XOXO REVIEW

Xoxo
By Axie Oh
Publisher: Harperteen
Paperback: 337
Published: 12th July 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance  
Korean Writing
Reading Year: 2026









XOXO by Axie Oh follows the story of Jenny and Jaewoo, who meet unexpectedly in Los Angeles at Jenny’s uncle’s karaoke bar. What begins as a magical evening filled with dancing, singing, and exploring the city comes to an abrupt end when Jaewoo suddenly leaves. Three months later, Jenny and her mother move to South Korea to care for her ailing grandmother, and she enrols in one of Seoul’s most prestigious arts academies. To her surprise, she crosses paths with Jaewoo once again — only to discover that he is a member of Korea’s most popular idol group, XOXO. From there, the story unfolds into a sweet and dreamy romance.

Let's talk about the other aspect of the book. What makes it fast-paced is its smooth and engaging writing. The language flows effortlessly, making it a quick and enjoyable read, while the narration keeps the story moving at a steady pace without feeling dull. The character development is also well handled; both the main and supporting characters played their part well.
As someone who has little interest in romance—especially teenage romance—I must admit this was not entirely my usual cup of tea. At times, the romance felt somewhat flat, and parts of the story leaned heavily into an idealised, almost dreamlike world. Several plot points relied on rather unrealistic coincidences and oversimplified situations. For instance, meeting someone by chance, losing contact, and then moving across the world only to end up at the same school in a city of millions felt a little too convenient. These narrative choices made the story less believable to me and were a significant reason I settled on a 3-star rating.

That said, what kept me engaged was the rich Korean cultural backdrop. As someone who enjoys K-dramas and Korean culture, I appreciated the atmosphere the book created and found myself turning pages largely because of that element. Another highlight was the heartwarming bond between the members of XOXO—Sun, Nathaniel, Jaewoo, and Youngmin. Their genuine care and affection for one another added emotional depth to the story, and I always find such supportive friendships incredibly comforting to read about. I also loved Sori’s character and the role she played in the narrative.

Would I recommend it?
Yes—but to a specific reader.
This book is best suited for readers who enjoy teenage romance, college romance, or romance stories set in an idealised, dreamy world. It is also a perfect pick for readers who love K-dramas, K-pop culture, and Korean culture, as it captures the familiar trope of a handsome, talented, admired, and seemingly perfect male lead paired with an ordinary girl navigating everyday struggles.
While it may not appeal equally to every reader, XOXO is certainly a recommendable read for those who enjoy these genres and themes. For me, while the romance itself did not fully resonate, the cultural immersion and the warmth of the friendships made the journey worthwhile.

My Rating:

3/5

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