Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Season 2 of XO, Kitty.
When Anna Cathcart’s character, the youngest sister in the beloved To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series, embarks on a journey halfway around the globe to meet her boyfriend, audiences are left to ponder just how charming this guy could be. While a portion of her decision to enroll at KISS was inspired by her mother’s legacy, it was undeniably the promise of romance that truly captured our hearts in XO, Kitty. However, viewers were left feeling disillusioned as the chemistry between Kitty and Dae (Choi Min-young) was alarmingly absent, especially given that Dae lacked a distinct personality. Thankfully, Season 2 of XO, Kitty makes a remarkable turnaround, transforming Dae and his narrative into one of the most captivating arcs of the season.
Dae’s Character Development Shines in ‘XO, Kitty’ Season 2
Initially, our perception of Dae in XO, Kitty was less than favorable. He found himself entangled in a fabricated relationship with Yuri (Gia Kim) and consistently delayed informing Kitty about it. Too often, Dae’s character was defined by his longing for Kitty from a distance, all while being burdened with lackluster dialogue punctuated by sudden fits of jealousy. His seemingly passive nature is slightly contextualized by fleeting glimpses into his family life, revealing their financial hardships and Dae’s fragile grasp on a scholarship at KISS. Despite these brief insights, Dae remained largely forgettable during Season 1, especially when contrasted with Kitty’s other romantic prospects, a striking achievement considering he was meant to be her primary love interest.
In Season 2, however, Dae’s initial blank-slate persona evolves into his greatest asset, as the Netflix series delves into his fascinating family dynamics and crafts a more nuanced character. The revamped Dae is endowed with a surprising talent for singing, which he humorously explains away, claiming he could never serenade Kitty over the phone. This newfound ability, coupled with the unfolding plot, allows us to witness Dae’s character bloom as we grasp the weight he carries. Faced with the pressures of his scholarship and his father’s injuries, Dae?s stress is palpable, yet his determination shines through, vividly portrayed by Choi’s growing confidence and self-assuredness.
It’s evident that Dae flourishes as a character when freed from the constraints of unrequited love for Kitty. His confrontation with his best friend Min-ho (Sang Heon Lee) over his feelings for an ex-girlfriend reveals unexpected depth. Rather than simply being about Kitty, the conflict underscores the financial and behavioral disparities between the two friends. Dae is unable to afford the impulsive decisions that Min-ho often indulges in, due to his precarious position in school and life, which strains their friendship at times, highlighting Min-ho’s lack of empathy. As XO, Kitty Season 2 progresses, we witness the gradual unveiling of Dae’s character, offering us a chance to invest in a character we had previously overlooked.
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‘XO Kitty’ Season 2 Ending Explained: Do We Finally Know Who Kitty Will End Up With?
Our fingers are crossed for Season 3!
‘XO, Kitty’ Season 2 Elevates Dae’s Storyline to New Heights
XO, Kitty expertly rectifies the missteps of Season 1 by weaving Dae into a heartfelt subplot that unexpectedly emerges as one of the season’s strongest narratives. With the support of his friends, Dae courageously enters a singing competition motivated by personal reasons to uplift his family and assert his own identity. Throughout this journey, an unanticipated romance develops between him and fellow contestant Eunice (Ryu Han-bi), showcasing a natural chemistry that blossoms. What sets this relationship apart from Dae’s earlier connection with Kitty is the independence of both characters, allowing their distinct personalities to shine while complementing each other beautifully. Interestingly, this romantic arc serves as a clever reflection on the show’s past oversight of Dae, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond initial impressions to uncover deeper character layers.
The crowning achievement of Dae’s transformation lies in how seamlessly the show strikes a balance between Dae’s personal journey and its relevance to the overarching plot. His passion for singing, unwavering determination, and strong friendships empower him to confront and ultimately triumph over Esther (Audrey Huynh), even though Eunice takes home the competition’s top prize. Furthermore, Dae’s conflict with Min-ho not only reveals new facets of his own character but also catalyzes Min-ho’s growth, motivating him to engage in a meaningful confrontation with his father. While XO, Kitty faced challenges in establishing the credibility and likability of its primary love interest, it skillfully redeems itself by providing Dae with a platform to truly thrive.
XO, Kitty is now available for streaming on Netflix.
WATCH ON NETFLIX
- Release Date
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May 18, 2023
- Cast
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Anna Cathcart, Sang Heon Lee, Choi Min-young, Anthony Keyvan, Gia Kim, Peter Thurnwald, Regan Aliya
- Seasons
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2
- Writers
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Jenny Han
- Franchise(s)
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To All the Boys
- Directors
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Jennifer Arnold, Jeff Chan, Katina Medina Mora, Pamela Romanowsky
