Global No.1 but ignored in Korea? ‘XO, Kitty’ sparks split reactions at home

A scene from "XO, Kitty" / Captured from Netflix

A Netflix teen drama set in Korea is dominating global charts — but drawing little attention in the very country it portrays, raising questions about cultural disconnect and audience taste.

The third season of “XO, Kitty,” released Thursday, has quickly climbed to No. 1 worldwide on Netflix’s TV chart, according to data from FlixPatrol. The series, a spinoff of “To All the Boys I've Loved Before,” follows Kitty (played by Anna Cathcart), who returns to Korea after falling for a boy she met during a previous visit.

The show gained early traction by entering the Top 10 in countries including Hungary and the Czech Republic on its release day. By its second day, it had reached No. 1 in 52 countries, eventually topping charts in 77 countries, including the United States.

A scene from "XO, Kitty" / Captured from Netflix

It even overtook “Bloodhounds Season 2” to claim the global No. 1 spot in the TV category, with expectations it will maintain the lead through its first week.

Yet despite its international success — and being set in Korea — the series has failed to generate significant buzz domestically. It has not ranked on local charts and has seen minimal online discussion among Korean viewers.

A poster for "XO Kitty" / Courtesy of Netflix

This pattern is not new. Since Season 1, which was filmed in Korea after its production was confirmed in 2021, the series has struggled to resonate locally. While its unique premise initially drew curiosity, it quickly faded from mainstream attention.

Industry observers point to several reasons. The show received little promotion in Korea, limiting awareness. More importantly, its distinctly American teen drama style — often featuring exaggerated or “over-the-top” storylines — has been cited as a barrier to immersion for Korean audiences. Some viewers also criticized the acting as awkward, particularly from less-experienced cast members.

Still, reactions are sharply divided. Some viewers dismissed the show as “childish” and “hard to relate to,” while others described it as a “guilty pleasure,” saying its unfamiliar tone can actually be entertaining.

Online comments reflect the split: “It’s too cringey,” “I’d rather watch actual Korean dramas,” but also “It’s cheesy, but fun,” and “That’s kind of the appeal.”

The phenomenon is not unique. Netflix’s “Emily in Paris” faced similar criticism for its stereotypical portrayal of French culture, even as it achieved strong viewership globally — and eventually topped charts in France as well with later seasons.

As global streaming platforms continue producing cross-cultural content, the case of “XO, Kitty” highlights a recurring irony: what captivates global audiences may not always resonate with viewers at home.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.