“ASAP”- Axie Oh

💞I’ve read a few reader opinions saying they liked “XOXO” more than “ASAP”, but I definitely liked the second one more. It was the same with Axie Oh’s other series—“Rebel Seoul”: I liked the second book (“Rogue Heart”) more, for the same reason—the main characters (Sori and Nathaniel in “ASAP”, Ama and Alex in “Rogue Heart”).

All four of these books are published by Peppermill Books and translated by Geri Decheva.🩷

🎵In my opinion, Axie Oh builds a much stronger connection between Sori and Nathaniel than between Jenny and Jaewoo. A relationship that’s not only more dynamic but also more complex. The stakes are higher—going beyond just their personal lives within the K-pop industry.

I really love both Sori and Nathaniel, but my favorite character might actually be Sori’s mother. Through her, we see just how difficult and responsible a task it is to be a parent, while juggling ten other things—a company, shady (pardon the word) deals, sponsors, a toxic husband, exhaustion, and more.

Through her character and Sori’s, we’re shown a tender and vulnerable bond between mother and daughter. But the main thing for me is that this woman helps us see the transition from the beautiful, innocent feelings of K-pop idols to the dark, suffocating reality behind the glamorous curtain as something more natural and easier to digest—even if not any more justifiable…

🎤Because reality is scary, and it’s honestly frightening how Axie Oh manages to wrap so much sweetness and pink fluff around a world that actually steals and destroys innocent lives.

I don’t believe these books will ever be published in Korea, but to the readers who do have access to them—read them, and love and respect your idols!

They are no one’s property. Above all, they are human beings!

I read the book in one sitting—I really, truly loved it!💖