Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of vibrant K-pop culture and thrilling supernatural action.
About the Film
KPop superstars, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, also known as Huntrix, not only pack stadiums and charm fans with their talent, but lead double lives as powerful demon hunters. They're sworn to protect their fans from supernatural threats that seek to steal their souls.
If you’re a bookworm looking for great reads with the same themes of KPop, fantasy, mythology, and action, here are some titles you can find at National Book Store.
Shine by Jessica Jung
What's better than a book about KPop written by a former KPop idol herself?
For the Korean American seventeen-year-old Rachel Kim, achieving her KPop dreams means sacrificing nearly everything. Having been recruited by a top Seoul label, she faces relentless training, strict rules, and the industry's dark underbelly, all while questioning her ability to succeed. And things get even more complicated when Rachel develops feelings for fellow K-pop star Jason Lee, who uniquely understands her ambition.
XOXO by Axie Oh
If you love K-dramas and romcoms, this is a must-read!
Jenny, a dedicated cellist, unexpectedly finds herself drawn to the mysterious Jaewoo during a chance encounter in Los Angeles. Their instant connection seems impossible to pursue when he returns to South Korea. However, fate intervenes when Jenny moves to Seoul and discovers Jaewoo is not only a fellow student at her new elite arts academy, but also a famous KPop idol with a strict no-dating policy. Now, they must choose between their careers and their growing feelings.
Just like Kpop Demon Hunters, this book showcases KPop fan culture and the rigorous training and preparation idols undergo for their performances.
Get this book on www.nationalbookstore.com, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.
Wicked Fox by Kat Cho
If you want to learn more about Korean folklore, add this to your TBR!
Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung, a gumiho (nine-tailed fox in Korean folklore) living in modern Seoul by consuming men's energy, loses her fox bead—her soul—while saving a human boy named Jihoon from a goblin attack. Jihoon, aware of her true nature and now unknowingly holding her life in his hands, develops a deep connection with Miyoung despite the danger. Their burgeoning romance is threatened when an attempt to restore Miyoung's bead ignites an ancient feud, forcing her to choose between her immortality and Jihoon's life.
In the film, historical and folkloric elements enrich the story, such as the mentions of demons, Jinu's ancient origins, the honmoon, a magical barrier introduced in the film that serves to protect humans from demons. Additionally, the Saja Boys' attire and name [saja], derived from the Korean word for "lion" and referring to the jeoseung-saja (reapers of death in Korean folklore), directly reflect their role in the film as escorts of souls to the afterlife. Cool fun fact, right?
Get this book on www.nationalbookstore.com and Shopee.
The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea by Axie Oh
Inspired by a Korean folktale,a young woman sacrifices herself to the Sea God in order to save her village.
For generations, deadly storms and resource wars have plagued Mina's homeland, believed to be the Sea God's curse, leading to an annual sacrifice of a maiden to appease him. When her brother's beloved is chosen, Mina sacrifices herself instead, plummeting into the sea to save him. Swept into the magical Spirit Realm, Mina races against time with allies to awaken the enchanted Sea God and end the relentless storms, all while evading those who wish to keep him asleep.
Just like Wicked Fox, this novel is deeply rooted in Korean culture, specifically folklore. If you’re into historical K-dramas, Korean history, and want to know more about the country’s culture, give this a try.
Get this book on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Learn more about celestial beings, magical realms, and a fantastic world inspired by epic Chinese legends.
Growing up hidden on the moon, Xingyin is forced to flee after her magic is discovered, leaving her exiled mother behind. Alone in the Celestial Kingdom, she disguises her identity to master archery and magic alongside the emperor's son, with whom she develops a deep connection. To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a dangerous quest, ultimately challenging the ruthless Celestial Emperor and facing a perilous choice that could cost her everything or plunge the realm into chaos.
This novel, much like The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, is deeply rooted in legends from culture and fantasy, as well as exceptional world-building. If you like fantasy C-dramas, add this to your TBR!
Get this book on Lazada.
Like our recommendations? Head to National Book Store and get these reads for as low as ₱525. These are available in select branches nationwide today!
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