Romance Books To Read if You Love These K-Dramas

In the same way that Seo Ah-ri finds herself thrown into the glamorous world of social media influencers, 17-year-old Alice Choy is suddenly spotted by an entertainment scout and sent to a K-pop training academy. There, she navigates cultural differences, an intense training schedule, and the dreaded anti-fans. Thoroughly entertaining, this captivating debut novel explores the music industry and fan culture with fun and sassy storytelling.

Did someone order a culinary drama? Moon Cha-young is a chef who helps neurosurgeon Lee Kang rediscover his love for cooking. For Korean American Jackie Oh, her dream has always been to become a professional chef. When she aces an audition and lands a spot as a contestant on her favorite cooking show, Burn Off!, it seems like her dreams are quickly coming true. But the competition is ruthless, and to succeed, Jackie has to search her soul and figure out her true self first.

Kim Jo-jo and Lucie Yi have one unique trait in common — technology has played an important role in their love lives. But while Jo-jo has Love Alarm, Lucie Yi uses a co-parenting website to find her next match after a bad breakup. But what was supposed to be a straightforward plan becomes a tangled mess, complete with an ex that resurfaces unresolved feelings. The modern family is explored and redefined in this modern rom-com.

If you enjoyed Kim Do-ran’s found family story element, you’ll love this fast-paced family drama read. When Chloe Chang takes a 23andMe DNA test, she discovers an extended family from her father’s side that she never knew about — and they want to meet her. Soon, she finds herself in Seoul surrounded by the rich and glamorous. But Chloe is discovering that there’s a dark side to her new family members. With twists, turns, and heartbreak, this debut novel will keep you on the edge of your seat.

When Ahn Joong-hee moves in with his “father’s” family, he finds himself attracted to his “sister,” Lee Mi-yeong. Iowa-raised Korean adoptee Hara Wilson can relate to this odd drama because when she heads to Seoul to find her birth mother, she falls for the irresistible Choi Yujun. However, it turns out Choi is her stepbrother. Hara’s journey of self-discovery includes getting used to a different country, learning a new language, and a forbidden romance.

Before you start, be sure to catch up on the prequel, Heart and Seoul.

Violinist Anna Sun discovers she has autism spectrum disorder and is learning to adjust to her diagnosis. When her longtime boyfriend suggests an open relationship, she decides to have a one-night stand with Quan Diep. But the two can’t stop running into each other! With Quan’s help, Anna realizes that she’s been compromising herself in favor of pleasing others. Her journey of self-love and acceptance of her neurodivergence unfolds in this New York Times bestselling novel.

Did someone ask for a second chance romance with a touch of magic? Ward Dunbar and Camille Buhay are exes who find themselves in London for a new job. Just as they begin to reconnect, their new occupations turn out to be more of a prison with no escape. Each day, they only have a few minutes to talk to each other and figure out how to break free. Old feelings are rekindled in this immersive story that shows that love knows no bounds and can’t be separated if it’s true.

Attention childhood-besties-to-lovers trope lovers, this one’s for you! Just like Han Seon-woo and Lee Eun-soo, Elena Soo and Robbie Choo were childhood friends, but timing was never on their side when it came to romance. Now it’s time for prom and Robbie asks Elena to go with him. The hitch? He’s an international K-pop superstar now. Elena may like Robbie, and she may want to go to prom with him, but is she ready for the screaming fans, haters, and paparazzi that come with him?

Eun Dan-oh and Mina Lee have one major problem in common, they’re both stuck inside a comic book! Mina doesn’t know how she got sucked into the fantasy world she’d been creating, but she needs to find a way out. Her action-packed adventure includes superheroes, villains, and banters with a cute boy (of course!). Along the way, deeper issues like grief, adoption, and cultural identity are touched in this gripping novel that’s perfect for anyone looking to escape.