Project V

by Park Seolyeon

STEMinist 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.

Translated from the Korean by Gene Png 

Audio CD

Expected publication April 21, 2026

About the author

Park 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.

Reviews

[Mai H.]

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia

[Emilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Carmela Agatha Enriquez (agathafeelingg.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 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.