Picture books for children are not just a form of entertainment; they serve as a valuable tool to develop a child’s skills, introduce them to different customs, and help them explore the world around them in an enjoyable and inspiring way.

In this context, we focus on Korean-American author Jessica Yoon, a prominent voice in children’s literature, who has successfully created works that combine culture, art, and storytelling.Some of her most notable works include:

"Jeong Is Jeong": The story follows a young girl as she accompanies her grandmother and brother, discovering the meaning of the Korean word “jeong,” which conveys deep feelings of affection, belonging, and family bonds.

A picture book about the K-pop group BLACKPINK illustrated by Honee Jang: This book traces the group’s journey from childhood to global fame. Founded in 2016, the group consists of four members: Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, who successfully blend K-pop with global music styles, gaining recognition both locally and internationally.

In this interview, we explore Jessica Yoon’s beginnings as a writer, her artistic experiences, and her upcoming projects, examining how she translates culture and creativity into children’s picture books.

The interview was conducted via email between October 22 and December 5.

-Could you introduce yourself to our Korea Net readers and tell us how your journey in writing began?

Hi, Korean Net readers! It's such a pleasure to be able to share a bit of my story with you today. I am Jessica Yoon, a Korean American author from Philadelphia. My first two books are BLACKPINK: A Little Golden Book Biography (12/2/25, Random House Children's) and Jeong Is Jeong (2/3/26, Make Me a World)

My writing journey began when I became a mother. It was a monumental change filled with joy, but it was also accompanied by a sense of loss of the person I was prior to having kids. I felt this loss of self most profoundly after having my second child, when I decided to leave the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom.

 During this time, there was a surge of anti-Asian hate amidst the pandemic, and I was filled with an urgency to see more Asian stories. Writing soon became my creative outlet, and with my husband's support and a healthy dose of delusion, I decided to pursue publication.

-What inspired you to choose Blackpink’s story specifically?

Working on the BLACKPINK book has been an incredible whirlwind. In January 2025, I mentioned to my literary agent that I was interested in writing a Little Golden Book because they had been such an iconic part of my childhood. He contacted the editor there, and within a few weeks she asked if I would want to write the BLACKPINK book. I grew up listening to K-pop, so I was very excited for the opportunity. Up to that point, I had only been a casual listener of BLACKPINK, but in learning more about their story, I knew I had to write it!

-Blackpink isn’t just a band, but a global cultural phenomenon. How did you decide on the angle to tell their story in your book?

Little Golden Books tend to follow a similar structure, taking readers on a journey from the subject's childhood through present day. Within that structure, I also wanted to emphasize the ways in which BLACKPINK had influenced the world beyond music. They have become ambassadors of Korean culture, fashion, and climate change awareness. 

-During your research and writing about Blackpink, was there a personal story or moment from the members’ lives that particularly caught your attention and that you’d like to share with us?

There were a few quotes that I wasn't able to include in the Little Golden Book that I found particularly poignant. After their 2019 performance at the Coachella Music Festival, Jennie said, "I am happy to be in an era where people are open to new culture, new music. Who would imagine at Coachella thousands of people singing in Korean?” Lisa said, "All races and all kinds of people came together there… This represents BLACKPINK!” I felt like both of these quotes really spoke to how music can be a powerful way to connect people. 

-How was your experience collaborating with the illustrator Honee Jang on Blackpink book ? 

Working with Honee has been a dream! Not only is she a talented artist, Honee is also a huge Blink (BLACKPINK fan) and her passion definitely shows in the illustrations. She has been immensely collaborative in promoting the book too. She created the most beautiful activity book, stickers, and photocards for our readers. And she's always been enthusiastic about promoting the book on social media, even when my ideas are very silly!

-"Jeong is Jeong" book centers on one word with deep emotional meaning. How did you decide to focus on this word, and what do you hope readers take from it?

As a Korean American who isn't completely fluent in Korean, I love discovering Korean words that evoke a powerful feeling within me. When I learned about jeong, it was a total aha! moment. It was almost like remembering an old friend who I had forgotten, a concept that I knew in my bones and was finally able to name. 

Jeong is a word that I hope will resonate with people and spur them into action. In its simplest form, jeong represents the stickiness of relationships, all the big and small things that bond us over time. Particularly today, when the world is so polarized, sharing jeong feels more important than ever. 

-Being Korean American gives you a unique perspective. How has this cultural background influenced your writing and messages?

My Korean American identity influences everything. It was a driving force behind why I began writing—so that my Korean American kids could see themselves as main characters in books. And it continues to inspire the types of books I write, whether it's a book about a Korean word or a modern folktale inspired by Korean mythology or a celebration of all things K-pop! My goal is to share my lived experience in a way that highlights our shared humanity and increases empathy within readers but is also entertaining! 

-Do you have any upcoming projects or ideas that you’d like to share with us?

Yes! The Legend of Ban-Dal, illustrated by Seo Kim, is a modern folktale about a brave girl's quest to save her village and how the Asian black bear got its characteristic moon-shaped patch. My Little Golden Book about K-Pop, illustrated by Suji Park, is about the history, stars, music, and pop culture trends surrounding the K-pop genre. Both of these books come out on May 5, 2026. Your readers may be particularly excited about my project that was just announced— Kpop Demon Hunters: The Deluxe Junior Novelization, which publishes on March 31, 2026. And I have a few other books in the works!

Through this interview, we gain insight into Jessica Yoon’s remarkable experience in children’s literature, as well as an understanding of her artistic vision and how she creates stories and illustrations that blend culture and creativity."