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Spin-Off of New York Times Bestseller,
Once Upon a K-Prom! 

 

a K-pop idol and an up-and-coming K-drama star must fake date in this fresh and funny romcom that Korean pop culture fans will absolutely swoon over!

Moon Minseok—or Moonster, as the WDB fans know him—wasn’t born to lead. Even as part of the world’s most popular K-pop group, he found comfort in his role as the jokester, the sidekick, the unserious one (with the cutest smile). But now WDB is drowning in dating scandals, and it’s time for Moonster to take charge of his group's image. Shin Hyeri has been dealing with some scandals of her own. An up-and-coming K-drama actress, she’s been labeled a “nepo baby” (with a famous idol as a big brother) and now a bully (which couldn’t be further from the truth). Desperate to show the world that she’s earned her spot, Hyeri is determined not to let her rising star crash and burn.

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When these two childhood enemies get caught up in yet another scandal while cohosting a K-pop festival, there’s only one solution that will save both of their reputations: appear on one of Korea’s most popular variety shows, Our Celebrity Marriage, where celebrities pretend to get married and compete in “newlywed” challenges. The plan is simple—pretend to get along, win back the fans, then go their separate ways. But what happens when a fake marriage leads to real feelings? Will Moonster and Hyeri bow to the pressures of their fame, or will they decide their love is something worth fighting for?

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content warnings: bullying/cyberbullying, stalker fans, parental neglect

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Cover Art by Velinxi

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PURCHASE Links

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Check Out Robbie's Story
Once Upon a K-Prom

Who is Your WDB Bias?

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Praise

    "Cho’s follow-up to Once upon a K-Prom (2022) charts a course for success as it delves deep into the world of South Korean idol culture...[with] a resoundingly satisfying conclusion. Readers young and old will swoon for this love story and appreciate the timely focus on late teens and early twenty-somethings facing intense pressure about their careers." Booklist, Starred Review

"The story is deeply embedded in K-pop culture, and also in the universal confusion of young adulthood. Love, hate, wanting to please others, wanting to just be themselves; this romance, mystery, and coming-of-age story will resonate with young people interested in the world of K-pop stardom.

VERDICT A readable, charming, drama-filled story with relatable characters, this book will appeal to readers who like romance and K-pop combined into one fun tale." School Library Journal

"This entertaining novel calls out gender double standards and the brutality of critical anti-fans, highlighting the less glamorous sides of the K-pop world...Hyeri is a charming and relatable lead, and her journey is thoroughly enjoyable. An entertaining peek behind the scenes of Korean pop culture." —Kirkus Review

PLAYLISTS 

Wish Upon a K-Star Playlist

WDB Playlist

AX1S Playlist

Moonster's Playlist

Kastor Playlist

Hyeri's Playlist

Kim Ana's Playlist

Videos

Product Details

Jacket Illustration: Xiao Tong Kong

Jacket Design: Marci Senders

Reading Age: 12-18

Grade Level: 7-12

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