BigBang, Girls’ Generation’s Jessica Jung, Shinee’s Jonghyun – which other Korean idols have written their own books?
Besides music and television appearances, one way to get to know a Korean star better is to read their books. These idols aren’t just talented in the entertainment world, their penchant for the written word has taken over the publishing industry. As the world anticipates the release of her first book, Jessica Jung joins the ranks of Jonghyun, Tablo, Ku Hye-sun and Lee Hyori who have authored their own books.
Jessica Jung – Shine
The former Girls’ Generation star is set to release her first novel in September. Shine delves into the glamorous and ruthless world of K-pop. Jung told Entertainment Weekly that she wanted to tell “a big, fun, escapist story that also examines in-depth, behind-the-scenes aspects of the K-pop world”.
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The novel is based on a nine-member girl group. Girls’ Generation also had nine members. Perhaps there’s more truth to this fictional book than meets the eye; we’ll find out when it is released.
Tablo – Pieces of You and Blonote
Epik High’s Tablo really does have a penchant for the written word – he’s authored not one, but two books. Pieces of You was written in his college days, and features ten insightful short stories about teen angst and how to navigate the world. Meanwhile, Blonote is a compilation of witty, biting and insightful notes Tablo would often read aloud to his listeners on his radio show, Dreaming with Tablo.
Ku Hye-sun – Tango
Wait – an actress who can film a decade-defining drama and write her own book at the same time? Does she exist? Ku actually wrote her first novel, Tango when she was starring in Boys Over Flowers in 2009. The actress penned and self-illustrated a fictional story about a girl in her twenties going through love and heartbreak.
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Jonghyun – Skeleton Flower: Things That Have Been Released and Set Free
Late vocalist and Shinee member Kim Jonghyun penned Skeleton Flower: Things That Have Been Released and Set Free in 2015. In this book, Jonghyun weaves the backstories of 12 Shinee songs, and songs of his own, The End of a Day, Juliette, and Honesty into a story about heartbreak, hope and love.
BigBang – Shouting Out To The World
Not unlike Hollywood boy bands, the five members of K-pop extraordinaire BigBang wrote their own autobiography as a band. Shouting Out To The World depicts each of their personal struggles on the journey from idol trainees into one of the most successful groups in K-pop history.
This book was a hit the moment it went on sale in 2009. It was the bestseller for six consecutive weeks and sold 400,000 copies within five months of its release.
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Lee Hyori – Closer
Dubbed the “nation’s fairy”, singer, record producer and television presenter Lee Hyori has authored, Closer, a photo-essay book about her personal thoughts on animal welfare, vegetarianism, fur and memories with her pets. The book sold out within days of its release and she donated profits made from the sales to PETA.
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Epik High’s Tablo, actress Ku Hye-sun and singer Lee Hyori have all shown talent beyond their initial chosen professions