Stephan Lee delivers a highly satisfying sequel/conclusion to K-Pop Confidential with Revolution as Candace becomes the head of big changes in the K-Pop industry and S.A.Y. Entertainment. Or so she thinks?

With the bombshell she dropped on live television, Candace’s life is left in what seems to be ruins but with the widespread support she gains for her radical honesty, S.A.Y. Entertainment saves face by hiring a new fresh CEO and bringing Candace back in the fold to continue her dream to become a K-Pop idol.

Yeah, I was on Cadence’s side in being intially suspicious of this about-face. It seems too perfect, too easy but new CEO Lena seems so young and millenial and understanding I was eased into it too. I mean the woman offered them candy and mental health checks, it seemed like they were really making an effort to listen to what new consumers wanted for the new K-Pop industry.

But Lee keeps it intriguing and fastpaced. The previous book covered training to be an idol, this details what it takes to be an idol starting their debut, All-Kill signals, MV and Music Show competitions. You thought training was tough? Being an idol can eat you alive. Not only with the constant work hours, and practicing intense in-sync choreography. But there’s the reality show, (unlike the US it doesn’t promote catfights but does encourage each girl to fit a role), brand representation and in Candace’s case, school.

Luckily, YoungBae’s at school too but she gets precious little time with him in between due to the aforementioned debut work. But she does meet some cool, fellow K-pop idol friends who add to the revolutionary themes presented in the book.

But the big issue that Lee dealt with in this novel is the mental strain it takes to become an idol. I mean, Lee takes Candace to a dark, self loathing, paranoid place after a while. When thousands of people are saying you’re an awful person, who’s to say it isn’t true? When it feels like you’ve strayed from your beliefs, that you’re a disappointment, and bringing everyone down. It was intense, it was awful and I applaud Lee for going there. Especially as he builds up the gaslighting and underhanded tactics S.A.Y. throws at her, it was almost like a psychological thriller.

But there is light too. I enjoyed how Lee and Candace herself connects the importance of K-Pop music is to so many fans. Why it brings them together and how the pursuit of K-Pop stardom isn’t just about the fame perks but the creative connection you get showing your art and doing what you love. Creativity is needed for life and K-Pop is a big epitome of what creates Korean culture, just as much as history and economy. It’s all interconnected really.

It also related a bit to Candace’s heritage. Not ever fitting in between both worlds but that she’s able to gleam important lessons from both, especially from her mother and grandfather. I seriously adored her mom’s message:

“Candance, you have such a beautiful heart. . . This, I’m not worried about. Nothing can harm this, because your abba and I have prayed every day and every night since you were born to protect it from harm- think of all our hopes and loves swirling around it, guarding it, like a force field. But this. . .” She brings her finger up to my fore head. “This you need to take good care of. Bad people and bad thoughts can get in here if you’re not vigilant. Promise me, you’ll guard it as fiercely as I would guard it for you. Your heart, no one ca reach; your mind you need to protect it at all costs,” (Lee 106).

Additionally, there’s a bit more diversity in the book thanks to NeverIdol which allows Candace to comment on the male-female double standards/ racism/homophobia/sizeism inherant to K-Pop’s manufactured perfection and how it relates to the elder generation’s control of the future.

Also all the characters from the previous book return like Helena, Aram, even those who didn’t make the cut like Binna and JinJoon make appearances to show what has happened to them since. Really, all the characters, new and old are given wonderful conclusions to their arcs.

Oh and as for the love triangle from the previous book, it’s not as present here because let’s face it Candace has no time but there’s a bit of tease between them all. But. . . I think it all ends very satisfactorily. Now I’m going to keep my lips zipped about that.

The ending was a bit unrealistic-wish fufilment buuut it was such a good duology and Candace really showed her courage and strength I don’t really mind. She deserved it. Overall, it’s another addictive read that is exciting for K-Pop fans yet accessible to K-pop novices like myself. Also it’s just amazing how well Lee connects to the mind of a teenage girl