Title: "XO, Kitty" Tackles K-Drama Clichés in a Refreshing Manner, According to Mineyong Choi
K-drama enthusiasts might recognize Mineyong Choi from his roles in various shows, including "Mr. Sunshine" and "Your Honor." This multi-talented actor debuted as a young performer in 2014, appearing in younger versions of Ji Soo, Yoo Ah In, and Yoo Jae-myung's characters in popular series. His latest role as Dae Heon Kim in "XO, Kitty" has introduced him to an even larger audience.
Choi expresses his enthusiasm for the show, revealing, "Being a part of 'XO, Kitty' has brought significant changes to my career and allowed me to meet great friends and learn about various cultures. It truly feels like a turning point in my life."
"XO Kitty" aired in 2023, with its second season now in progress. Set at the Korean International School of Seoul (KISS), Dae Heon Kim's classmates generally come from wealthy backgrounds. Despite his humble upbringing, Dae's intelligence and determination keep him at the top of his class.
Dae harbors feelings for Kitty Song Covey, an American transfer student, but he maintains a fake relationship with another wealthy student, Yuri. When Kitty arrives, Dae must confront his deceit, leading him on a journey of growth and self-discovery.
Choi admires the series for its realistic character development. He shares, "What I loved most was how the characters' growth processes were portrayed. Just as life often takes unexpected turns, the story captures how each character grows and evolves in their own unique way through unpredictable events."
Choi sees parallels between his own personality and Dae's, but emphasizes, "Dae is a character who shares many similarities with me, but one key difference is that he is more cautious and less adventurous than I am."
Although Dae's deception presents challenges, Choi believes that it ultimately contributes to the character's development. He comments, "As an actor, taking on a role such as Dae has been an exciting opportunity to explore and portray complex emotions."
"XO, Kitty" departs from traditional Korean dramas by its setting, tone, and approach to character development and relationships. The American-produced series embraces romantic comedy, with a strong ensemble cast, LGBTQ+ representation, a linear narrative, and playful use of romantic comedy clichés. Its visuals, music, and production values align more with Western teen rom-coms than traditional K-dramas.
Enrichment data:
Setting and Cultural Context: Set in modern South Korea but incorporating American culture, "XO, Kitty" is a departure from most K-dramas that are predominantly set in South Korea. The show explores cultural exchange and relationships between Korean and American cultures, which is not a common theme in traditional K-dramas.
Genre and Tone: Primarily a romantic comedy, "XO, Kitty" focuses on characters' personal and emotional journeys. The focus on a teenage protagonist, along with its comedic tone, distinguishes it from traditional K-dramas that cover various genres, including melodramas, historical dramas, and thrillers.
Character Development and Relationships: "XO, Kitty" features a strong ensemble cast, with a focus on developing relationships between Kitty and her classmates and teachers, which is less common in K-dramas. The show also presents themes of LGBTQ+ representation, which takes a more contemporary and inclusive approach compared to some traditional K-dramas.
Storytelling Style: Employing a linear narrative, "XO, Kitty" focuses on Kitty's personal growth and romantic relationships, which diverges from the often complex, multi-layered storylines found in many K-dramas.
Production Values and Style: The show incorporates elements of American teen rom-coms through its visual style, music, and use of upbeat soundtracks to enhance comedic and romantic elements, different from the more dramatic and culturally specific visual styles employed in traditional K-dramas.
- Jenny Han, the author of "To All the Boys I've Loved Before," contributed to the development of the character Kitty Song Covey in the K-drama "XO, Kitty," further attracting fans of the popular book series to the Netflix series.
- Gia Kim, a notable actor, joined the cast of "XO, Kitty" alongside Sang Heon Lee and Choi Min-young, adding to the ensemble's diverse talent and enhancing the show's overall appeal.
- Anna Cathcart, the renowned Canadian actress, also appeared in "XO, Kitty," showcasing her talents in the K-drama scene and expanding her fanbase, especially among enthusiasts of Korean dramas and American teen dramas combined.
- K-drama fans worldwide have lauded "XO, Kitty" for its unique blend of Korean and American cultures, making it a must-watch for those seeking to explore diverse perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between the two cultures.
- With K-dramas like "XO, Kitty" setting new trends in storytelling and embracing the influence of Western teen rom-coms, global audiences are increasingly exposed to the richness and variety found in the ever-evolving world of K-drama entertainment.
