Seoulmates by Susan Lee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Seoulmates in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Seoulmates by Susan Lee is a sweet and sincere young adult romance with plenty of heart. It blends childhood friendship, K-drama glam, and questions of identity into a breezy coming-of-age story. At its best, the book feels like a warm summer drama—with just enough tension to keep you turning the pages. Still, it doesn’t always dig as deep as it could, and that keeps it from being truly unforgettable.
The Details
The story follows Hannah Cho, a Korean American teen who’s having a rough summer. Her best friend moved away years ago. Her boyfriend just dumped her. And she’s feeling disconnected—from her culture, her friends, and even herself. Then Jacob Kim shows up. He’s Hannah’s former best friend turned rising K-drama star, and he’s back in Las Vegas for a break from the spotlight.
Their reunion sparks a whirlwind of emotions. Old memories resurface. Chemistry builds. But things aren’t as simple as they once were, and both Hannah and Jacob have some growing to do. Their romance is soft, believable, and rooted in genuine connection. If you’re a fan of childhood-friends-to-lovers, you’ll likely enjoy their journey.
One of the strongest parts of the book is its exploration of cultural identity. Hannah struggles with feeling “not Korean enough,” especially in a community where she often feels like an outsider. These moments feel real and grounded. Susan Lee handles them with care, and readers from bicultural backgrounds will likely see themselves in Hannah’s quiet frustration.
That said, Seoulmates doesn’t always make the most of its potential. The story follows a very familiar rom-com path—misunderstandings, makeups, and clean resolutions. You can guess most of the major plot points well before they happen. While there’s nothing wrong with a predictable story, it becomes a missed opportunity when deeper emotional arcs stay at the surface.
Several secondary characters fade into the background, including Hannah’s friends and family. Their presence feels more like a backdrop than a meaningful part of her world. Even some of the more serious emotional moments—like those involving career pressure, heartbreak, or racism—get resolved a little too neatly.
Still, Lee’s writing is accessible and engaging. She captures a teenage voice without trying too hard, and the pacing moves quickly. The K-drama influence adds sparkle to the narrative, especially for fans of the genre. It adds energy and flair, even when the plot itself plays it safe.
In the end, Seoulmates is a light, enjoyable read. It’s perfect for fans of YA romance, K-pop/K-drama vibes, and stories about rediscovering your roots. If you’re looking for a comforting story with heart—and don’t mind a little predictability—it’s worth picking up. Just don’t expect anything groundbreaking.
The Verdict
Overall 3 stars. Cute and culturally rich, but emotionally shallow in places. A strong debut, but not quite a standout.
