up. This book has been billed as Pacific Rim meets Korean action dramas. So, if that is your thing, just pick it up.

10. Eleanor & Park

I hope I’m not wrong because I haven’t read this book yet. I think one of the main characters in this book is half-Korean and half-white. I’m not sure about how good the representation is, and I would like to know!

Have you read any of these? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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