Review of Hybrid Heart by Iori Kusano
As a K-pop fan, I was excited to sink into Hybrid Heart by Iori Kusano (Neon Hemlock, 2023) and dive right into the world of J-pop. But this isn’t entirely your standard J-pop setting, as it’s also a near future light sci-fi novella that looks at identity and freedom, or the lack of both of these things.
Rei is a J-pop idol, formerly part of a group with one other member, but now solo after her former group member (and best friend) got kicked off their label when she chose her forbidden boyfriend over her career. Rei has a tense relationship with her manager and her fans, and even with her own sense of self, body, and more. As she explores her identity and her freedom (or lack thereof), she looks at her own career and the industry with different eyes.
Hybrid Heart is not an easy book to read, as Rei’s journey is heartbreaking in places. The book deals with disordered eating, weight shaming, and misogyny, all aspects of the life of an idol. The book is careful not to glamorize or sugar-coat these aspects of the lifestyle and definitely points out the many ways in which music fandom can be problematic when it comes to the performers. But I also found it to be a quick read for me, as I couldn’t put it down. The prose and characterization will sweep you along as you pin your hopes and dreams on Rei!
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