The Hallyu wave, or the global spread of Korean pop culture, has left a significant impact in Indonesia. With K-pop idols dominating music charts and TV screens, it was only a matter of time before their influence permeated other aspects of popular culture. Enter K-pop-inspired readers—a generation of young Indonesians who find inspiration in K-pop’s vibrant aesthetics, compelling narratives, and dedicated fandoms, and apply these elements to their literary pursuits.

These young Indonesians create K-pop book clubs, enthusiastic communities that bring together fans who share a common love for Korean pop music and literature. These book clubs are a fusion of two diverse interests, creating spaces where fans can explore and discuss not only the latest music releases and fandom activities but also a wide range of books from various authors to which they are introduced by their beloved idols.

One popular example is the Indonesia Army Reading Club, which started its activity in December 2020. ARMY refers to the massive fan base of the popular group BTS. The book club is comprised of passionate BTS fans who are also avid readers and are eager to combine their love for literature with their enthusiasm for BTS. This movement is inspired by members of BTS, Namjoon especially, who love reading and sharing glimpses of their book collections with fans.

Social media is one of the key factors that drive the growth of K-pop-inspired readers. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become virtual gathering spaces for K-pop and book enthusiasts alike, fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals. For example, Seventeen’s Indonesian fans have created @17slibrary, Day6 fans have founded @myday6reads, NCT fans run @readersijeuni, Ateez fans manage @atinythereaders, and many more.

These K-pop book clubs are not simply about books and music. They’re also places for fans to form meaningful connections and share experiences. From July to October 2023, these book clubs joined forces to create a big online event called Indonesia Hallyu Book Festival. This is the first book festival for K-pop-inspired Indonesian readers supported by LTI Korea.

The festival kicked off with the Korean Literature Review Contest where participants shared on social media their passionate reviews, thoughts, and interpretations. Several discussions about books read by K-pop idols and their influences on readers were held on Instagram Live. Those curious about the intricacies of literary translation joined the Peeking into the Kitchen of Korean Literary Translation event, to which expert translators were invited. The event transported participants into the world of literary publishing through an interactive session with a local publisher.

As the festival unfolded, participants were treated to a compelling glimpse into the lives of Korean literary editors. This session allowed participants to understand the creative collaboration and meticulous craftsmanship that shape the final versions of their beloved Korean novels. It also gave immersive experiences into the behind-the-scene efforts required to bring Korean books to bookshelves.

The festival left participants with ignited new passion to celebrate the power of an art that transcends borders and languages. With hearts and minds enriched, this festival renews their appreciation for both music and literature that enhance their fan experience.

Korean Bookstores in Indonesia

Life Pattern Indonesia is the pioneer of online Korean bookstores in Indonesia since 2020. They are part of the Life Pattern Korea network, a retail bookstore that distributes in Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Thailand. The bookstore stocks cultural books, cookbooks, and language learning materials, fostering an interest in Korean traditions and language among Indonesian readers. Another online bookstore that focuses on Korean literature is Danggeun Bookstore. It is a new independent bookstore dedicated to selling Korean books online. It offers a great selection of curated Korean literature, including contemporary novels, traditional literature, children’s books, and language learning resources, ensuring that readers can explore various genres from fiction and poetry to non-fiction, all penned by talented Korean authors.