K-POP Now!

“It’s an enjoyable and informative read which strikes a good balance between out-and-out fandom and critique, and can be warmly recommended.” –London Korean Links“This book provides rare insights into the personalities and inner workings of the fascinating world of K-Pop. Mark Russell not only explores and explains this vibrant musical phenomenon–he provides a window onto a trend that is shaping popular youth culture throughout Asia and the world. K-Pop Now! is an essential read for everyone who wants to understand the evolving popular tastes in this vital part of the globe.” –Gwen Robinson, Financial Times Southeast Asia correspondent“Mark Russell understands popular Korean music as well as anyone, Korean or foreign, and his latest effort doesn’t disappoint. K-Pop Now! gives an honest, fascinating account of the development of the K-pop machine, and is written with obvious enthusiasm for the subject. Mr. Russell goes beyond the boy bands and girl groups, and is as comfortable discussing Cho Yong-pil as he is 2PM. Korea’s star is rising, thanks in part to its music industry. If you want to know how that industry works, who the main players are, and what the future holds for them, look no further than this book.” –Daniel Tudor, former Korea correspondent for The Economist and author of Korea: The Impossible Country

Mark James Russell has been living in Korea since 1996, covering Korean pop culture for such publications as the New York Times, Billboard, and Newsweek. His 2008 book, Pop Goes Korea, looked at how Korea became a pop culture powerhouse.