Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho
Perfect for fans of K-pop, rom-coms, or anyone who loves a good “what if?” story about promises kept and hearts reopened
BOOKSKPOP MEDIA
Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho — A Sweet and Swoony K-Pop Romance
If you’re looking for a fun, heart-fluttering YA read with a K-pop twist, look no further than Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho. Published in May 2022, this standalone novel brings together the magic of high school prom, childhood promises, and K-pop stardom - all wrapped up in a charming, romantic tale that’s perfect for fans of both contemporary YA and Korean pop culture.
The Story
Once Upon a K-Prom follows Elena Soo, a quiet, community-focused high schooler who’s more interested in helping her local community center than in the glitz of prom season. Elena is determined to skip prom entirely - that is, until her former best friend, Robbie Choi, suddenly reappears in her life.
But Robbie isn’t just her childhood friend anymore. He’s now a K-pop idol, one of the members of the hugely popular group WDB, and he’s on a mission: to fulfill a promise they made years ago by asking Elena to prom.
As Robbie tries to win her over, Elena struggles with trust, public scrutiny, and figuring out what she really wants - not just about prom, but about herself and her future.
Themes and Feel
At its heart, Once Upon a K-Prom is about:
First love and second chances - exploring whether childhood bonds can survive fame and time apart.
Identity and self-worth - following Elena as she carves her own path outside of expectations, both from her community and from those who want to define her.
Balancing private and public life - offering a peek at the pressures of being connected to a K-pop star.
The book blends romantic comedy vibes with deeper reflections on friendship, loyalty, and what it means to stay true to yourself when life gets complicated.
Why Readers Love It
Authentic references to K-pop fandom culture and idol life.
A sweet, light-hearted romance that still offers depth and emotional growth.
Relatable characters navigating both the ordinary (school, family) and the extraordinary (global fame, media attention).
Kat Cho, who’s also the author of Wicked Fox, brings her signature blend of humor, heart, and Korean cultural elements to this story - making it a standout in the YA romance space.
Once Upon a K-Prom is perfect for fans of K-pop, rom-coms, or anyone who loves a good “what if?” story about promises kept and hearts reopened.
Available now wherever books are sold - and a fun addition to any K-pop fan’s bookshelf!
Check out the Book here: