The Discovery of K-pop: The Asian Hall of Fame

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The Discovery of K-pop is the first English children's picture book on how Korean popular music originated and evolved to entertain the world! Fueled by decades of musical advances and then the smash hit Netflix movie KPop Demon Hunters, more people enjoy K-pop than ever before. But do fans know how K-pop began?

Dao is a cute red panda who can travel back in time and place! He befriends the curious kids Ethan and Emma and transports them to Asia in the blink of an eye. Together they have fun discovering how very cool things were invented there.

The trio begins their new adventure in ancient Korea. On this rugged peninsula, they weave through the centuries to see how music moved armies in war and rebels in peace. Then the travelers zip back to the future as K-pop flew west, conquering continents, countries, and the internet! Learn about iconic bands, legendary singers, and the multidimensional impact of the “Korean wave.” Teachers and librarians will value The Discovery of K-pop as an essential addition to their children’s picture book and illustrated collections.

Just like in The Discovery of Ramen, Fireworks & Gunpowder, Anime & Manga, and Chess, co-authors Amara and Chin make history come alive. Juan Calle’s colorful illustrations are packed with detail and showcased in dazzling spreads. The ground-breaking The Discovery of K-pop features a glossary of terms. Generations of readers will develop a greater appreciation of their favorite K-pop performers and Korean culture, whose influence is everywhere from film to food. Enjoy another amazing invention from The Asian Hall of Fame!

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“As a Korean school principal in the United States, I have long searched for a book that bridges the world my students live in with the culture their parents come from. The Discovery of K-pop does exactly that — and more. Through Dao's playful journey, children discover that K-pop is not just catchy music, but the living result of centuries of Korean history, resilience, and creativity. This book is a gift to every classroom that believes culture is a curriculum.”— Nanmo Moon, Principal, Silicon Valley Korean School, CA, svks.org

"From the iconic Kim Sisters to Huntrix, this brilliant book offers a comprehensive look at the history of K-pop. What makes this work truly exceptional is how it masterfully weaves the evolution of K-pop into the fabric of modern Korean history, tracing its incredible journey from local roots to a global phenomenon. Beyond its historical insight, the book offers the delightful fun of spotting your favorite groups throughout the pages—much like a captivating game of hidden pictures." — Eunhae Park, Executive Director, KLCCSac (Korean language and Cultural Center of Sacramento)

“The Discovery of K-Pop captures Korea's remarkable history and the resilience of its people through determination, creativity, and innovation. Throughout the nation's triumphs and hardships, music has served as a powerful expression of identity, hope, and ideas. The book illustrates how K-pop has become much more than a musical genre, it has opened a window to Korean culture for audiences around the world. Through its global reach, K-pop has helped establish Korea as a cultural influencer, shaping international interest in Korean food, fashion, beauty, language, and lifestyle. This book offers an insightful look at how music became a catalyst for sharing Korea's rich culture with the world.” —Jane Jung, Principal, Marshall Pomeroy Elementary School, Milpitas, CA; Associate Board of Directors, Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco