‘XO, Kitty’: Embracing the Cringe Factor in the Most Entertaining Way

There’s one undeniable takeaway about XO, Kitty: it offers an entertaining experience.

If you’re a fan of romantic comedies, you are likely familiar with the beloved film To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. This popular flick sets the stage for its spin-off series, XO, Kitty, featuring the character Kitty Song Covey, portrayed by Anna Cathcart, who happens to be Lara Jean’s younger sister. In the first season, Kitty embarks on a journey to South Korea, aiming to study at the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS), her late mother’s alma mater, while also being closer to her boyfriend, who is also enrolled there.

With the release of the second season, viewers are met with even more romantic clichés and comedic moments. Some may find it cringeworthy, as it heavily relies on well-trodden tropes wrapped in the charm of the Hallyu Wave.

Surprisingly, I enjoyed every moment of it.

The Cringe Factor in ‘XO, Kitty’

Kitty Song Covey from 'XO, Kitty' Season 2 — (Netflix)

Spoiler Alert: Season 2 Insights on XO, Kitty

It’s understandable why some consider XO, Kitty to be cringeworthy; I, too, sympathize with this perspective. The show extensively utilizes familiar tropes such as love triangles, hidden identities, and an ensemble of strikingly attractive students traversing the various adventures of a prestigious boarding school. When combined with the energetic backdrop of K-pop, it can feel like a dreamland crafted for true K-drama fans.

Kitty, as a character, has also drawn criticism for her cringe-inducing qualities. Although she is intended to exude quirkiness and charm, she often comes off as overly self-assured and meddlesome, leading to more complications than solutions. This excessively pushy demeanor can overshadow her more positive traits, straining her relationship with the audience.

Critics have also noted the series portrays an unrealistic version of South Korea, largely sticking to the confines of KISS, which is portrayed as an international boarding institution. The frequent use of English among South Korean characters, even in private settings, betrays the show’s English-centric approach, limiting an authentic cultural representation.

Admittedly, XO, Kitty could have benefitted from extra episodes to delve deeper into Kitty’s exploration of her Korean roots as she seeks her family history—a storyline that provides some of the series’ most compelling moments. Instead, the narrative is often sidetracked by her romantic entanglements, primarily involving characters like Yuri, Min Ho, Dae, and Praveena.

The Appeal of the Cringe

Kitty with friends in 'XO, Kitty' season 2 — (Netflix)

Typically, such overt cringe might drive audiences away, yet I found myself drawn in across both seasons of XO, Kitty. The series cleverly avoids taking itself too seriously, fully embracing these clichés that blend Western storytelling with the allure of K-drama. This unique fusion resonates with fans from diverse backgrounds.

Despite its sometimes predictable plotlines, XO, Kitty is a delightful escape into the lively world of KISS. Memorable, heartfelt scenes punctuate the episodes, such as the touching moment when Kitty and Yuri uncover an old tape made by Kitty’s mother, or the poignant scene where Min Ho envelops Kitty in an embrace during a rainy moment of vulnerability as she copes with her family’s disconnection. It’s a series filled with romantic escapism and relatable dilemmas, making it difficult to choose sides in the character relationships.

While Kitty’s assertive nature can be off-putting, it’s important to consider her standpoint. As a teenager inundated with the complexities of academics, friendships, and romantic pursuits—plus the burden of uncovering the truth about her family—her reactions stem from genuine emotion. Ultimately, her attempts to reconcile the messes she creates, sometimes succeeding and other times failing, reveal a familiar truth about growing up. The show does a commendable job of allowing Kitty to recognize her missteps.

Furthermore, the diversity among characters in XO, Kitty cannot go unnoticed. The series showcases individuals from various backgrounds, along with notable LGBTQ+ representation—Kitty identifies as bisexual, while Yuri and Julianna portray lesbian relationships. Additionally, a charming enemies-to-lovers subplot unfolds between characters Q and Jin, adding layers to the narrative.

Jin and Q from 'XO, Kitty' season 2 — (Netflix)

Beyond its whimsical nature, XO, Kitty pays homage to Korean traditions. For instance, in the first season, viewers are treated to a traditional fan dance, while the second season introduces Kitty’s family as traditional matchmakers, thus reinforcing Kitty’s known talent for matchmaking.

Is XO, Kitty cringeworthy? Certainly. But it also weaves a touching narrative of love and self-discovery, providing a seamless escape for viewers seeking to step outside their everyday lives. So why not add XO, Kitty to your next Netflix binge session?

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