K-Pop Revolution

K-Pop Revolution builds on Stephan Lee’s impressive debut in K-Pop Confidential and takes us deeper inside the fascinating world of K-Pop. Lee excels at conveying the fun, energy, and stunning visuals behind the phenomenal global success of K-Pop, but also the cost (emotional, physical and even financial) that success demands from the army of trainees competing for a place in the spotlight.The pace is as fast and relentless as the dance choreography in a hit K-Pop music video, as Lee continues the journey of improbable idol-in-training Candace Park from New Jersey. The sequel picks up where the previous book left off, with Candace calling on her label S.A.Y. to reform the high-pressure, formulaic system it has used to produce successful boy and girl groups. For a time it appears she is gaining traction with S.A.Y’s new millennial, Harvard-educated CEO, but she slowly comes to realize that revolutionary change rarely comes from inside the establishment, and not everyone is what they appear to be. Candace is a completely believable and relatable heroine, who struggles to balance her Korean background and American upbringing, as well as her competing feelings for boy-next-door trainee YoungBae and global megastar One.J. Candace makes plenty of mistakes along the way, but her good heart, wry sense of humor, and love for her umma (mom) ultimately see her through.This is a terrific YA novel, but its themes, handled deftly and thoughtfully by Lee, are universal: whether to advocate for change from the outside or inside; the value of loyalty to family (natural and chosen); finding self-acceptance in the face of unrealistic social standards of beauty; and the thin line between fame and shame in the social media age. I look forward to reading whatever Lee writes next!

I absolutely loved this. There is added complexity and richness to this sequel as the author explores Seoul and introduces several new characters as SAY responds to the events of the first novel (won't spoil too much here). But the story, at its heart, is about Candace's development as an artist and the questions she must ask herself: Can she develop a unique voice in a hyper-corporate, structured environment? Is being a musician worth carrying the burden that fame brings? And will she need to "choose" a culture as she straddles life as a Korean idol while dreaming of her friends and college in America. As with the first novel, the author blends sharp insights with incredible wit and humor.

Yes, this book requires the suspension of disbelief, but it is still a most gratifying, David-and-Goliath story about corporate skulduggery, found families, gaslighting, with a little romance — all wrapped up in the intoxicating world of the K-Pop industry. I enjoyed this fast-paced story and look forward to more from the author.

“No one ever tells you how much scarier it is to win than to lose.”I was a huge fan of K-Pop Confidential when it first came out and I could not wait to get my hands on the sequel. Needless to say I absolutely devoured this book when it finally arrived! K-Pop Revolution is a suspenseful, thrilling, and unusually satisfying sequel, deepening and complicating the immersive world of the first book. Watching Candace learn to own and harness her power as a K-pop idol and as a person is a beautiful journey, and I was especially taken with her evolving relationship with, and understanding of, her mother. I cannot recommend this book enough!

guys i’m telling u, there’s so much diversity and good messages in this book so if u like kpop and even change definitely read it 👍

This was an amazing ending to a wonderful book series. Great character development and plot twists!

Stephan Lee is unstoppable. He's back with K-Pop Revolution, his second book following Candace Park as she becomes a Rookie Idol in S.A.Y.'s new group, THE GIRLS. The YA novel serves an unflinching look at the highs and lows of pop stardom. From the hyper-controlling labels & entertainment companies that manufacture these groups to the sometimes toxic parts of the fandom who follow them.We pick up with Candace holed up in a hotel waiting for the dust to settle on the cosmic shift she put into motion at the end of K-Pop Confidential. She's viewed by fans as a K-pop warrior and by the business as a villain. Then, a new CEO enters the picture. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Candace navigates the rollercoaster ride that is prepping to debut — balancing THE GIRLS’ reality show to their first music video and her power couple relationship with YoungBae, all while attempting to finish high school.I loved every last bit of it. K-Pop Revolution is high stakes and dramatic, yet feels totally real. Even when every battle seems uphill, you cheer for Candace. Even when she stumbles, even when's she's too American. Believe me, I was side-eying the haters who’d rather see her and the GIRLS fail. And don't get me started on the one trying to school her about Korean culture.  I love that Lee created a competing group that subverts the usual K-pop formula. It's a vision for K-Pop that challenges the status quo and asks it to do better.The relationships among the girls are totally relatable, the challenges and consequences of being under a microscope 24/7 resonate big time. Candace's mom doesn't stick around Seoul for long, but just like in K-Pop Confidential, it's a standout relationship. Lee kicks typical Asian parent characterization to the curb with scenes between Candace and her mom that had me tearing up. She supports Candace 100 percent and has her back no matter what.As hard as it is to see Candace's journey come to an end, it feels right.

I loved the sequel as much as the original if not more. Yes, there were some things that didn't add up but I am willing to ignore that because of the messages this book portrays so well. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Książka przyszła w trybie szybkim. Niestety jest zniszczona. Okładka wgnieciona. Niektóre części na okładce i z boku się poodrywały - białe miejsca. Nawet strony w książce są zniszczone. Książka ma bardzo cienką okładkę. Nie tego spodziewałam się po książce za ponad 50 zł.

The corner was dented and the pages with uneven but content inside is fine