January 13 is Korean American Day, and what better way to celebrate than by picking up a new book? Whether you love romance, family secrets, or heartfelt coming-of-age stories, these five books by Korean and Korean American authors bring culture, identity, and emotion to the page.
If you love the storytelling in Korean romance dramas and enjoy Kpop, then you will fall in love with XOXO by Axie Oh. Jenny thinks she has her future all planned—until a mysterious boy walks into her uncle’s karaoke bar, sweeps her into a whirlwind night, and disappears without a trace. Fate intervenes again when Jenny transfers to a Seoul arts academy and discovers the mystery boy is actually a K-pop idol and the main vocalist of the popular boy group XOXO. As Jenny navigates rigorous music training, cultural differences and a secret romance, XOXO blends pop culture and personal growth in a story that celebrates love, ambition and Korean and Korean American identity.
Good Old-fashioned Korean Spirit is a chilling graphic novel set in 1980s South Korea, where teen Taehee is forced by her grandmother to spend time on a remote farm filled with unsettling traditions and eerie rituals. As the days pass, dark family secrets rise to the surface, linking Taehee’s life under a strict military regime to the trauma her elders survived during the Japanese occupation. With art that looks deceptively playful—similar to Gravity Falls—this powerful story dives into fear, history, and human connection, making it a gripping read for high school readers and up.
This delightful enemies-to-lovers romance follows River Langston-Lee after a disastrous day (dumped girlfriend, walked out of the SATs, quit his job) lands him at a struggling Korean cafe called Bingsu for Two. Forced to work alongside the grumpy, goth Sarang Cho, the pair unexpectedly clash, and sparks fly as they accidentally go viral online. To save the failing business, they must pretend to be a couple, a plan that forces them to navigate themes of friendship, identity, and community while serving up plenty of humor and heart.
What does it feel like to grow up caught between two worlds, never quite belonging to either one? In In Limbo, Deborah (Jung-Jin) Lee invites readers into her vivid, heartfelt journey as a Korean-American teen navigating identity, family pressure, and mental health. With expressive art and emotional honesty, this debut YA graphic memoir turns the awkward, painful moments of growing up into a powerful and unforgettable story.
In this dramatic and engaging YA novel, Chloe Chang’s life in Oklahoma feels ordinary—until a DNA test reveals she has an affluent extended family in Seoul. TAs she is drawn into their polished world of privilege, Chloe begins to uncover the reasons her mother kept her away—and to question whether her new family’s generosity comes with strings attached. With elements of mystery and cultural exploration, The Noh Family freads like a K-drama fueled by secrets rather than romance.
If you pick up any of these stories, you’re not just reading—you’re stepping into worlds full of heart, history, and unforgettable moments.
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