We spoke with Jessica Yoon – author of the newly-released, BLACKPINK: A Little Golden Book Biography and her forthcoming novel, KPop Demon Hunters: The Official Deluxe Junior Novelization. Written by Jessica Yoon and illustrated by Honee Jang, BLACKPINK A Little Golden Book Biography is part of the “Little Golden Book Biographies” series which features the life stories behind influential stars, including BTS and Lady Gaga among many others.
Jessica unpacks so much in this interview, from Asian American representation and Korean culture to her journey as a published author, as well as discussing her forthcoming novel, KPop Demon Hunters. Read on to find out more!
1. Hi Jessica, can you begin by telling us your story around being a BLACKPINK fan? When did you first become a BLINK and what drew you to the group?
Hi Filmotomy! Thank you so much for having me! I first encountered BLACKPINK on American radio. When I heard the music, I was like, Wait, did I just hear Korean? It was really cool because I grew up on the first-generation K-pop groups who weren’t really known outside Asia.
I started out as a casual listener of BLACKPINK and thought their music was really catchy. But one of my good friends is a BLINK, and she got me more into the group and their girl crush vibe. Later, I found out my sister-in-law and one of my other friends were also BLINKs, so we all had fun anticipating their new music and shows!
Image courtesy of Jessica Yoon
2. What is your background in writing? Can you briefly explain your journey to becoming a published author?
My writing journey didn’t begin until late 2021 after I had kids. Our family reads a lot together, and I noticed there weren’t many picture books with Korean or Korean American main characters. This was also around the time there was a surge of anti-Asian hate amidst the pandemic. It filled me with an urgency to see more Asian stories, and I decided to write my own.
Over the years, I did a lot of research into the publishing industry, landed my amazing literary agent, and BLACKPINK: A Little Golden Book Biography became my first published book (with more books on the way)!
3. Can you talk us through the research stages towards writing a biography for the biggest girl band in the world right now? And how much research did the book entail?
I did a ton of research. Then I watched their Netflix documentary, read interviews they gave and articles about them, listened to podcasts they were on, etc. I focused a lot on primary sources to see how BLACKPINK described their own journey. And I also made sure to address any questions my editor had about the group too.
In the end, I compiled much more information than could fit in a 24-page picture book. But it was important to get enough context so I could distill the core of their story and include details that would interest young readers.
4. Do you have a favourite line from BLACKPINK: A Little Golden Book Biography? Also, why do BLINKS have to get their hands (or pink hammers) on a copy?
My favorite line is at the end of the book, signaling BLACKPINK’s accomplishments to date as well as what’s to come.
“As they look toward the future, one thing is certain—on stage or on the screen, apart or together, BLACKPINK will light up the sky!”
Like all BLINKs, I am very excited for the new album they’re dropping in February!
Honee Jang, who illustrated the book, and I were really honored to have the book featured on Billboard, where it was called “a great gift for BLINKs of all ages looking to learn more about the girl group they love.” We think that fellow BLINKs will enjoy adding this piece of memorabilia to their collections. It’s a fun read for little BLINKs-to-be and looks so cute on a shelf display!
Image courtesy of Jessica Yoon
5. What tips would you recommend to other writers looking to get their book published?
The first thing is to familiarize yourself with the age group and genre you want to write in. Read recently published books to give you an idea of what’s expected in terms of word count, themes, tropes, etc. From there you can experiment!
My second piece of advice is to find your community. Writing is a solitary process, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. The road to publication is a long one with tons of bumps along the way, and having your writing friends in your corner to commiserate and celebrate is the best!
6. How would you say BLACKPINK has influenced and positively impacted Korean culture around the world, especially in terms of representation?
I think music in general is a really lovely entry point for learning more about different cultures. And as the biggest girl group in the world, BLACKPINK have really become de facto cultural ambassadors. Whether it be through Korean lyrics, modern hanbok outfits, or a hanok set design, BLACKPINK fans who are unfamiliar with Korea will be exposed to elements of Korean culture, and I hope they will be drawn to learn more. And for myself and others who share Korean heritage, it’s wonderful to see individuals who look like me positively represented in music, fashion, and more broadly, on the world stage.
7. Have BLACKPINK read your book, or will they be receiving their very own copies?
Ah, I wish! Honee and I have tried to get in contact with them, but it’s been very difficult as you can imagine. So, if anyone has a hookup, please let me know. I’d love to send them copies!
Image courtesy of Jessica Yoon
8. One of your forthcoming books, titled KPop Demon Hunters: The Deluxe Junior Novelization is set to release in March 2026. Can you tell us any details or sneak peeks into its release?
I’m so, so excited for this book! The first time I watched KPop Demon Hunters, I knew how special it was. It also came as no surprise that HUNTRIX was based on BLACKPINK. Both groups are so talented and really exemplify girl power!
After watching the movie, I immediately emailed my literary agent and told him I needed to be the author of the Little Golden Book version if one were to be published. At the time, Random House didn’t have the rights to the IP, but fast forward a few months, and an editor there emailed me to see if I would be interested in writing the junior novelization. Of course, I could only respond with an enthusiastic YES!
I wrote with the mandate that the novelization be true to the film, so fans can expect an accurate retelling that includes all the characters they know and love. I really tried to capture the energy, humor, and emotion from the movie. In addition to the text, the book will include sixteen pages with full-color images from the movie.
9. And finally, which social media platforms can writers find and follow you on?
You can find me at jessicayoon.com or on Instagram at @jessyoonwrites. I also announce book news, give behind the scenes stories about my work, and host giveaways for subscribers in my newsletter: jessyoonwrites.substack.com. Thanks again for having me!
Thanks so much, Jessica! BLACKPINK: A Little Golden Book Biography is out now across major retailers, including Barnes & Noble in the US and on Amazon worldwide. Jessica Yoon’s forthcoming book, KPop Demon Hunters: The Official Deluxe Junior Novelization is released on 31st March 2026.
Want to read more about BLACKPINK? Catch up on our review of BLACKPINK at Wembley Stadium – the Deadline Tour here. We’re also super excited about BLACKPINK’s highly-anticipated new mini album, Deadline which is set to be released on 27th February 2026.
