You can’t aim to please everyone, you can only aim to please yourself.― Axie Oh, XOXO

What happens when a serious music student crosses paths with a rising K-pop idol? XOXO by Axie Oh answers that question. This young adult romance is filled with music, secrets, and emotional choices.

The story follows Jenny, a talented cellist, who meets Jaewoo, a quiet boy with a hidden life. When Jenny moves to Seoul, she’s shocked to find out that Jaewoo is part of one of Korea’s biggest K-pop groups. Their growing connection challenges both of their futures.

Set against the energy of Korean pop culture, XOXO brings together friendship, love, and learning to let go. With its mix of fun moments and deeper struggles, the book shows how taking a risk can lead to something worth holding on to.

Plot Summary

This is why I don’t like read receipts. It’s like psychological warfare. He knows I know that he read my message and chose not to respond.― Axie Oh, XOXO

Jenny is a Korean American teen who lives in LA and dreams of becoming a top cellist. One night, she meets a kind and charming boy named Jaewoo, and they share a spontaneous adventure around the city. But the next day, he vanishes without a trace, leaving her with only a memory.

Months later, Jenny travels to Seoul to care for her grandmother and attend a top-performing arts school. To her surprise, she finds Jaewoo again—only now she learns he’s a member of one of the biggest K-pop groups in the country. Dating him is strictly off-limits, and the stakes are high for them both.

As they reconnect, Jenny and Jaewoo must hide their feelings from everyone around them. Their relationship becomes more complicated due to strict rules, public attention, and the risk of their own dreams.

Still, their bond deepens, and they must choose between their personal goals and the feelings growing between them.

Characters and Character Arc

The story brings together a cast of characters who each bring something important to Jenny’s life. Through their ups and downs, we see real growth and the push-and-pull between love and ambition.

• Jenny: A focused, hard-working cellist who learns that it’s okay to follow her heart, not just her schedule.

• Jaewoo: A thoughtful K-pop idol who slowly lets his guard down and begins to dream for himself, not just his image.

• Sori and Angela: Jenny’s classmates who offer humor, friendship, and a sense of belonging in a new place.

• Jenny’s grandmother: A steady and warm presence who helps Jenny connect with her roots and find balance.

Each character adds depth and emotion, showing different ways people handle expectations, family, and love.

Themes and Plotline

The book touches on many themes that feel honest and real for teens today. Love is a big part of the story, but it’s closely tied to ambition and the pressure to succeed. Jenny and Jaewoo both struggle to balance their feelings with their long-term goals.

Family plays a central role, too. Jenny’s bond with her grandmother and her connection to Korean culture shape much of her journey. The story also explores identity—what it means to find where you belong when your life is split between two worlds.

Fame, sacrifice, and personal choice are other key parts of the story. Jaewoo’s life in the spotlight shows how hard it is to stay true to yourself when others expect so much. Through it all, the story stays gentle, hopeful, and easy to connect with.

What Genre and Tropes does XOXO focus on?

XOXO is a young adult contemporary romance set in the world of K-pop. It mixes everyday life with music, family, and cultural moments. The story focuses on love and personal growth in a real-world setting.

The book includes popular romance tropes like forbidden love, opposites attract, and secret identity. Jenny and Jaewoo must hide their relationship due to his K-pop career, adding tension and depth. Their different personalities also create fun and sweet moments.

Expect a light and emotional story filled with music, Korean culture, and relatable choices. It’s a feel-good read that focuses on love, friendship, and staying true to yourself. The tone stays warm, even through the challenges the characters face.

Readers’ Ratings and Reviews

our relationship ended before it truly had the chance to begin ― Axie Oh, XOXO

Goodreads Rating

XOXO by Axie Oh has an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 on Goodreads, based on over 30,000 ratings.

Readers often describe it as a cozy and heartwarming read with relatable characters and emotional depth.

Goodreads Reviews

Goodreads readers enjoy XOXO for its cozy vibe, heartfelt romance, and connection to Korean culture. It’s often praised as a sweet, feel-good story.

“A wholesome YA romance with a lovable cast. The K-pop twist was fun and fresh!”— Amanda M.

“Cozy, cute, and full of charm. I loved the mix of culture and ambition.”— Sarah M.

“This felt like a warm hug. Sweet, simple, and emotionally real.”— Lily T.

Many readers recommend it to fans of gentle love stories and coming-of-age journeys.

Amazon Reviews

On Amazon, readers highlight XOXO’s clean romance and K-pop setting. It’s a hit with teens and adults alike.

“Sweet and emotional—perfect for a relaxing weekend read.”— Emily R.

“Bought this for my teen, but I loved it too. Soft and meaningful.”— Nicole J.

“A heartfelt story with just the right K-pop touch. Loved it.”— Jasmine A.

Fans appreciate the book’s mix of light romance and real emotional depth.

Who Should Read XOXO?

This book is a great pick for teens and young adults, especially ages 12 and up. It features clean romance, school life, and cultural themes that feel real but stay light.

There are gentle kissing scenes, emotional growth, and topics like pressure and chasing your dreams. The main character’s journey is both heartfelt and inspiring, showing how personal growth can come through following your passion.

It’s a good choice for readers who enjoy music, heart, and stories with cultural flavor. Fans of YA romance with a fun K-pop setting will likely enjoy it.

The writing is easy to follow, with just the right mix of fun and feeling. It’s a great read for anyone looking for a sweet and meaningful story.

Book Recommendations if You Liked XOXO

If you liked XOXO by Axie Oh, you might enjoy other light romance stories with culture, music, and personal growth. These books also focus on teens balancing love, identity, and big life changes.

• I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee: A confident teen enters a K-pop competition, breaking beauty norms and chasing her dreams in front of the world.

• Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo: A famous K-pop idol meets a reporter with secrets in a story that explores identity and escape.

• K-pop Confidential by Stephan Lee: A Korean-American teen becomes a K-pop trainee and learns how tough it is behind the spotlight.

• Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean: A Japanese-American girl learns she’s actually a princess, launching her into royal life and personal change.

• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han: A sweet story about secret love letters, growing up, and finding your voice in a busy household.

Each story brings its own take on young love and self-discovery, perfect for fans of XOXO.

Conclusion

XOXO is a sweet and heartfelt read that blends music, love, and the search for balance. Jenny’s world of classical music and Jaewoo’s life as a K-pop star make for a fresh and interesting mix. Their story is filled with quiet tension, fun scenes, and meaningful choices.

The book speaks to anyone who has ever had to choose between what’s expected and what feels right. Readers will enjoy the cultural setting, the gentle romance, and the ups and downs of young love. It’s easy to root for Jenny and Jaewoo as they try to follow their own paths.

If you enjoy stories with emotional growth, big dreams, and soft romance, XOXO is a great choice. It’s a story about finding connection, even when the odds are stacked high.

More from This Author

Axie Oh writes books that connect emotion, identity, and Korean culture. Her stories often follow young characters on personal and powerful journeys. She studied both creative writing and Korean history, which shows in her work.

Some of her other books include:

• The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea: A retelling of a Korean legend with a brave heroine and a magical realm.

• Rebel Seoul: A sci-fi story set in a future Korea, where loyalty and resistance collide.

• Rogue Heart: The follow-up to Rebel Seoul, adding deeper emotion and new conflict.

Axie Oh’s books are great picks for readers who like stories with heart, growth, and strong cultural settings.