Review | Made in Korea (+ Giveaway)

Summary: Made in Korea

Made in Korea is Sarah Suk’s debut YA novel. Valerie Kwon is a business-savvy Korean-American teen who runs V&C K-Beauty with her cousin, Charlie, out of her high school locker. She’s saving up so that she can take her halmeoni to Paris on a memorable vacation.

Valerie is misunderstood by her mother because she’s not as dutiful, math/science smart or organized as her older sister. Valerie’s dreams face a huge obstacle when a new, good looking Korean-American student Wes Jung unwittingly starts his own competing K-beauty business in their school.

Wes has his own reasons for needing the extra cash. He really wants to study music but his dad thinks music should only be a hobby. Wes also needs to fix his saxophone, so when he realizes that students would willingly pay for branded lip balms and face masks, he is enticed into starting a business. As the two rivals collide, they learn that they have more in common than they thought.

The Good

I loved this story so much! I didn’t want to put it down even for one second. Valerie and Wes are both lovable characters, although Valerie is a bit prickly and finds it hard to engage with her emotions. I loved that the story is written from both their points of view, so you get to hear both of their thoughts and enjoy a well-rounded story.

Valerie’s relationship with her halmeoni was endearing and I loved the way halmeoni’s narrative arc was developed. Charlie and Valerie also have a sweet relationship and I loved seeing how Valerie’s eyes are opened to Charlie’s (and other humans’) value besides just the business. As a business owner (although I sell services, not physical products) I loved the business aspect of this story: how Valerie brainstormed products, did social media marketing, and even the dubious way she tries to outsmart her competition.

Wes is just the sweetest! I liked him from his first appearance on the page! I love the effect he has on Valerie and also that he has his own story and challenges — and even his own circle of friends separate from Valerie. He struggles a lot with belonging and it felt great to see the nice, shy guy win.

Overall: Made in Korea

Made in Korea is a sweet, charming, and entertaining young adult enemies-to-lovers romance. With a headstrong female protagonist and an endearing male protagonist, this story packs family, romance, and coming-of-age challenges into an engaging, compulsively readable package. Fans of YA music books, stories with entrepreneurial characters, and family-oriented YA will love this story. It also has mild, infrequent profanity and would be suitable for younger YA readers.

Buy This Book

Thanks to Simon and Schuster for an eARC of this book via NetGalley.

Simon & Schuster is giving away a copy of this book to one reader! You can enter the giveaway below to win a copy of this book. Open to US residents.

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