Shine (Jessica Jung novel)

Shine

Company type	Novel
Industry	Publishing
Founded	September 29, 2020 (2020-09-29)
Founder	Jessica Jung
Products	Young adult romance novel
Parent	Simon & Schuster

Shine is a contemporary young adult romance novel authored by Korean-American singer Jessica Jung. It was released by Simon & Schuster on September 29, 2020. Jung’s narrative draws heavily from her personal insights into the South Korean music scene.

A follow-up titled Bright was published on May 10, 2022.

Plot

Rachel Kim, a 17-year-old trainee at DB Entertainment—a prominent K-pop agency recognized for its rigorous and cutthroat atmosphere—struggles with hostility from fellow trainees, particularly Choo Mina, who targets her due to Rachel’s Korean-American heritage and living arrangements. While Rachel’s mother initially supports her pursuit of training, she becomes increasingly worried about the potential consequences on Rachel’s future.

Rachel harbors feelings for Jason Lee, a member of DB’s boy band. At a party, Mina drugs Rachel, causing her to miss an important evaluation, which results in Rachel losing the opportunity to debut alongside Jason. Jason finds the situation amusing, and Mina is selected in Rachel’s place.

Guided by her mentor Chung Yujin, Rachel records a duet with Jason that is anonymously released online and gains viral popularity. Subsequently, DB’s CEO Mr. Noh permits both Rachel and Mina to perform with Jason.

Despite DB’s strict no-dating policy, Rachel and Jason begin a secret relationship and develop genuine affection for each other. When Rachel’s mother discovers footage of Rachel being drugged at the party, she demands that Rachel must debut before the next company tour or cease training altogether.

DB’s top star Kang Jina announces she will not renew her contract amid rumors of diva-like conduct. After encountering Jina intoxicated and learning that she was terminated for violating the no-dating rule and subjected to a negative smear campaign, Rachel decides to end her romance with Jason.

The song featuring Mina, Rachel, and Jason gains traction, leading to a promotional tour where Rachel briefly connects with Mina before tensions resurface following Mina’s injury caused by wearing Rachel’s shoes. During this tour, Rachel rekindles her relationship with Jason.

Photos revealing Rachel and Jason dating leak alongside images of Mina and Jason, exposing that DB orchestrated these relationships as part of a publicity strategy for Jason’s solo debut. While Mina and Jason were aware participants, Rachel was kept uninformed due to her lack of acting skills. Despite Jason’s sincere emotions, Rachel chooses to break up with him but opts to remain with DB after encouragement from her mother.

Rachel is appointed as the lead vocalist of DB’s upcoming girl group; Mina assumes the role of lead dancer and blackmails Rachel with footage of an undisclosed kiss between Rachel and Jason. Although bullying persists during group rehearsals, Rachel ultimately destroys Mina’s phone shortly before their debut performance.

Kim family

Rachel Kim: The central character and 17-year-old trainee idol at DB Entertainment. Born in the United States, she relocated to Korea at age 11 after being accepted into DB's training program. She is driven but socially reserved. She becomes part of the idol group Girls Forever.

Leah Kim: Rachel’s 13-year-old younger sister who attempts to capitalize on Rachel's trainee status for social advantage and later joins DB as a trainee herself.

Umma: The mother of Rachel and Leah; she is strict and highly focused on securing successful futures for her children.

Appa: Their father; a compassionate and diligent man who operates a struggling boxing gym.

Choo family

Choo Mina: Rachel's chief adversary and tormentor at DB. Proud and cunning, she secretly struggles under her family's high demands. Becomes a member of Girls Forever.

Choo Minhee: Mina's father, a dominant chaebol who leverages his fortune to sway DB’s decisions. Known for his strict and uncompromising demeanor.

Lee family

Jason Lee: A mixed-race idol from Next Boyz, compassionate yet naive about the harsh realities of DB’s industry. Experiences a sense of exclusion in both Korean and Canadian cultures.

Jason's parents: A separated pair; his father is Caucasian Canadian, while his late mother was a Korean immigrant. Following her passing, affluent relatives assumed custody of Jason.

DB staff

Mr. Noh: The CEO of DB Entertainment, who is cold and strategic but maintains a paternal facade to foster a "family-like" atmosphere within the company.

Chung Yujin: The lead trainer responsible for recruiting and guiding Rachel; known for being strict yet encouraging.

Kang Jina: Former Electric Flower idol whose career was terminated by DB due to her relationship, which led to her expulsion and defamation.

Mr. Han, Mr. Lim, Ms. Shim: Executives at DB who participate in assembling idol groups; Mr. Han is suggested to have had a personal involvement with Mina.

DB trainees

Akari Masuda: A Japanese dance expert and Rachel’s closest companion, later transferred to another K-pop agency during Rachel’s tour.

Im Lizzie & Shin Eunji: Initially bullies of Rachel who subsequently join Girls Forever.

Choi Sunhee, Lee Jiyoon, Ryu Sumin, Shim Ari, Yoon Youngeun: Members comprising the group Girls Forever.

Other

Song Gyumin: Idol from Ten Stars and Kang Jina’s secret boyfriend; although pressured by the company to end their relationship, he faces no disciplinary action.

Cho Hyeri & Cho Juhyun: Rachel’s affluent twin schoolmates known for their gossiping nature but kind-hearted personalities.

Daeho: Fellow student entangled in a romantic triangle involving Hyeri and Juhyun.

Reception

Shine achieved status as a New York Times Bestseller, entering at #5 on the Young Adult Hardcover chart. Hannah Rachel Abraham from The Tempest awarded it 6.5 out of 10, critiquing its shallow character development and foreseeable storyline but commending its portrayal of K-pop industry struggles, calling it "an enjoyable read." Tiffany Jillian Go of Metro Style described the narrative as "captivating enough to maintain interest until the conclusion," despite some flaws. Kirkus Reviews labeled the novel a "quick-moving, entertaining adventure," emphasizing its incorporation of Korean language and cultural elements.