In season three of XO, Kitty, protagonist Kitty Song-Covey demonstrates that no relationship exists on its own and the show’s multiple storylines unfold at the same time, exploring different sides of identity.
Focuses on the lives of American high schooler Kitty and the friends she meets in Korea, where she attends high school, this season concentrates mainly on Kitty’s relationship with her new boyfriend, Minho. It also develops other characters’ stories with each one highlighting a certain aspect of identity—including relationships, personal struggles, or self-discovery—making the story feel layered and meaningful. Instead of being chaotic or disconnected, the season organizes its storylines in a way that emphasizes character development. What stands out the most is how all of these storylines aren’t treated as extra side plots, but instead feel connected as each character faces a similar internal struggle.
One of the more prominent storylines this season follows Kitty’s friend Yuri, whose financial and legal issues pull her away from her high social status and force her to rethink what really matters. Instead of being defined by her money or popularity, Yuri is pushed into a situation where she has to figure out who she is without those things. Her situation is important to the overall message of the season by showing how identity is altered when factors like wealth and status are absent.
The storyline of their good friend Q focuses on internal identity and self-discovery through his relationships with his friends and family. His arc highlights the pressure of expectations and what it means to figure out who you are while other people are telling you who you should be. This connection proves that even though storylines may seem separate, they still influence the main plot. Q’s struggles with acceptance and personal growth reflect the larger theme of the season, which is that identity is not fixed, but is shaped by conflict, relationships, and experiences.
While these side storylines help develop the show, the central relationship between Kitty and Minho remains as the emotional anchor of the season. Their romance is neither simple nor stable, constantly shifting as both characters face their own issues independent of one another. The unpredictability of their relationship makes it feel realistic, since it reflects how easily emotions can change as well as how often timing will fail you.
As the season progresses, all the storylines begin to connect, revealing how each of the character’s choices affect others in unexpected ways. Although the plots may feel separate at first, they eventually contribute to the same narrative; this structure helps strengthen the idea that identity is not developed alone, but shaped through interaction with others.
Overall, season three stands out due to its use of multiple storylines to explore identity from different perspectives. Whether it’s Yuri finding herself outside of wealth, Q navigating expectations and self-acceptance, or Kitty and Minho learning and growing through their relationship, each storyline contributes to the larger picture. XO, Kitty gave the audience a season that’s not only about romance, but also about how identity is formed and reshaped through every individual experience.
