BTS Book Influence Global Readership

BTS, the global K-pop sensation, has not only revolutionized the music industry but also significantly impacted the world of literature. The books recommended or even subtly associated with the group consistently skyrocket to bestseller status, leading to reprints, translations, and worldwide availability.

From books directly read by the members to those inspiring their albums or simply appearing in their social media posts or variety show appearances, the “BTS effect” on book sales is undeniable.

Their dedicated fanbase, ARMY, meticulously compiles reading lists and actively participates in book clubs, exploring the literary works that resonate with their favorite artists. These curated lists now boast hundreds of titles.

This article highlights a carefully selected book recommendation for each BTS member, focusing on titles readily accessible to English-speaking readers.

RM’s Pick: ‘That Summer’s End’ by Lee Seong-bok

RM, the leader of BTS, is known for his voracious reading habits. His diverse literary tastes are reflected in the books he reads, spanning classic and contemporary fiction, poetry, essays, and art books.

In 2022, RM shared the cover of “That Summer’s End” on social media, bringing renewed attention to the Korean poet Lee Seong-bok. This collection, initially published in 1990, is Lee’s third. The title poem uses the image of a crape myrtle enduring seasonal storms to reflect on love and despair.

An English translation by Anton Hur is scheduled for release this August, making it more accessible to international readers.

RM’s other notable reads include “Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982” by Cho Nam-joo, “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” by Baek Se-hee, and “Human Acts” by Han Kang.

Jungkook’s Pick: ‘I Decided to Live as Me’ by Kim Su-hyun

Kim Su-hyun’s “I Decided to Live as Me,” a blend of memoir and self-help advice, was already a bestseller in Korea before Jungkook was seen with it on the reality series “Bon Voyage!”

The book is structured as a series of approximately 70 reflections and to-do items, divided into six sections, beginning with “Do not be polite to those who are not polite to you.”

Kim’s essays, including this title, have sold over 2 million copies in Korea and consistently topped bestseller lists. Translated into more than a dozen languages and published in over 25 countries, the book has found significant success, particularly in Japan. Anton Hur also translated the English edition.

Jungkook also mentioned reading “1cm+” by Kim Eun-ju before bed in an interview; this essay collection has since been published in over 10 countries, including France.

Suga’s Pick: ‘Almond’ by Sohn Won-pyung

A scene in the 2020 reality series “BTS In the Soop” showed Suga and RM reading “Almond” during a quiet break, drawing attention to Sohn Won-pyung’s novel.

The book centers around Yunjae, a 16-year-old born with a condition that hinders his ability to feel emotions. As he navigates loss and forms an unexpected friendship with a troubled classmate, the coming-of-age story explores the transformative power of connection through love, friendship, and perseverance.

“Almond,” widely popular across age groups, has sold over 1 million copies in Korea and has been translated into more than 30 languages. The English edition is translated by Sandy Joosun Lee.

Suga’s recommendations also include “Life Lessons” by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler, “Reinventing Your Life” by Janet S. Klosko and Jeffrey Young, and “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.

J-hope’s Pick: ‘I See You Like I See a Flower’ by Na Tae-joo

According to data released by Yes24, “I See You Like a Flower” by Na Tae-joo is the best-selling poetry collection in Korea over the past decade.

Published in 2015, the book has consistently maintained its popularity, appearing on bestseller lists for extended periods and appealing to readers of all ages. This collection features some of Na’s most frequently quoted poems.

Fans have spotted copies of the book in J-Hope’s studio, and during a television appearance, he recited Na’s poem “When I Look at You.” In an interview, the poet expressed his gratitude for the attention, calling the artist “very lovely.”

Other public figures, such as Jisoo of Blackpink and actors Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum, have also mentioned the collection.

J-hope’s reading list includes “Almond” by Sohn and “Around the World in Eighty Days” by Jules Verne.

Jimin’s Pick: ‘Essays After Eighty’ by Donald Hall

During a concept meeting for BTS’ new album in a 2020 YouTube video, Jimin mentioned reading a book by an 89-year-old author. He described it as a reflection on aging that challenges rigid distinctions between youth and old age.

Fans later identified the book as “Essays After Eighty” by Donald Hall. In this collection, Hall reflects on memory, loss, and the realities of aging with candor and without sentimentality, shifting between past and present with flashes of dark humor. He revisits personal habits and turning points, tracing how each stage of life has reshaped him.

Other titles on Jimin’s reading list include “Between Calm and Passion” by Ekuni Kaori and Tsuji Hitonari, a two-part novel told from dual perspectives on love and longing, and “The Book of Answers” by Carol Bolt, an interactive book offering concise, often enigmatic responses to personal questions.

Jin’s Pick: ‘The Miracles of the Namiya General Store’ by Keigo Higashino

“The Miracles of the Namiya General Store” by Keigo Higashino has been a bestseller in Korea for years.

This Japanese novel tells the story of three petty thieves who seek refuge in an abandoned shop and find themselves exchanging letters with people from 30 years in the past. Blending fantasy with themes of empathy and redemption, it unfolds as a series of interconnected stories about advice, regret, and second chances.

Jin has been seen reading the book on several occasions, including while getting his makeup done, and has mentioned it in interviews.

His reading list also includes “Almond” by Sohn — also read by J-Hope and Suga — “Demian” by Hermann Hesse, a coming-of-age novel exploring identity and self-realization, and “I’m Glad You Lived Like Bonobono” by Kim Shin-hoe, a reflective essay collection inspired by the gentle, introspective world of the “Bonobono” character.

V’s Pick: ‘Please Look After Mom’ by Shin Kyung-sook

“Please Look After Mom” by Shin Kyung-sook achieved major literary success in Korea after its 2009 release, selling over a million copies within 10 months and later earning international acclaim. Chi-Young Kim’s English translation won the 2011 Man Asian Literary Prize.

The novel follows a family’s search for their missing mother, revealing the desires, sacrifices, and secrets they had long overlooked in the process.

V mentioned reading the book in a video with RM, recalling that a fan had recommended it to him at a signing event.

More recently, he shared a photo on Instagram holding “I Like Things I Don’t Understand” by Cho Mal-seon. Published in 2022 as the 172nd volume in Munhakdongne’s respected poetry series, it is the poet’s fourth collection. The book reflects on unfamiliarity and quiet moments of dissonance in everyday life.