Top 10 Book Recommendations From Your Favorite K-Pop Idols

jisoo blackpink demian book

K-pop idols are known for their infectious beats, crazy performances, and, last but not least, their taste in literature. That’s right! Many of your favs read, and boy do they have the best recommendations on the market.


From RM of BTS to Irene of Red Velvet, let’s dive right in and explore which captivating narrative has us sitting on the edge of our seats.

1984 by George Orwell, recommended by RM from BTS

rm of bts 1984 george orwell
Image from VOGUE

In a 2017 interview with KBS, RM shared his love for the book “1984,” expressing how it’s a constant favorite he enjoys revisiting. Wonder what makes this book so captivating for him? Skip to 1:20 to find out! 

Over 70 years ago, George Orwell envisioned a world where free thinking is punishable. This timeless tale still resonates today, highlighting the risks of too much power and the importance of preserving our individual freedoms.


Grab your copy here and explore a world where conformity meets the fight for individual freedom. Will you end up making the same conclusions RM did?

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky, recommended by IU

iu seasons greeting the brothers karamazov
Image from Naver

On an episode of “Hyori Homestay,” singer IU was found reading this book. It’s filled with mystery, drama, and secret love affairs. Named the magnum opus of literature, The Brothers Karamazov carries heavy themes of God, morality, and good vs. evil.


iu reading
Image from JTBC

Are you curious about what other books IU is recommending? Take a peek below:

  • “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
  • “Brida” by Paulo Coelho
  • “Castella” by Park Min Gyu
  • “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera

The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino, recommended by KAI from EXO

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Image from VOGUE

KAI mentioned that reading is his favorite pastime, and on the show “The Human Condition,” he spoke highly of The Devotion of Suspect X.”


The tale centers around a mathematician who helps his neighbor murder her ex-husband. When Detective Galileo arrives, he’s left baffled. Now, in a psychological battle with his former classmate, will he be able to unravel the mystery by the end?

Demian by Hermann Hesse Jisoo from BLACKPINK

jisoo blackpink demian book
Image from Twitter

Being the sparkling visual of one of the most prominent girl groups on the planet probably means you’re always busy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze in a good book.


On an episode of “Blackpink House,” Jisoo recommended “Demian.” Hermann Hesse shares the story of a boy named Emil Sinclair who battles between two worlds, light and dark. It’s a coming-of-age story focused on finding your true, authentic self.


Did you know Jisoo also loves reading webtoons? She’s obsessed with “Yumi’s Cells,” and now you can dive into the same captivating world with your own copy. Who knows what exciting journey awaits you!

The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, recommended by eaJ

day 6 jae perks of being a wallflower
Image from Allure

Former member of Day6, Jae, also known as eaJ on Instagram, tweeted back in 2018 that his favorite novel was “The Perks of Being A Wallflower.”

So, what’s it about?


Observant high schooler Charlie leads an introverted life. Through a newfound friendship with Sam and Patrick, he transitions from the confines of his thoughts to a world booming with life and color.


Curious to know why Jae raved about this book? Grab your copy here, and let us know if it ends up on your recommended list!

Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo, recommended by Irene from Red Velvet

irene red velvet born 1982
Image from Koreaboo

This book was one of Korea’s first million sellers. It caused a whirlwind of controversy but also created a movement of empowerment. No wonder icons like Irene speak so highly of this masterpiece.

Centered on a fictional woman based on facts, housewife Kim Ji-young leads an ordinary life. However, her seemingly unremarkable existence allows us to witness prevalent societal challenges, echoing many women’s struggles.

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour, recommended by Kino from Pentagon

kino pentagon we are okay
Image from Twitter

In 2020, when Kino debuted as a DJ for Casper Radio’s Kissing Booth,” he shared his love for the novel.


It tells the story of college freshman Marin, who is grappling with grief after the death of her grandfather. With no choice but to face her loneliness, she embarks on a journey of painful truths and the sudden return of her friend.


Will she ever come to terms with her past? Find out here!

Dear Girls by Ali Wong, recommended by Tiffany from Girls Generation

tiffany girls generation ali wong
Image from GRAZIA Singapore

In hilarious letters to her daughters, Ali Wong details EVERYTHING they need to know about life, dating, being a woman, and how she came to trap their father. It’s heartwarming to discover that K-Pop queen Tiffany finds joy in this witty and insightful read.


Watch her talk more about her recommendations below:

The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, recommended by Jaehyun from NCT

jaehyun nct the courage to be disliked
Image from IMDb

Jaehyun from NCT has gained attention for recommending books to fans, notably “The Courage to Be Disliked.” The book emphasizes the power of living in the present moment and fostering a meaningful relationship with yourself.


Check out other books Jaehyun has recommended:

  • “Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond
  • “An Actor Prepares” by Konstantin Stanislavski
  • “Attraction” by Lee Byung-ryul

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, recommended by Kyuhyun from Super Junior

Fans debate all the time whether Kyuhyun read this book. Is it really the type to make you sleep?


Let’s get into it. 

Dr. Harari flips the historical script by diving straight into the roots of human cognition. He zeroes in on our knack for defying nature’s rules, unraveling how this unique trait has been the driving force behind the evolution of humans.


Wow! That actually sounds pretty epic!

So, not only are our idols the best on stage, but they also make the best book recommendations! From timeless classics like ‘1984’ to coming-of-age stories like ‘Demian,” we’ll be left wondering what hidden gems they’ve got in store for us.


Did you find a new book to add to your list? Or did you already read them all? Let us know down below.

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FAQ

Which K-pop idols like to read books?

Among them are Jinyoung from GOT7, Yeri from Red Velvet, Hyunjin from Stray Kids’, and SUGA from BTS.

What book did Hyunjin from Stray Kids’ read?

In 2019, Hyunjin mentioned he had read “Harmless Person To You” by Choi Eunyoung.

Are there K-pop songs based on books?

Yes. IU’s “Red Shoes” draws inspiration from a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, but the standout is BTS’s “Blood, Sweat & Tears.” Inspired by “Demian,” it’s recognized as a visual masterpiece in its own right.


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