Shine

Written by Jessica Jung

Narrated by Joy Osmanski

Crazy Rich Asians meets Gossip Girl by way of Jenny Han in this knock-out debut about a Korean American teen who is thrust into the competitive, technicolor world of K-pop, from Jessica Jung, K-pop legend and former lead singer of one of the most influential K-pop girl groups of all time, Girls Generation.

From internationally renowned K-pop legend Jessica Jung comes a fresh YA novel that peels back the curtain on the intense world of K-pop from the perspective of a Korean American girl, like Jessica, who is scouted off the street and thrust into an unknown world of competition, strict training and wild fame.

What would you give for a chance to live your dreams? For eighteen-year-old Korean American Rachel Kim, the answer is almost everything. Six years ago, she was recruited by DB Entertainment – one of Seoul’s largest K-pop labels, known for churning out some of the world’s most popular stars. The rules are simple: Train 24/7. Be perfect. Don’t date. Easy right?

Not so much. As the dark scandals of an industry bent on controlling and commodifying beautiful girls begin to bubble up, Rachel wonders if she’s strong enough to be a winner, or if she’ll end up crushed … Especially when she begins to develop feelings for K-pop star and DB golden boy Jason Lee. It’s not just that he’s charming, sexy and ridiculously talented. He’s also the first person who really understands how badly she wants her star to rise.

Get ready as Jessica Jung, K-pop legend and former lead singer of Korea’s most famous girl group, Girls Generation, takes us inside the luxe, hyper-colour world of K-pop, where the stakes are high, but for one girl, the cost of success – and love – might be even higher. It’s time for the world to see: this is what it takes to SHINE.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Release date: Nov 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9780755503056

Jessica Jung

Jessica Jung is a Korean American singer, actress, fashion designer, and international influencer. Born in San Francisco, Jessica grew up in South Korea where she trained as a K-pop singer, debuting as a member of the international sensation Girls Generation in 2007. After going solo in 2014, she launched the successful fashion line, Blanc & Eclare. Jessica has been featured on the covers of magazines worldwide, her brand now spanning platforms including film and television.

Reviews for Shine

[bio · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s such amazing story and I’m happy as a fan of Jessica Jung to read this novel

[victoriagd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Love or K-popJessica Jung writes a heartfelt story about the importance of family, Korean identity, and growing up surrounded by extremely high expectations. Rachel Kim’s one dream is to be a K-pop star, and she is willing to work hard and to train endlessly to be the best. With grueling lessons, harsh critique, mean girls, and not enough time for family, Rachel is struggling to keep up with everything. When chaotic and handsome K-pop star Jason Lee helps her get the chance she needs to shine. Shine combines the drama of fame with the sincerity of a teenage girl wanting to follow her dreams. Rachel is an easy character to like, as she works through a lot of relatable issues. Her reflections about friends, family, and mentors are wonderful snapshot of Korean life and Korean American identity. Shine is also a snapshot of social media, and the popular culture of today. There are a lot of pop culture references, name dropping, and popular Korean terms. This doesn’t mean there is not a rough critique of the K-pop industry in-between. Notably the double standard between male and female K-pop stars. So, a warning for those who have trouble reading about drugging, vomiting, and weight shaming. Jessica Jung has the right mix of YA contemporary fiction, and K-pop. A great classic modern-day teen book, with a refreshing perspective.