Wes Jung, the new student at Crescent Brook High School, is used to moving around. Having been to four different schools in the past ten years, he hasn’t been able to put down roots anywhere. Instead, a large part of his identity has become his passion for music. He wants to go to school for music, eventually working in an orchestra, but he knows his father would never approve. Through a string of miscommunications, Wes ends up selling K-pop lip gloss to his classmates, earning over a hundred dollars. Struggling to pay college admission fees and the repair cost of his broken saxophone, Wes comes to realize that this accidental exchange could become a real opportunity as a side-hustle. Rivals from the start, Valerie and Wes engage in a bet: whoever can make the most money by the end of the school year gets to keep the other’s profit. From there, the competition ensues.

Sarah Suk did a fantastic job creating a realistic plot and characters. Wes and Valerie were both relatable in their unique ways. One specific aspect of Made in Korea that I enjoyed was the Dual-POV narration. Hearing the protagonists’ thoughts and opinions--from their own minds--was valuable in my overall understanding. At times, Valerie was slightly bothersome; but that usually seems to be the case when a character needs further development. And she does--develop, that is.

I would recommend this book to anyone who prefers a quick-paced, light-hearted romance. Listed as a “YA,” this book is perfect for teens and young adults but is mature enough for adults as well.