Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho

 

“Elena Soo has always felt overshadowed. Whether by her more successful older sisters, her more popular twin brother, or her more outgoing best friend, everyone except Elena seems to know exactly who they are and what they want. But she is certain about one thing - she has no interest in going to prom. While the rest of the school is giddy over corsages and dresses, Elena would rather spend her time working to save the local community center, the one place that's always made her feel like she belonged.

So when international K-pop superstar Robbie Choi shows up at her house to ask her to prom, Elena is more confused than ever. Because the one person who always accepted Elena as she is? Her childhood best friend, Robbie Choi. And the one thing she maybe, possibly, secretly wants more than anything? For the two of them to keep the promise they made each other as kids: to go to prom together. But that was seven years ago, and with this new K-pop persona, pink hair, and stylish clothes, Robbie is nothing like the sweet, goofy boy she remembers. The boy she shared all her secrets with. The boy she used to love.

Besides, prom with a guy who comes with hordes of screaming fans, online haters, and relentless paparazzi is the last thing Elena wants - even if she can't stop thinking about Robbie's smile...right?” - taken from Goodreads.

This is a cute story about a childhood promise that is upheld through the years and across an ocean. Elena loves volunteering at the local community center but when a budget shortfall threatens its closure, she starts an unpopular campaign at her school to save the center by donating part of the outrageous fortunes students spend to go to the prom. Elena’s life is upended when her childhood best friend and current K-pop sensation Robbie Choi shows up at her school unexpectedly with an over-the-top promposal.

What begins next is a chance to reconnect with one another while trying to find a way to support the community center with a prom thrown in the mix.

A companion novel, Wish Upon a K-Star, is due out April 29, 2025.

Vist Kat Cho’s website.

Seoulmates by Susan Lee

 

“Hannah Cho had the next year all planned out—the perfect summer with her boyfriend, Nate, and then a fun senior year with their friends.

But then Nate does what everyone else in Hannah’s life seems to do—he leaves her, claiming they have nothing in common. He and all her friends are newly obsessed with K-pop and K-dramas, and Hannah is not. After years of trying to embrace the American part and shunning the Korean side of her Korean American identity to fit in, Hannah finds that’s exactly what now has her on the outs.

But someone who does know K-dramas—so well that he’s actually starring in one—is Jacob Kim, Hannah’s former best friend, whom she hasn’t seen in years. He’s desperate for a break from the fame, so a family trip back to San Diego might be just what he needs… that is, if he and Hannah can figure out what went wrong when they last parted and navigate the new feelings developing between them.

Her ex-boyfriend wants her back. Her former best friend is in town. When did Hannah’s life become a K-drama?” - taken from Goodreads.

I was sucked into this story right away as Hannah, a Korean American teenager, doesn’t quite fit in. She isn’t American enough for some people but when a new girl comes to town, suddenly she isn’t Korean enough either. With her plans for summer drastically changed, she receives the news from her mother that their old friends, the Lees, are coming to spend time with him. Angry with her former best friend, Jacob Lee, Hannah is determined to not to forgive him for moving to Korea and becoming a star. Can Hannah find it in her heart to forgive Jacob, especially when she discovers what life is like for a popular K-drama star?

Perfect read for fans of XOXO by Axie Oh.

Visit Susan Lee’s website.