Hyuk-jae: K-pop Runaway

Born in Flushing, Queens, New York to Korean immigrants, Hyuk-jae was hurried away to South Korea while still a young child. His parents were trying to spare him from the trappings of hip-hop culture. To their dismay, his origins in NYC (the birthplace of hip-hop), and fluency in English made him popular among his South Korean peers. Upon graduating high school, Hyuk-jae's hip-hop hobby catapulted him into international stardom.

Now in his late twenties, Hyuk-jae finds himself constantly surrounded by handlers, security personnel, and paparazzi. During his triumphant return to NYC to perform at Madison Square Garden, he decided to escape his fame. After an elaborate caper to exit his hotel room unnoticed, Hyuk-jae collided with a middle-aged African American man who would change his perspective on life.

Venture with him from the "Rock the Bells" music festival in Queens to the serenity of the Catskill Mountains. Experience how Hyuk-jae grows from the kindness and indirect mentoring of a stranger. Marvel at the manner in which he sets his new surroundings to music while deciding whether or not to return to the restrictions of celebrity.

© 2025 Independently Published (Audiobook): 9798347332984

Release date

Audiobook: February 22, 2025