Besides performing on stage and stealing the hearts of fans, many K-pop idols are known for being avid readers. Some have even shared their favorite books with fans, sparking new interest in a variety of genres and inspiring others to rediscover their love for reading!
From classic literary fiction to modern bestsellers, their recommendations not only encourage fans to explore different genres but also highlight the powerful connection between art, storytelling, and self-expression. The books they read often reflect the deep themes explored in their music, creating a richer understanding of their artistry.
Want to know what books your favorite K-pop idols read? Here are some of their recommendations.
The book: Almond by Sohn Won-pyung
Read by: RM, Suga, J-Hope, and Jin of BTS
This novel about a young man with a condition that makes him unable to feel emotions has been a favorite among multiple members of BTS, including RM, Suga, J-Hope, and Jin.
RM even named the novel as one of his top five favorite books and critics have described the story as one of “loveable monsters” that sheds light on alienation and belonging. It’s a poignant read that resonates with the deep, reflective themes of mental health and self-acceptance that are so often explored in the group’s music.
The book: Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo
Read by: Irene of Red Velvet
This novel explores the everyday sexism and gender inequality faced by a Korean woman, becoming a cultural touchstone and a lightning rod for debate in South Korea. Its popularity, particularly after being read by idols like Irene of Red Velvet, brought to the forefront discussions about feminism and the #MeToo movement, showcasing how deeply these themes resonated with many readers.
The book: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Read by: Yeji of ITZY
This classic tale about a young prince's travels and the rediscovery of what is truly important in life. Though it was first published in 1943, the moving story has been republished and adapted into a movie.
Yeji of ITZY said in an interview that she really liked this book since it has meaning and she learned from the Prince's experience about the importance of love, friendship, and seeing the world with a pure heart, free from the superficiality of grown-ups. This classic tale follows a young prince's travels through space, serving as a timeless meditation on loneliness, loss, and the nature of human connection.
The book: Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
Read by: RM of BTS
This bestselling Japanese novel is also read by RM of BTS. The novel’s premise is set in 1960s Tokyo that follows a college student, Toru Watanabe, as he navigates complex relationships, grief, and desire, forcing him to choose between holding onto the past and embracing an uncertain future.
Get this book on Shopee.
The book: No Longer Human by Osamu Dezai
Read by: IU
This classic Japanese novel was read by IU. The story follows its protagonist, Oba Yozo, through a life of masked alienation and failed attempts to connect with a world he feels incapable of understanding. This semi-autobiographical final work powerfully explores themes of despair and an individual's failure to belong in society, making it a timeless bestseller in Japan.
Get the Manga version of this book on Shopee.
The book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Read by: Jisoo of BLACKPINK and Jay B of Got7
This American classic was read by Jisoo of BLACKPINK and Jay B of Got7.
In this novel, Jay Gatsby, a young and mysteriously rich man, hosts lavish parties in his Long Island mansion, but he remains apart, focused on his single obsession: reuniting with his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. When the pair finally reconnects one fateful summer, their actions set in motion a chain of tragic events that unravel the lives of everyone around them. Widely considered F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, The Great Gatsby is a timeless tale that explores the dark side of the American dream, excess, and doomed obsession.
Widely considered F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, the story is a timeless exploration of the American Dream's corruption, illusion vs. reality, and the power of the past.
Get this book on www.nationalbookstore.com and Shopee.
I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee
Read by: RM of BTS
Already a bestseller with widespread acclaim, this book gained further attention after being read and shared by RM of BTS.
Baek Sehee writes this popular book, chronicling twelve weeks of candid dialogues with her psychiatrist about her persistent feelings of low self-worth and hidden anxiety. This powerful work, which blends self-help with personal reflection, offers a relatable exploration of mild depression and the exhausting effort of masking one's true emotional state.
Get this book on www.nationalbookstore.com and Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
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