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This marvelously illustrated adventure explores how K-pop evolved to become a global sensation.
Korean pop music has never been more popular. Fueled by decades of musical advances and then the Netflix movie KPop Demon Hunters, more people enjoy K-pop than ever before. But do fans know how K-pop began?
Travel to ancient Korea to see how music moved armies and rebels. Then zip back to the future as K-pop moved west, conquering continents, countries, and the internet! Learn about iconic bands, legendary singers, and the entertaining cultural impact of the Korean wave.
Generations of readers will develop a greater appreciation of K-pop!
This is the fifth adventure in our series on cool inventions created in Asia. The cute red panda Dao makes history come alive by transporting the kids Emma and Ethan back in time. Now they explore the origin and evolution of K-pop!
Teachers and librarians will find this a welcome addition to their children’s picture book and illustrated collections. The influence of K-pop is everywhere!
- Anthony Kim, Manager, Development and Programs, Korean Center San Francisco
"More than a story about music, this book is a journey through Korea's history, resilience, and creativity. It captures how K-pop helped transform a small peninsula into a global cultural phenomenon while inspiring the next generation to embrace Korean heritage. Thanks for sharing your beautiful book!"
- Helen Kyungsun Youn, Assistant Principal, Korean Immersion Program, Claire Lilienthal school. San Francisco, CA
"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
"Join Ethan and Emma in a marvelous adventure guided by the red panda Dao. The time travelers zip through key events in Korea's rich history to uncover the roots of K-pop. Readers will like exploring Korean culture and seeing iconic K-pop bands."
- JoSep Ferrer, Youth Librarian, San Francisco Public Library
"KPop Demon Hunters won the 2026 Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Original Song. Now fans can learn about K-pop's evolution as Dao You takes Emma and Ethan on an eye-opening trip to the past - history made fun!"
- Lorraine Dong, Professor Emerita, Asian American Studies Department, SFSU
"A colorful, fact filled trip into Korea's musical traditions, arriving at modern K-pop. This insightful history provides context into economic, cultural and political factors that gave rise to what has become a global sensation. Informative, fun and eye catching!"
- Doug Kim, Korean Quarterly
Oliver Chin is the author of the popular annual children's book series Tales from the Chinese Zodiac. This remains the only series in English on the animals of the Lunar New Year, which is increasingly celebrated worldwide. He presents at schools, libraries, and museums nationwide and teaches artists of all ages how to create their own comic books.
Juan Calle is a Science illustrator from UC Santa Cruz, and art director at Liberum Donum Studios, based in Bogotá, Colombia. Juan created Immedium's children's book Good Dream, Bad Dream and illustrated The Year of the Rooster. Liberum Donum has worked for Weldon Owen publishing and Capstone Press, on titles for young audiences such as Show me How series, Papermania!, How to be a Werewolf, How to be a Zombie, and How to Draw Incredible Dinosaurs. The team works for the advertising and entertainment industry, and creates 2D and 3D animation for movies and TV, and visual development and concept art for video games.