From the charmingly chaotic Devi to the ever-optimistic Emily, Netflix has a knack for crafting heroines whose lives are incredibly compelling to binge-watch. Kitty Song Covey, the titular character of XO, Kitty, now joins these ranks with a third season that masterfully balances predictable heartwarming moments with endearing, eye-roll-inducing (in the best possible way) high school drama. As the students of the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) navigate another year of their complex lives, the series continues to captivate its audience. Returning to KISS for her culminating senior year, Kitty (portrayed with enhanced confidence and style by Anna Cathcart) arrives armed with a “senior sunset list” brimming with aspirations. Her agenda includes deepening a burgeoning romance with Min Ho Moon (Sang Heon-Lee), forging stronger bonds with her recently reconnected Korean family, and, naturally, embracing a fresh wave of enjoyable antics and chaos alongside her now well-established circle of friends: Q (Anthony Keyvan), Yuri (Gia Kim), and Dae (Choi Minyoung).
However, Kitty’s envisioned idyllic senior year is not without its significant hurdles. A persistent undercurrent of unease shadows her nascent relationship with Min Ho, raising questions about her place within his affluent and sophisticated world. Compounding these romantic complexities are the pressing anxieties of college admissions, compelling Kitty to dedicate herself to intense academic rigor — a refreshing, albeit temporary, shift from the typically less-stressed academic landscape portrayed at KISS. Indeed, the third season largely immerses itself in the intricate tapestry of blossoming and challenged romantic connections across the student body. Q and his boyfriend Jin (Joshua Lee) find their relationship tested by an unexpected figure from Q’s past. Kitty, despite her largely open communication with Min Ho throughout the season, grapples with lingering trust issues. Meanwhile, Dae confronts his evolving feelings for Eunice (Ryu Han-bi), whose pop star career is on the brink of taking off. For dedicated ‘Kitty and Min Ho’ fans, this season is a triumphant payoff, delivering the fun, flirty, and deeply satisfying romance that viewers have championed since the series’ inception. The undeniable on-screen chemistry and radiant performances from both Anna Cathcart and Sang Heon-Lee significantly elevate these romantic storylines. One can only wonder when Netflix will ink Sang Heon-Lee for a dedicated K-Drama contract.
Since its debut, the series has charted Kitty’s remarkable journey from her initial insecurities to a more self-assured individual, surrounded by a supportive “village” of friends who enthusiastically participate in her optimistic outlook, penchant for matchmaking, and often-chaotic endeavors. While the recurring nature of these narrative elements might, in other contexts, risk becoming wearisome, Anna Cathcart’s inherent charisma and spirited portrayal of Kitty consistently prevent any such fatigue. One might occasionally wish for Kitty to tackle her personal insecurities with more directness, yet the inherent predictability of the show’s narrative arc — where chaos invariably resolves into heartwarming conclusions — offers a comforting and enjoyable viewing experience. There’s a distinct pleasure in embracing this familiar unfolding of events.
A memorable quip from Yuri, suggesting the friend group possesses “more drama than a middle school production of Wicked,” aptly captures the show’s essence. Yet, Season 3 skillfully navigates this intricate web of relationships by largely sidestepping the lingering awkwardness of past romantic entanglements. This maturity allows for compelling new dynamics to shine, most notably the strengthened bond between Yuri and Kitty. Their partnership evolves into a particularly solid and supportive alliance, with Kitty playing a pivotal role in assisting Yuri through her challenging transition from a life of opulence to more modest circumstances.
