Kristen Meinzer, co-host of "The Daily Fail" and co-author of "How to Be Fine," offers a personal, critical perspective on the Netflix series XO, Kitty. Regina Kim, a freelance writer on Korean pop culture, highlights the show's unique cultural representation and its progressive LGBTQ themes. They dive into the character Kitty's journey of love and identity in Korea, addressing issues of adoption and cultural immersion. The discussion critiques the innovative portrayals and challenges stereotypes while emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives.
XO, Kitty enriches representation by featuring a Korean male romantic lead and including queer characters, challenging traditional genre norms.
The show's episodic format allows deeper character development for Kitty, transitioning her from comic relief to a fully realized individual with personal challenges.
Deep dives
Exploring Cultural Representation in XO Kitty
The series XO Kitty showcases a teenage matchmaker navigating her new life in Korea, which offers an intriguing blend of cultural representation. Unlike many shows where Asian women are paired with white men, this series features a Korean male romantic lead, highlighting a positive shift in representation within the genre. The inclusion of queer characters also stands out, addressing themes that are often overlooked in Korean dramas. This multifaceted portrayal enriches the narrative, providing viewers with diverse perspectives on relationships and cultural identity.
A New Format for Character Development
XO Kitty benefits from its episodic format, allowing for more character development and growth compared to traditional films. The series gives Kitty her own story arc, moving beyond her role as comic relief and presenting her as a fully realized character with personal desires and challenges. The setting in Seoul adds an international dimension, enriching the storyline while introducing a new cast of characters. While the plot can become complicated, this format supports the exploration of various romantic dynamics and character interactions.
Navigating the Adoption Narrative
The storyline also touches on themes of adoption, as one character grapples with his identity as an adoptee. The show makes an effort to highlight the complexities of being adopted in a cross-cultural context, providing a nuanced view of these experiences. However, some discussions feel rushed, leaving viewers wanting more depth in certain character arcs. This approach aligns with the growing discourse around adoption narratives, offering a fresh perspective that resonates with many audiences today.
The Netflix series XO, Kitty is a spinoff of the hit YA book and movie franchise, To All the Boys I've Loved Before. The show follows the messy adventures of teenage matchmaker Kitty Song Covey (Anna Cathcart), who moves across the globe to be with her long-distance boyfriend in Korea. The show is a mash-up of genres, including rom-coms, Korean dramas, and coming-of-age tales. XO, Kitty just returned for a second season, so in this encore episode, we're revisiting our conversation about the series.