While most of the supporting characters are Korean, Jason is biracial (Korean/White Canadian), and Rachel’s best friend and fellow trainee, Akari, is Japanese. Local details and the integration of Korean-both romanized and in Hangul-smoothly immerse readers in Rachel’s world. An embarrassing, banter-filled meet-cute adds to this fast-paced, entertaining romp. Debut author Jung’s background as a former Korean American K-pop star informs this world of catty, sabotaging antagonists elite private school classmates and parental pressure.

Further conflict arises as the double standards female stars face in contrast to their male counterparts become hard to ignore. After a disastrous audition with Jason Lee, DB’s golden boy, Rachel will need some bold moves to redeem herself. And despite the viciousness of trainee life-with its uber-talented teens, nonstop gossip, and the reality that she is seen as an American outsider in Korea-Rachel is determined to make it and hold onto the joy music brings. When she felt the sting of racism as a young girl in the U.S., she turned for solace to K-pop.

It’s been years since DB Entertainment has debuted a girl group, and as a senior trainee, this is Rachel’s last shot. Many will hone their talents, spending 24/7 invested in K-pop, but only a handful will make it. Korean American teen Rachel Kim has spent six years in Seoul as a K-pop trainee for one of the city’s biggest entertainment agencies.

Shine jung novel