A Bookworm Bond Between Gen Z Idols: Gawon and Narin on Minumsa TV

On the fourth episode of the beloved Minumsa TV series, which dives into the reading habits of Korea’s brightest young stars, two of the youngest guests to date—MEOVV’s Gawon and Narin—take center stage. With the spotlight on Gen Z, the 16-year veteran publishing marketer host sits down with the girls to explore their bookshelves and literary passions. Born in 2005 and 2007, Gawon and Narin not only bring talent to the K-pop scene but also a refreshing, earnest love for books.

What sets this episode apart is the surprising and sincere depth both girls show when discussing their reading habits. Narin once dreamed of becoming an editor, while Gawon hoped to be a publishing planner. Though their Korean reading fluency differs—largely due to Gawon’s time abroad—they remain united by their bookish spirits and mutual respect for literature.

What They’re Reading Now

Their current reads offer a snapshot into their diverse literary tastes and emotional intelligence.

Rapid Current by Jung Dae-gun
Narin devoured this emotionally raw novel in two days. The tragic love story between Dodam and Haesol left a lasting impression. She was especially struck by lines like, “What fun is there in stepping out of here? It’s all the same.” A funny coincidence? A scene involving a thrush reminded her of a moment during a recent music video shoot where she had to whistle.

Mythology by Edith Hamilton
Gawon revisits this English classic on Greek myths—not just for nostalgia, but to explore philosophical elements and lesser-known deities. Her childhood curiosity has evolved into a more reflective engagement with mythology.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt
This intellectually dense novel intrigued Gawon, especially for its classical themes and lyrical prose. Lines such as “How can I make you see it… this strange harsh light which pervades Homer’s landscapes…” reveal her growing fascination with how literature explores human nature.

Bridging Language Gaps with Korean Literature

Though Gawon excels in English, she finds Korean novels more challenging. Narin once recommended 『인간 실격』 (No Longer Human), but Gawon couldn’t get past a few chapters. To help bridge that gap, the host suggested 『초급 한국어』 (Beginner Korean) by Moon Ji-hyuk—a semi-autobiographical tale about a Korean teacher in New York, filled with linguistic and cultural insights. It’s a perfect starting point for bilingual readers like Gawon to reconnect with Korean literature.

Book-Rich Childhoods

Both girls grew up with books as an essential part of their daily lives. Narin’s father read English books to her even before she was born, hoping it would give her a mental edge. Meanwhile, Gawon shared how her mom took her to the bookstore every day after kindergarten—an experience that helped fill their home library and deepen her love for reading. They affectionately called themselves 책부자 (“book-rich”) during the show.

Thoughtful Idols in a Fast-Paced World

Despite juggling demanding comeback schedules and music video shoots, Gawon and Narin always make space in their lives for reading. Their friendship has become a quiet but powerful force of motivation: when one starts a book, the other usually follows. They’re more than vocalists—they’re thoughtful, intellectual, and deeply curious individuals.

In showcasing their love of literature, this Minumsa TV episode breaks the mold of what it means to be a K-pop idol. Gawon and Narin reflect the Gen Z ethos of authenticity, depth, and self-growth, proving that in the whirlwind world of entertainment, there’s still room for the quiet joy of a good book. Interested to know more about MEOVV, do check the link below.