XO, Kitty: The K-Drama paving the way to mainstream media

The rise of K-dramas on global streaming platforms has paved the way for fresh narratives, and ‘XO, Kitty’ is a prime example of this evolution.

Some of the ‘XO, Kitty’ cast on the Red Carpet. Image credit: J-14.

With XO, Kitty becoming a binge-worthy hit, many see it as a sign that K-dramas are breaking into the mainstream. Squid Game arguably paved the way, and XO, Kitty follows in its footsteps. While this perspective is widely shared, not everyone agrees. This analysis takes a deep dive into XO, Kitty—examining its lore, impact, and whether it is truly helping or hindering K-dramas’ rise in global pop culture.

XO, Kitty Season 2 premiered on January 16, 2025, quickly rising to the top of Netflix's charts in both the USA and Canada. While this Korean-American hybrid series has now gained widespread attention, Season 1 initially struggled to captivate K-culture fans, receiving a mixed response.

Despite its rocky start, anticipation for Season 2 soared—particularly around the potential romance between Min Ho (played by Sang Heon Lee) and Kitty (portrayed by Anna Cathcart). Fans rooted for this duo to become the show’s endgame, believing their love story could be a game-changer for the series. This growing excitement promised to inject fresh energy that could elevate the entire narrative.

Let’s take a closer look at the series’ shortcomings and explore the potential it holds moving forward.

Season 1: A Koreaboo’s dream?

As the entertainment industry becomes global and borderless, audiences are showing a growing interest in drama series that blend multiple cultures. When Season 1 of XO, Kitty premiered in 2023, it received mixed reactions, with many criticising it as a Koreaboo’s (someone who is obsessed with Korean culture, so much so that they denounce their own) version of a K-drama.

Characters like Madison (played by Jocelyn Shelfo) particularly reinforced this perception, as her deep fascination with all things Korean, along with her knowledge of the language and culture, closely aligned with the Koreaboo stereotype. However, this so-called Koreaboo stereotype also serves as a testament to Korea’s influence on the global stage, seamlessly incorporating K-drama elements and K-pop music while showcasing its cultural impact worldwide.

‘XO, Kitty’ Madison. Image: Netflix.

The show was often perceived as a way to extend the To All the Boys spin-off. However, despite these critiques, it gained immense popularity on social media and was renewed for a second season. Various social media platforms were flooded with edits, particularly featuring Min Ho, one of Kitty’s many love interests, portrayed by Sang-Heon Lee.

‘XO, Kitty’ Season 2: Bringing K-Dramas into the Pop Culture Spotlight

With Season 2 dropping and gaining widespread popularity on Netflix, along with viral edits dominating social media feeds, it’s about more than just a show getting renewed. As cited in a recent Cosmopolitan article, XO, Kitty being renewed and well-received for Season 2 is a testament to K-dramas being accepted into mainstream culture beyond East Asia and into Western media.

Kitty Song Covey—a relatable main character. Image credit: Netflix.

XO, Kitty excels particularly in one aspect—relatability. Kitty is a teenage girl navigating the complexities of self-discovery—facing the ups and downs of high school, staying true to herself, and balancing the expectations of those around her. Her journey, filled with challenges and personal growth, resonates deeply with audiences, thriving on the familiarity of teenage struggles.

More than that, XO, Kitty emphasises representation in a way that resonates with the diversity we celebrate at Cherry Chu. Both seasons highlight race, ethnicity, and sexuality, with Season 2 delving deeper into various struggles related to sexuality—ranging from self-acceptance to coming out, alongside the usual relationship challenges such as misunderstandings, breakups, and unraveling relationships.

Some of the cast on the set of XO, Kitty Season 2. Image credit: Rolling Stone 2025.

The most awaited Season 3: Everyone is counting on Netflix!

With the success of Season 1 and the newly released Season 2, fans are eagerly speculating about a possible Season 3—will Kitty and Min Ho finally become endgame, or will fate pull them apart? While Netflix has yet to confirm another season, fans are convinced it's only a matter of time. They're counting on Netflix to make it happen!

The Korean Wave has shaped the entertainment industry for decades, from K-pop and K-dramas to its growing influence on global pop culture.The success of XO, Kitty and Squid Game also demonstrates a clear shift in the appetite for K-dramas in Western society, further compounded by the success of the 2019 Korean film, Parasite. Fundamentally, XO, Kitty is more than just another popular streaming show—it’s a cultural moment, and it might just be reshaping pop culture, one episode at a time.

Edited by Dina Yusof.