I have a feeling that this is a book I'll be revisiting, not only as a K-pop fan but as an Asian-American who has similar feelings regarding religion, my body, culture, and other topics deftly touched on and framed via Korean media. The K-Pop is the anchor, but the human underneath is the heart, and Giaae Kwon's writing is sharp yet casual, feeling a lot like a discussion with a friend over drinks on their couch when we've run out of Ateez, Stray Kids, BTS, and Seventeen videos to marathon. She puts into words a lot of the complicated emotions I have felt also regarding issues with Korean celebrities promoting in the West (re: centering Western ideology and thought) while also being firm and honest in her analysis. It's so refreshing to read a book about fandom that doesn't assume I have no entry point knowledge and feels like it's FOR fans, while also being open to those who are less familiar with the greater Hallyu wave. Also, several moments made me tear up, but especially the chapter on plastic surgery, and the role of the hyung and age hierarchy in Korean culture, particularly regarding BTS Jin.

Fangirls forever.