Home

Since BTS first referenced James R. Doty's book, sales have increased 510 times

The book that inspired ‘Magic Shop’ by BTS has now become a bestseller in Korea.

According to Dazed, BTS song ‘Magic Shop’ has turned the book it was inspired by into a best-seller in Korea.

‘Magic Shop’, which features on the Kpop boy band’s latest album Love Yourself, is based on Stanford professor James R Doty’s memoir ‘Into The Magic Shop’. The song is also the first production credit for member Jungkook.

Professor Doty’s book was first published in 2016 and has been translated into 31 languages. His memoir cites a woman and her magic shop – both of which are inspirations for him becoming a neurosurgeon. The book covers Doty’s upbringing, alcoholic father, depressed mother and the Cactus Rabbit Magic Shop.

The group first alluded to the book in a trailer and a live performance in 2017. Since its first reference by BTS, book sales have increased 510 times and is now a bestseller in Korean bookstore Aladin.

“Clearly, BTS is very thoughtful in the creation of the music and the lyrics such that their songs deeply resonate with many people, not only in Korea but around the world,” Doty said. “The reaction to my book has always been very strong and positive in that it has a message about opening one’s heart and overcoming adversity – struggles which everyone experiences.”

“That being said, the immense popularity of BTS and the song has not only resulted in my book becoming a best-seller in Korea, but has resulted in a dramatic increase in exposure of the book to many others around the world – boosting sales and promoting the message of the power of having an open heart and of love, which I appreciate and which is needed more than ever.”

To buy James R Doty’s ‘Into the Magic Shop’, click here