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Project V
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Expected 28 Apr 26STEMinist mecha fantasy meets reality television in this high-stakes novel from the author of A Magical Girl Retires—a wildly imaginative tale of sibling bonds, unexpected friendship, and an existential quest to understand what it means to be human.
Robotics student Kim Wooram, runner-up at the World Gigantic Mechanics Olympiad, is a world-class pilot and engineer. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she likes working solo, preferring the company of robots to most other humans. Sought by robotics centers across the globe, she chooses to return to Korea after learning of an exciting new secret government robotic project known as V. To her disappointment, only male pilots are allowed to apply.
Desperate for a chance to make history and encouraged by her twin brother, Boram, the usual rule-following Wooram makes a risky choice. Posing as Boram, she auditions for Project V, the reality competition show whose winner will pilot the robot V—and quickly becomes one of the top contestants in both skill and popularity. Wooram attracts fans and friends like Seojin, the show’s youngest female writer and ardent “Boram” stan, and Jeonghoon, the clumsy but lovable underdog. She also gains a rival in Jinyoung, the ruthless heir to a Korean corporate dynasty.
As Wooram comes tantalizingly close to achieving her goal, she begins to realize that V’s arrogant AI is a ticking time bomb. With victory within reach, and her identity at stake, will Wooram destroy the robot of her dreams to save lives, or stick to the script?
Project V is a playful yet sharp meditation on some of the most pressing issues roiling modern society in Korea and across the the male dominance in STEM fields, the ethics of parasocial idolatry and our addiction to social media and reality television, and the promise and peril of an AI-oriented future. Punchy and compelling, Park Seolyeon’s novel is a winning exploration of ambition and creation—a quintessential novel of our present and future for mecha fans and all curious readers.
Robotics student Kim Wooram, runner-up at the World Gigantic Mechanics Olympiad, is a world-class pilot and engineer. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she likes working solo, preferring the company of robots to most other humans. Sought by robotics centers across the globe, she chooses to return to Korea after learning of an exciting new secret government robotic project known as V. To her disappointment, only male pilots are allowed to apply.
Desperate for a chance to make history and encouraged by her twin brother, Boram, the usual rule-following Wooram makes a risky choice. Posing as Boram, she auditions for Project V, the reality competition show whose winner will pilot the robot V—and quickly becomes one of the top contestants in both skill and popularity. Wooram attracts fans and friends like Seojin, the show’s youngest female writer and ardent “Boram” stan, and Jeonghoon, the clumsy but lovable underdog. She also gains a rival in Jinyoung, the ruthless heir to a Korean corporate dynasty.
As Wooram comes tantalizingly close to achieving her goal, she begins to realize that V’s arrogant AI is a ticking time bomb. With victory within reach, and her identity at stake, will Wooram destroy the robot of her dreams to save lives, or stick to the script?
Project V is a playful yet sharp meditation on some of the most pressing issues roiling modern society in Korea and across the the male dominance in STEM fields, the ethics of parasocial idolatry and our addiction to social media and reality television, and the promise and peril of an AI-oriented future. Punchy and compelling, Park Seolyeon’s novel is a winning exploration of ambition and creation—a quintessential novel of our present and future for mecha fans and all curious readers.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 21, 2026
1 person is currently reading
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About the author
Park Seolyeon
8 books118 followersPark Seolyeon (1989-) is a South Korean novelist. She made her literary debut in 2015 when her short story “Mikimauseu keulleob” (미키마우스 클럽 The Mickey Mouse Club) won the Silcheon Munhak New Writer’s Award. In 2018, she won the 23rd Hankyoreh Literature Award with the novel Chegongnyeo gangjuryong (체공녀 강주룡 Kang Juryong, the Woman in the Air). She uses love and the voices of the underprivileged, such as women, the elderly, and sexual minorities, who are excluded and hidden from society, as the subject of her works.
박서련(1989~)은 한국의 소설가다. 2015년 단편으로 신인상을 받으며 작품활동을 시작했다. 2018년 장편으로 제23회 한겨레문학상을 수상했다. 작가는 여성, 노인, 성소수자 등 배제되고 은폐되는 약자의 목소리를 사랑을 매개로 작품의 주제로 삼고 있다.
박서련(1989~)은 한국의 소설가다. 2015년 단편으로 신인상을 받으며 작품활동을 시작했다. 2018년 장편으로 제23회 한겨레문학상을 수상했다. 작가는 여성, 노인, 성소수자 등 배제되고 은폐되는 약자의 목소리를 사랑을 매개로 작품의 주제로 삼고 있다.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
2026
January 26, 2026Manse March TBR
Women in Translation TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia
Women in Translation TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia
January 26, 2026
ARC for Review:
“Project V” by Park Seolyeon Translated by Gene PNG is a novel by a young woman, Kim Wooram, who wants to be a Mech Pilot, but in order to become V’s pilot she has to use her twin brother, Boram’s, identify to become a Mech Pilot. There’s definitely a lot of gender bending, which I love, and female empowerment, but there are some issues with this novel that just have to be addressed.
Notes to Author, Translator, and Editor(s):
Pg. 2: Loved the “Running Man” reference if that’s what you were referring to, but using “White boy” is a massive issue. Consider “light-skinned young man” or fair-skinned young man” instead or some other alternative. “White boy” can tend to have a racial connotation that doesn’t sit well with Eurocentric people or Eurocentric audiences.
Pg. 3 There was some confusion about “Mechs” or “Robots”, but as the story picked up, I could see it was “Mechs”.
Pg. 5 Loved the Biblical references in the second paragraph.
Pg. 11 Loved the “Iron-Man” reference, but please be careful as it is a Marvel Copyright.
Pg. 25 Fascinating story about Kim Wooram being misgendered because of her appearance.
Pg. 31 Great references to “Transformers”, “Neon Genesis: Evangelion”, “Gundam”, and “Macross”. I think I might have seen a “Robotech” reference in there too.
Pgs. 37 to 40 I loved the story about “Mech Plagiarism”, and I found that fascinating because it addresses how Mechs should be unique and individualized.
Pg. 51 There was a little confusion about “popcorn”. It appears as though the Korean and English words were both used for this, and I wondered if it was a stylistic choice?
Pg. 57 With the current political climate, please be careful and aware of the words being used in this novel. “White Republican” definitely needs to be replaced with an alternative phrase. Maybe “fair-skinned conservative” or “light-skinned conservative” or something of that nature should be considered instead.
Pg. 58 I love that the author is speaking about the LGBTQIA+ Community.
Pg. 81 Again, I love how LGBTQIA+ issues are being addressed.
Pg. 144 Colloquialism and/or Slang terms problem. The word “gonna” is misspelled on the third or fourth paragraph. It’s spelled as “goanna” instead of “gonna”.
Pg. 170 “V-Pit was” was placed together. Please separate these words.
Pg. 227 I love the definition and meaning of the acronym “HUN”.
Overall, it’s a good novel with a lot of potential. Thank you for letting me read this book before its release.
“Project V” by Park Seolyeon Translated by Gene PNG is a novel by a young woman, Kim Wooram, who wants to be a Mech Pilot, but in order to become V’s pilot she has to use her twin brother, Boram’s, identify to become a Mech Pilot. There’s definitely a lot of gender bending, which I love, and female empowerment, but there are some issues with this novel that just have to be addressed.
Notes to Author, Translator, and Editor(s):
Pg. 2: Loved the “Running Man” reference if that’s what you were referring to, but using “White boy” is a massive issue. Consider “light-skinned young man” or fair-skinned young man” instead or some other alternative. “White boy” can tend to have a racial connotation that doesn’t sit well with Eurocentric people or Eurocentric audiences.
Pg. 3 There was some confusion about “Mechs” or “Robots”, but as the story picked up, I could see it was “Mechs”.
Pg. 5 Loved the Biblical references in the second paragraph.
Pg. 11 Loved the “Iron-Man” reference, but please be careful as it is a Marvel Copyright.
Pg. 25 Fascinating story about Kim Wooram being misgendered because of her appearance.
Pg. 31 Great references to “Transformers”, “Neon Genesis: Evangelion”, “Gundam”, and “Macross”. I think I might have seen a “Robotech” reference in there too.
Pgs. 37 to 40 I loved the story about “Mech Plagiarism”, and I found that fascinating because it addresses how Mechs should be unique and individualized.
Pg. 51 There was a little confusion about “popcorn”. It appears as though the Korean and English words were both used for this, and I wondered if it was a stylistic choice?
Pg. 57 With the current political climate, please be careful and aware of the words being used in this novel. “White Republican” definitely needs to be replaced with an alternative phrase. Maybe “fair-skinned conservative” or “light-skinned conservative” or something of that nature should be considered instead.
Pg. 58 I love that the author is speaking about the LGBTQIA+ Community.
Pg. 81 Again, I love how LGBTQIA+ issues are being addressed.
Pg. 144 Colloquialism and/or Slang terms problem. The word “gonna” is misspelled on the third or fourth paragraph. It’s spelled as “goanna” instead of “gonna”.
Pg. 170 “V-Pit was” was placed together. Please separate these words.
Pg. 227 I love the definition and meaning of the acronym “HUN”.
Overall, it’s a good novel with a lot of potential. Thank you for letting me read this book before its release.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
ARC review - thank you to HarperVia and HarperCollins for the early access!
Project V was truly a neat story from start to finish and was a good introduction into the world of mechs that I'd only become familiar with due to growing up with Gundam. I was initially a bit confused as I started the book, as I wasn't sure about all of the technical details, but once Wooram began her stint on the Project V show, it read more like a K-pop survival show, which I was a lot more familiar with, and understood how those kinds of shows look. The book also focuses a lot on gender disparities and equality within STEM, which I think this book could be a great launch point into further discussions alongside other novels touching base on the same topics. Overall, I enjoyed it and thought the pacing was appropriate for the story, but for those who may not like the fast pacing or aren't as familiar with some Korean nuances, it may be confusing at first. I think it's still worth a try and could end up being a positive addition to anyone's TBR.
Project V was truly a neat story from start to finish and was a good introduction into the world of mechs that I'd only become familiar with due to growing up with Gundam. I was initially a bit confused as I started the book, as I wasn't sure about all of the technical details, but once Wooram began her stint on the Project V show, it read more like a K-pop survival show, which I was a lot more familiar with, and understood how those kinds of shows look. The book also focuses a lot on gender disparities and equality within STEM, which I think this book could be a great launch point into further discussions alongside other novels touching base on the same topics. Overall, I enjoyed it and thought the pacing was appropriate for the story, but for those who may not like the fast pacing or aren't as familiar with some Korean nuances, it may be confusing at first. I think it's still worth a try and could end up being a positive addition to anyone's TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I received a copy of this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway.
Fun, fast-paced mech story set in the near future that incorporates commentary about gender inequality, social media, and the dangers of AI in a pretty seamless way, but the story arc is rather predictable, and the true antagonist kind of comes out of nowhere, very close to the end of the book.
The protagonist is Kim Wooram, a gifted robotics student who engineers and pilots big mechs. A new government project called Project V is announced, and she joins a reality show for the chance to pilot a new, gigantic mech called V. The only problem is that they are only looking for male contestants in the show, so Kim Wooram poses as her twin brother Kim Boram in order to compete. The reality show part of the book is engaging, with fast-paced action scenes and competition between the contestants. Kim Wooram also has some humorous scenes where she has to try hard to disguise the fact that she's female in the male-only competition show. The book does a good job of showing gender inequality issues, particularly in a STEM field like robotics, as well as how social media and reality shows have changed what's in the news and how it's disseminated. I also appreciated the sibling bond between Wooram and Boram, and it's really touching how they look out for each other in various ways, despite how different they are.
The overall story arc, though, is pretty predictable. I don't think it's much of a spoiler to say that Kim Wooram makes to the finals of the competition, since she is the protagonist, and what fun would it be to read about someone who gets eliminated early in the competition? There's also some really stereotypical characters competing on the show, like the sort of class clown-type contestant, the cocky and antagonistic strong competitor, etc. It would have been nice if Kim Wooram would have struggled a bit more, even if she's as brilliant as the book describes her.
The true antagonist also doesn't reveal themselves until maybe a quarter of the book is left, and it's also quite unrealistic that the situation escalates to the point that it does. Why did nobody listen to Kim Wooram's concerns? How could things have gone as unchecked as they needed to for the final confrontation to take place? I wish that the antagonist were more developed throughout the book, and that there was more of a realistic ramp-up to where things get to in the climax, which is also over quite quickly and rather anticlimactically.
I appreciated the fast-paced mech story and the commentary on things like sexism and social media and AI that are very relevant today. I just wish that the story arc weren't so predictable and that the true antagonist weren't just present in the very final part of the book in such an unrealistic, sudden way.
Fun, fast-paced mech story set in the near future that incorporates commentary about gender inequality, social media, and the dangers of AI in a pretty seamless way, but the story arc is rather predictable, and the true antagonist kind of comes out of nowhere, very close to the end of the book.
The protagonist is Kim Wooram, a gifted robotics student who engineers and pilots big mechs. A new government project called Project V is announced, and she joins a reality show for the chance to pilot a new, gigantic mech called V. The only problem is that they are only looking for male contestants in the show, so Kim Wooram poses as her twin brother Kim Boram in order to compete. The reality show part of the book is engaging, with fast-paced action scenes and competition between the contestants. Kim Wooram also has some humorous scenes where she has to try hard to disguise the fact that she's female in the male-only competition show. The book does a good job of showing gender inequality issues, particularly in a STEM field like robotics, as well as how social media and reality shows have changed what's in the news and how it's disseminated. I also appreciated the sibling bond between Wooram and Boram, and it's really touching how they look out for each other in various ways, despite how different they are.
The overall story arc, though, is pretty predictable. I don't think it's much of a spoiler to say that Kim Wooram makes to the finals of the competition, since she is the protagonist, and what fun would it be to read about someone who gets eliminated early in the competition? There's also some really stereotypical characters competing on the show, like the sort of class clown-type contestant, the cocky and antagonistic strong competitor, etc. It would have been nice if Kim Wooram would have struggled a bit more, even if she's as brilliant as the book describes her.
The true antagonist also doesn't reveal themselves until maybe a quarter of the book is left, and it's also quite unrealistic that the situation escalates to the point that it does. Why did nobody listen to Kim Wooram's concerns? How could things have gone as unchecked as they needed to for the final confrontation to take place? I wish that the antagonist were more developed throughout the book, and that there was more of a realistic ramp-up to where things get to in the climax, which is also over quite quickly and rather anticlimactically.
I appreciated the fast-paced mech story and the commentary on things like sexism and social media and AI that are very relevant today. I just wish that the story arc weren't so predictable and that the true antagonist weren't just present in the very final part of the book in such an unrealistic, sudden way.
December 11, 2025
Review for Project V by Park Seolyeon (translated by Gene Png)
From the opening pages, "Project V" grabbed me with its inventive premise: STEMinist mecha fantasy collides with the drama of reality television. Park Seolyeon has crafted a world where robotics, gender politics, and the pressures of social media intertwine in engaging and often unexpected ways.
Kim Wooram is a protagonist you can’t help but root for (I'm not kidding)—she’s brilliant, fiercely ambitious, and deeply human in her vulnerabilities. I loved watching her navigate the ethical minefields of Project V, a secretive government competition where gender discrimination is a stark reality. Her decision to pose as her twin brother Boram is both bold and believable. The sibling dynamic was one of my favorite elements; it felt authentic, loving, and occasionally heartbreaking.
The supporting cast shines as well. Seojin—the show’s youngest writer and an unapologetic "Boram" stan—is a delight, bringing a burst of energy and fan perspective. Jeonghoon is instantly lovable, clumsy but earnest. And the rivalry with Jinyoung injects just the right amount of tension.
Park's writing (skillfully translated by Gene Png) is punchy and sharp, effortlessly balancing humor and suspense. The action scenes—both robotic and emotional—are vivid but never overwhelming. What I appreciated most was the conversation the story sparks about the male-dominated nature of STEM, the ethics of reality TV, and the double-edged sword of parasocial relationships. The commentary on AI feels timely and prescient, as we teeter on the edge of an AI-centric era.
The pacing kept me engaged, and I was genuinely invested in Wooram’s journey—not just as a pilot, but as a person risking everything for a seat at the table. The final act delivers tension and heart in equal measure, with high stakes that push the characters (and readers) to question what's truly worth fighting for.
My only critique is that some secondary characters could have been fleshed out a bit more, especially given the ensemble cast and high-stakes setting. However, this didn’t pull me out of the story or diminish my enjoyment.
What do I think overall??
Project V is fresh, fun, and thought-provoking—a must-read for mecha fans, STEM enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a smart, socially aware adventure. Highly recommended!
Thank you to HarperVia and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this exceptional novel!!
#ProjectV #NetGalley
From the opening pages, "Project V" grabbed me with its inventive premise: STEMinist mecha fantasy collides with the drama of reality television. Park Seolyeon has crafted a world where robotics, gender politics, and the pressures of social media intertwine in engaging and often unexpected ways.
Kim Wooram is a protagonist you can’t help but root for (I'm not kidding)—she’s brilliant, fiercely ambitious, and deeply human in her vulnerabilities. I loved watching her navigate the ethical minefields of Project V, a secretive government competition where gender discrimination is a stark reality. Her decision to pose as her twin brother Boram is both bold and believable. The sibling dynamic was one of my favorite elements; it felt authentic, loving, and occasionally heartbreaking.
The supporting cast shines as well. Seojin—the show’s youngest writer and an unapologetic "Boram" stan—is a delight, bringing a burst of energy and fan perspective. Jeonghoon is instantly lovable, clumsy but earnest. And the rivalry with Jinyoung injects just the right amount of tension.
Park's writing (skillfully translated by Gene Png) is punchy and sharp, effortlessly balancing humor and suspense. The action scenes—both robotic and emotional—are vivid but never overwhelming. What I appreciated most was the conversation the story sparks about the male-dominated nature of STEM, the ethics of reality TV, and the double-edged sword of parasocial relationships. The commentary on AI feels timely and prescient, as we teeter on the edge of an AI-centric era.
The pacing kept me engaged, and I was genuinely invested in Wooram’s journey—not just as a pilot, but as a person risking everything for a seat at the table. The final act delivers tension and heart in equal measure, with high stakes that push the characters (and readers) to question what's truly worth fighting for.
My only critique is that some secondary characters could have been fleshed out a bit more, especially given the ensemble cast and high-stakes setting. However, this didn’t pull me out of the story or diminish my enjoyment.
What do I think overall??
Project V is fresh, fun, and thought-provoking—a must-read for mecha fans, STEM enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a smart, socially aware adventure. Highly recommended!
Thank you to HarperVia and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this exceptional novel!!
#ProjectV #NetGalley
October 26, 2025
📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
Thank you @harperviabooks for an early copy of Project V by Park Seolyeon . I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: April 28th, 2026
Blurb: In Project V, robotics prodigy Kim Wooram disguises herself as her twin brother to enter a male-only reality competition to pilot South Korea’s groundbreaking mecha, V. As she rises through the ranks, she must confront not only the dangers of a volatile AI but also the biases of a society that refuses to see women as equals in science and technology.
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Project V by Park Seolyeon starts off with Kim Wooram, a genius world-class pilot and engineer who finishes as the runner-up at the World Gigantic Mechanics Olympiad. Soon after, she learns about Project V, South Korea’s ambitious attempt to build a mecha that could rival those of other nations. However, there’s a catch: Project V’s reality competition to select its pilot only allows men to participate. Determined to achieve her dream, Wooram disguises herself as her twin brother, Boram, to compete for the coveted spot.
As Wooram climbs the ranks, she uncovers that V’s AI hides a dangerous secret. It’s a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. The story unfolds into a gripping mix of action, innovation, and commentary on gender inequality, social pressure, and the ethics of technology.
What stood out most to me was Wooram’s unwavering determination in the face of blatant discrimination. Despite her initial emotional detachment and arrogance, her growth and willingness to help others made her journey deeply compelling. Park Seolyeon masterfully explores how brilliance can be overlooked because of gender bias, while also critiquing how social media and public opinion shape modern success.
Though I occasionally found Wooram’s arrogance off-putting, her intellect and conviction were undeniably impressive. Project V is a smart, fast-paced, and emotionally charged read that blends science fiction and social commentary beautifully. It’s a story about breaking boundaries, redefining identity, and challenging the limits set by society. It’s a must-read for fans of strong female leads and futuristic tales with depth.
Thank you @harperviabooks for an early copy of Project V by Park Seolyeon . I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: April 28th, 2026
Blurb: In Project V, robotics prodigy Kim Wooram disguises herself as her twin brother to enter a male-only reality competition to pilot South Korea’s groundbreaking mecha, V. As she rises through the ranks, she must confront not only the dangers of a volatile AI but also the biases of a society that refuses to see women as equals in science and technology.
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Project V by Park Seolyeon starts off with Kim Wooram, a genius world-class pilot and engineer who finishes as the runner-up at the World Gigantic Mechanics Olympiad. Soon after, she learns about Project V, South Korea’s ambitious attempt to build a mecha that could rival those of other nations. However, there’s a catch: Project V’s reality competition to select its pilot only allows men to participate. Determined to achieve her dream, Wooram disguises herself as her twin brother, Boram, to compete for the coveted spot.
As Wooram climbs the ranks, she uncovers that V’s AI hides a dangerous secret. It’s a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. The story unfolds into a gripping mix of action, innovation, and commentary on gender inequality, social pressure, and the ethics of technology.
What stood out most to me was Wooram’s unwavering determination in the face of blatant discrimination. Despite her initial emotional detachment and arrogance, her growth and willingness to help others made her journey deeply compelling. Park Seolyeon masterfully explores how brilliance can be overlooked because of gender bias, while also critiquing how social media and public opinion shape modern success.
Though I occasionally found Wooram’s arrogance off-putting, her intellect and conviction were undeniably impressive. Project V is a smart, fast-paced, and emotionally charged read that blends science fiction and social commentary beautifully. It’s a story about breaking boundaries, redefining identity, and challenging the limits set by society. It’s a must-read for fans of strong female leads and futuristic tales with depth.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love a smart woman protagonist. I enjoyed this from the start, but especially where it ended. Fighting the patriarchy was interesting enough, but the parallels to other science fiction works at the end was the most fascinating. Thank you Harper Via for the review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
New Genre for me but enjoyed it and am ready for more.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews