FLIP THE SCRIPT

A rookie K-drama actress experiences love triangles both on screen and off.

After uprooting her family’s life in Florida to pursue an acting career in Seoul, 16-year-old Hana Jin finally scored a leading role in a much-anticipated television series. But when the ratings for the first episode aren’t what the network hoped for, Hana is thrown into a fake dating relationship with her male co-star, K-pop idol Bryan Yoon. On top of that, the network surprises everyone by bringing in Hana’s former best friend, actress Minjee Park, to play Hana’s on-screen rival for Bryan’s character’s affections. But the love triangle on the show isn’t the only one that’s developing. Bryan shows real feelings and interest in Hana, but she can’t deny her developing attraction to Minjee. While trying to secure her position on the show, bisexual Hana must learn to navigate the harsh entertainment world and her complicated love life. K-drama viewers especially will love this lighthearted, page-turning homage to the genre that is filled with many recognizable tropes and behind-the-scenes looks at the industry. Hana’s career, interactions with the network, and encounters with fans and paparazzi demonstrate the intense, often overwhelming lifestyle and pressures of being an actress in Korea. With the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes, the story challenges Korea’s heteronormative culture and media. The novel also transports readers to popular destinations in and around Seoul, beautifully highlighting Korean food and culture.

A fun and boundary-pushing take on typical K-drama romances.