Stray Kids Hwang Hyunjin Bookshelf
Hwang Hyunjin, known for being Stray Kids’ visual and part of the dance line, is one of the most creative members within the Korean boy band. With a passionate love for dance, fashion and painting, it should come as no surprise that Hyunjin also has a deep interest in reading. While being a full-time global star and Versace’s Prince, one of Donatella’s more recent muses, Hyunjin is also a student. He is studying practical English at University.
Hyunjin often does livestreams showcasing himself painting or posting his paintings on his Instagram, crammed in between brand posts and post-concert pictures, most likely taken by fellow member I.N. Hyunjin doesn’t post what he is reading often or what is on his TBR list; however, over the years, fans have gained an insight into some of the literary pieces he has read.
The Vegetarian - Han Kang
Han Kang is one of, if not the most popular, authors within South Korea. So it only makes sense that Hyunjin, who mostly reads books by Korean authors, really seems to enjoy Han Kang’s work. The Vegetarian is about turning away from social norms and has deep feminist themes running throughout the book. As this list goes on, you’ll notice Hyunjin’s book recommendations all have themes of feminism, human and nature, communication, personal growth, social norms and love - the importance of all types of relationships.
I Want To Die But I Want To Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee
One of the most internationally known Korean books in more recent years by the late Baek Se-hee as of October 2025. In the more recent years after his debut around 2018/19, Hyunjin recommended I Want To Die But I Want To Eat Tteokbokki on a livestream. The book focuses on themes of womanhood, mental health, trauma and dating - relationships.
I’ll Go To You When The Weather Is Nice by Lee Do-Woo
Also recommended by Hyunjin on a livestream in late 2019, “I’ll Go To You When The Weather Is Nice” by Lee Do-woo is about Mok Hae-won returning to her hometown after leaving city life. There are running themes of relationships and personal growth that Hyunjin tends to read about often. On Goodreads, the book currently has a 3.8/5 rating.
Foster by Claire Keegan
The Irish novella explores themes of relationships, judgment and grief. With a 4.3/5 rating on Goodreads.
Harmless Person To You by Choi Eunyoung
Harmless Person To You by Choi Eunyoung was recommended by Hyunjin not long after his debut, while he was still attending SOPA, the School of Performing Arts Seoul. The themes of the book still align with what Hyunjin reads as he grows older, with themes of trauma, loneliness, social norms and relationships.
The Wind Blows, And I Like You by Lee Byung-Ryul
The Wind Blows, And I Like You by Lee Byung-Ryul covers themes of love, travel and personal growth.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
For all you classic literature readers out there, it comes as no surprise that a hopeless romantic like Hyunjin read Pride and Prejudice. Covering themes of social norms, reputation, family and relationships. Hyunjin told fans he read the book before watching the movie, further capturing his book-obsessed fans’ hearts. Hyunjin talked about his love for Pride and Prejudice on a livestream with fellow band member, Felix.
To The Warm Horizon by Choi Jinyoun
To The Warm Horizon is a queer science fiction book in a post-apocalyptic world. Focusing on relationships, humans, and dystopian. A short but emotional read of only 170 pages. Many fans, “Stays”, found their way to this gorgeously devastating book through Hyunjin’s recommendation.
The Miracles of the Namiya General Store by Keigo Higashino
The book follows human connection, hope and learning to accept things you cannot change. The novel won the Eiji Yoshikawa Award for Literature in 2013. Hyunjin was seen holding this book in a selfie years ago.
Almond by Sohn Won-Pyung
If you read Korean literature or often stalk through your favourite idols’ reading list, you have definitely come across Almond by Sohn Won-Pyung. Becoming a best seller in South Korea and internationally, after selling over a quarter of a million copies, Almond follows themes of social norms, relationships and human connection. The book was so successful that Sohn Won-Pyung became the first non-Japanese Asian author to win the Japanese Booksellers Awards in 2020.
