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This is the first k-pop romance novel that I did not enjoy at all.
I'm sure that Jessica Jung drew inspiration from her real-life experiences within the K-pop industry, and it isn't my intention to discredit or to minimize them. However, I can't overlook the mediocre writing and one-dimensional characters, including the author's self-insert Rachel Kim.
More importantly, I deeply disliked the lack of self-reflection in Shine. Throughout the book, the author seizes any and all opportunity to criticize the long-standing sexism within the K-pop industry, particularly the double standards against female idols and trainees. However – and this is a big however! – the novel is embedded with so much internalized misogyny that remained unchecked and unchallenged. Most, if not all, the female characters are shallow, catty, and villainous. Even Rachel Kim finds satisfaction in seeing her fellow trainees, especially Mina, fail or receive abuse from management. It diminished the sincerity of the book's criticism since it seemed like sexism was only a problem for Rachel if it hindered her from her own success.
Thus, the book gives off the impression of virtue-signaling. Not exactly groundbreaking feminism that genuinely seeks to empower and emancipate idols and trainees, particularly young women, being exploited by the K-pop industry.
Not recommended.
Recommended alternatives:
I'm sure that Jessica Jung drew inspiration from her real-life experiences within the K-pop industry, and it isn't my intention to discredit or to minimize them. However, I can't overlook the mediocre writing and one-dimensional characters, including the author's self-insert Rachel Kim.
More importantly, I deeply disliked the lack of self-reflection in Shine. Throughout the book, the author seizes any and all opportunity to criticize the long-standing sexism within the K-pop industry, particularly the double standards against female idols and trainees. However – and this is a big however! – the novel is embedded with so much internalized misogyny that remained unchecked and unchallenged. Most, if not all, the female characters are shallow, catty, and villainous. Even Rachel Kim finds satisfaction in seeing her fellow trainees, especially Mina, fail or receive abuse from management. It diminished the sincerity of the book's criticism since it seemed like sexism was only a problem for Rachel if it hindered her from her own success.
Thus, the book gives off the impression of virtue-signaling. Not exactly groundbreaking feminism that genuinely seeks to empower and emancipate idols and trainees, particularly young women, being exploited by the K-pop industry.
Not recommended.
Recommended alternatives: