New York Goodbyes, Seoul Hellos

Min Sori, daughter of a K-pop entertainment CEO and a politician, says goodbye to her best friend Jenny in New York after Fashion Week. She's torn between the glamorous world she's grown up in and the pressure to debut as an idol in Korea. Her return to Seoul is bittersweet: she's excited to see old friends but dreads the expectations waiting for her. Sori's relationship with her mother is distant, her father's political ambitions cast a shadow, and her own dreams are uncertain. The city's energy is both comforting and overwhelming, and Sori is acutely aware that her life is about to change.

Idol Dreams, Real Fears

Back in Seoul, Sori reunites with her best friend Jenny and boyfriend Jaewoo, a member of the idol group XOXO. Sori confides in Jenny that she no longer wants to debut as an idol, despite years of training. She's exhausted by the relentless scrutiny, the lack of agency, and the realization that her passion for music isn't enough to justify the sacrifices. Jenny supports her, but Sori fears disappointing her powerful mother, who sees Sori's debut as a continuation of her own cut-short idol career. The pressure to fulfill others' dreams weighs heavily, and Sori's anxiety grows.

Reunion With Old Flames

A chance encounter brings Sori face-to-face with Nathaniel, her ex-boyfriend and XOXO's lead dancer. Their breakup, forced by a past scandal, left unresolved feelings. The group's world tour brings them all together in New York, and Sori is swept into their orbit again. Old chemistry resurfaces, but so do the risks: public exposure, career-ending rumors, and the pain of repeating past mistakes. Sori is torn between rekindling what she lost and protecting herself and those she loves from the fallout of another scandal.

Family Ties, Public Lies

Sori's family is a battlefield: her mother, Seo Min Hee, is a driven CEO; her father, a politician with a history of affairs, is obsessed with appearances. When a new scandal erupts—her father is caught with another woman—Sori is thrust into the spotlight. The family closes ranks for damage control, but the emotional cost is high. Sori is forced to attend public events, play the dutiful daughter, and keep her own struggles hidden. The experience cements her resolve to live on her own terms, but also shows her how deeply her family's choices shape her life.

Friendship, Fame, and Fallout

Sori leans on her friends—Jenny, Gi Taek, Angela, and the XOXO boys—as she tries to find her place. The group's fame brings both joy and chaos: secret relationships, jealous fans, and the constant threat of exposure. Sori's friendship with Hyemi, a new trainee, becomes a lifeline as they both struggle with the pressures of debut. The lines between friendship and romance blur, and Sori realizes that trust is both precious and fragile in their world. The group's camaraderie is tested by rumors, betrayals, and the ever-present gaze of the public.

The Scandal That Wasn't

A photo surfaces that could ruin Nathaniel's career and Sori's reputation. Quick thinking and loyal friends avert disaster by spinning the story, but the close call leaves everyone shaken. Sori is reminded of the high stakes of idol life: one misstep can destroy everything. The incident forces her to confront her feelings for Nathaniel and the reality that secrecy and sacrifice are the price of love in their world. The group rallies, but the experience leaves scars and deepens Sori's doubts about her future.

Choices at the Crossroads

Sori's mother offers her the chance to lead a new girl group, ASAP, but Sori finally admits she doesn't want to debut. Instead, she's tasked with mentoring Hyemi, whose place in the group is tied to her father's investment in Joah Entertainment. Sori's decision is both liberating and terrifying: she's stepping off the path set for her, risking her mother's disappointment, and venturing into the unknown. The deal with Hyemi's father is fraught with ethical dilemmas, and Sori must balance loyalty, ambition, and her own happiness.

Training, Trust, and Traitors

Sori throws herself into preparing Hyemi for ASAP's debut, navigating group dynamics, cutthroat competition, and the ever-present threat of sabotage. Hyemi's lack of experience and the resentment of other trainees make the task daunting. Sori's own doubts resurface as she questions whether she's helping Hyemi for the right reasons or just trying to please her mother. When a betrayal exposes the deal behind Hyemi's debut, the group is thrown into chaos, and Sori must fight to protect Hyemi and salvage what's left of their trust.

Hearts on the Line

As Sori and Nathaniel grow closer, their relationship becomes harder to hide. The tension between desire and duty reaches a breaking point: Sori must choose between her heart and her responsibilities. The group's hiatus gives them a brief reprieve, but the threat of scandal looms. Sori's friends offer support, but the risks are real: careers, reputations, and futures are at stake. The couple's stolen moments are bittersweet, and Sori is haunted by the fear that loving Nathaniel means losing everything else.

Secrets, Sacrifice, and Scars

A new scandal threatens to destroy everything Sori has worked for. Her father's ultimatum—break up with Nathaniel or lose her chance to save Joah—forces her to confront the limits of sacrifice. Sori's mother, seeing her daughter's pain, finally stands up to her husband and supports Sori's right to choose her own happiness. The experience leaves everyone changed: old wounds are reopened, but new strength is found. Sori learns that secrets can protect, but they also wound, and that true love requires honesty and courage.

The Ferris Wheel Confession

On a Ferris wheel overlooking Seoul, Sori and Nathaniel have a heart-to-heart. Nathaniel confesses his love, but Sori, still bound by fear and duty, can't accept it—yet. The moment is raw and vulnerable, a turning point where both must reckon with what they truly want. The city below is a reminder of the world watching, but in the quiet of the sky, Sori glimpses the possibility of a different future. The confession lingers, unresolved, as both return to their separate lives, changed by what was said and unsaid.

Breaking, Healing, Beginning Again

Sori tries to move on, focusing on her work with ASAP and her friendships. Nathaniel throws himself into music, but both are haunted by what they lost. A crisis with Hyemi brings Sori and her mother together, forcing them to confront their past and redefine their relationship. Sori realizes that healing means letting go of old patterns and embracing new beginnings. With the support of her chosen family, she finds the strength to pursue her own dreams and open her heart again.

The Power of Found Family

As the dust settles, Sori's friends rally around her. Jenny returns from New York, Gi Taek and Angela provide comic relief and unwavering support, and the XOXO boys prove that loyalty runs deeper than blood. The group celebrates their victories and mourns their losses together, forging bonds that withstand fame, scandal, and heartbreak. Sori learns that family isn't just about blood—it's about the people who choose you, stand by you, and love you for who you are.

The Show Must Go On

ASAP's debut is a triumph, thanks in part to Sori's mentorship and Hyemi's resilience. Sori finds fulfillment in her behind-the-scenes role, helping shape the group's identity and supporting the next generation of idols. The experience teaches her that success isn't always about the spotlight; sometimes, it's about lifting others up. The group's performance is a celebration of hard work, friendship, and the courage to be yourself.

Love, Loss, and Letting Go

A final confrontation with her father forces Sori to choose between love and duty once and for all. With her mother's support, she rejects the ultimatum and stands up for her own happiness. Nathaniel, too, learns to let go of the need to protect Sori at his own expense. Their reunion is hard-won, built on honesty, mutual respect, and the willingness to risk everything for love. The scars of the past remain, but they are no longer barriers—they are reminders of how far they've come.

Standing Up, Moving Forward

Sori steps into her power, forging a new path as a creative director and mentor. She reconciles with her mother, finds peace with her father's choices, and embraces the family she's built. Nathaniel and Sori's relationship, once fraught with secrecy and fear, becomes a source of strength and joy. Together, they face the future with hope, ready to weather whatever storms may come.

The Truth About Happiness

Sori learns that happiness isn't about meeting others' expectations or achieving external success—it's about being true to yourself, loving deeply, and finding meaning in connection. The journey is messy, filled with setbacks and heartbreak, but also moments of beauty and grace. Sori's story is a testament to the power of vulnerability, the importance of choice, and the enduring strength of love.

Home Is Who You Choose

In the end, Sori finds home not in a place or a title, but in the people she loves and who love her back. Her relationship with Nathaniel is stronger for having been tested; her friendships are deeper for having weathered storms. Sori's family is no longer defined by blood or obligation, but by choice, trust, and shared dreams. The story closes with Sori and Nathaniel traveling the world together, secure in the knowledge that home is wherever they are—together.

Characters

Min Sori

Sori is the daughter of a powerful entertainment CEO and a politician, raised in the glare of fame and expectation. Outwardly poised and privileged, she is inwardly anxious, self-critical, and desperate for agency. Her journey is one of self-discovery: she must learn to separate her own desires from those imposed by her family and the industry. Sori's relationships—with her mother, her friends, and especially Nathaniel—are fraught with longing, fear, and the need for acceptance. She is fiercely loyal, often to her own detriment, and her greatest growth comes from learning to put herself first without guilt. Sori's arc is about claiming her voice, choosing her own path, and redefining what it means to be successful and loved.

Nathaniel Lee

Nathaniel is XOXO's lead dancer and Sori's ex-boyfriend, a boy whose confidence masks deep vulnerability. He is passionate, loyal, and unafraid to fight for what he loves, but his impulsiveness sometimes leads to trouble. Nathaniel's greatest fear is losing Sori, and his willingness to risk everything for her is both his strength and his weakness. He struggles with the constraints of idol life, the need to protect his group, and the pain of past scandals. Nathaniel's journey is about learning to balance love with responsibility, to let go when necessary, and to trust that he is worthy of happiness. His relationship with Sori is the emotional heart of the story, a testament to the power of second chances and honest vulnerability.

Seo Min Hee

Sori's mother is a former idol turned entertainment mogul, a woman who has sacrificed much for her career and her daughter. She is driven, exacting, and often emotionally distant, but her love for Sori is fierce and unwavering. Min Hee's arc is about learning to let go—of control, of old wounds, and of the need to live vicariously through her daughter. Her support for Sori, hard-won and imperfect, is a turning point in both their lives. Min Hee embodies the challenges faced by women in power, the cost of ambition, and the possibility of redemption through vulnerability and trust.

Woo Hyemi

Hyemi is a new addition to ASAP, her place in the group secured by her father's investment. She is sweet, earnest, and desperate to prove herself, but struggles with imposter syndrome and the weight of others' expectations. Hyemi's journey mirrors Sori's: she must learn to trust her own worth, to find her voice, and to accept help without shame. Her friendship with Sori is transformative for both, a reminder that support and mentorship can change lives. Hyemi's arc is about resilience, the power of chosen family, and the courage to keep going when the world doubts you.

Jaewoo

Jaewoo is XOXO's main vocalist and Jenny's boyfriend, a grounding presence in the chaos of idol life. He is warm, reliable, and quietly ambitious, providing stability for both Sori and Nathaniel. Jaewoo's relationship with Jenny is a model of healthy love, built on trust, communication, and mutual support. He is the glue that holds the group together, often mediating conflicts and offering perspective. Jaewoo's arc is less about personal transformation and more about the quiet heroism of showing up for others, even when it's hard.

Jenny Go

Jenny is Sori's best friend, a talented musician studying in New York. She is empathetic, funny, and unafraid to challenge Sori when needed. Jenny's own relationship with Jaewoo provides a counterpoint to Sori's struggles, showing that love can survive distance, fame, and adversity. Jenny is Sori's confidante and anchor, reminding her of her worth and encouraging her to pursue happiness on her own terms. Her presence is a testament to the importance of friendship, honesty, and unconditional support.

Sun

Sun is XOXO's leader, the heir to a conglomerate, and a master of keeping his emotions in check. He is pragmatic, sometimes cold, but deeply loyal to his friends. Sun's arc is about learning to open up, to trust others with his vulnerabilities, and to accept that strength can coexist with softness. His friendship with Sori is marked by mutual respect and a shared understanding of the burdens of privilege. Sun is a reminder that leadership is about service, not control, and that true power lies in connection.

Gi Taek & Angela

Gi Taek and Angela are Sori's friends from high school, providing levity and perspective throughout her journey. They are quick-witted, fiercely loyal, and unafraid to call Sori out when she's being self-destructive. Their friendship is a safe haven, a space where Sori can be herself without judgment. Gi Taek and Angela's presence underscores the importance of laughter, honesty, and the kind of love that asks nothing in return.

Min Kyung-mo (Sori's father)

Sori's father is a master of appearances, more concerned with public image than genuine connection. His repeated affairs and manipulations have left Sori wary and distrustful. Kyung-mo's arc is a cautionary tale about the cost of ambition without empathy, and the damage wrought by conditional love. His relationship with Sori is fraught, but ultimately pushes her to define her own values and boundaries.

Ajumma

Ajumma is Sori's housekeeper and surrogate mother, a steady presence in a world of chaos. She is nurturing, wise, and unafraid to speak her mind. Ajumma's love is unconditional, providing Sori with the stability and acceptance she craves. Her role is a reminder that family is not just about blood, but about the people who choose to love and care for you, no matter what.

Plot Devices

Dual Worlds: Public Persona vs. Private Self

The novel's central tension is the divide between public image and private reality. Sori and her friends must constantly perform for the world, hiding their true selves to protect their careers and loved ones. This device is used to explore themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and the cost of secrecy. The narrative structure alternates between moments of public spectacle—concerts, scandals, award shows—and intimate, private conversations, highlighting the contrast and the toll it takes on the characters.

Scandal and Sacrifice

Scandal is both a plot engine and a metaphor for the risks of intimacy. The threat of exposure drives much of the action: Sori and Nathaniel's relationship, Hyemi's place in ASAP, and the family's public image. Sacrifice—of dreams, love, and personal happiness—is a recurring motif, forcing characters to confront what they are willing to lose for the sake of others. The use of foreshadowing (rumors, paparazzi, leaked photos) keeps tension high and underscores the precariousness of their world.

Found Family and Chosen Bonds

The story's emotional core is the idea that family is chosen, not given. Sori's journey is one of building a support network outside her dysfunctional family: friends, mentors, and lovers who accept her unconditionally. This device is used to challenge traditional notions of loyalty and obligation, and to show that true belonging comes from mutual trust and acceptance. The narrative structure weaves together multiple relationships, showing how each contributes to Sori's growth and healing.

Parallel Arcs and Mirrored Conflicts

Sori's struggles are mirrored in those of Hyemi, Nathaniel, and her mother, creating a web of parallel arcs. Each character faces a crossroads: to conform or rebel, to sacrifice or claim happiness, to hide or reveal their true selves. These mirrored conflicts allow for rich character development and thematic resonance, as victories and failures echo across the cast. The use of callbacks (e.g., the Ferris wheel, the red carpet, the family scandals) ties the narrative together and reinforces the story's central questions.

Symbolic Settings and Motifs

Key settings—the family home, the idol dorm, the [Ferris wheel](#symbolic-

Last updated: May 20, 2025