Internet, meet the fluffiest fusion of the Western world and the Hallyu scene: XO, Kitty, the Netflix To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before spin-off that has viewers swooning in their seats. The Seoul-set series boasts a roster of new acts, but the K-drama regular will, at some point, recognize a few familiar faces that grace the screen.
To save you a search, scroll below for a list of actors and actresses that you might have noticed in previous Korean series–including a certain 2000s K-drama vet!
1. Yunjin Kim
Born in Seoul but immigrated to the United States as a kid, Yunjin Kim can be spotted in the credits of both American and Korean productions. After earning a drama degree from Boston University, the actress starred in the '90s series Splendid Holiday, Foreboding, and Wedding Dress.
On the American side, Yunjin is a cast member of several notable titles, including the cult series Lost as Sun-Hwa Kwon and Mistresses as Dr. Karen Kim, where she played opposite Alyssa Milano.
After a couple of years, Yunjin returned to the Hallyu drama scene in the South Korean adaptation of Money Heist as Seon Woo-jin. Now, in her latest team-up with Netflix with XO, Kitty, the veteran actress fills the role of Jina Lim, the firm principal of K.I.S.S. and the mom of Yuri Han (Gia Kim).
2. Lee Hyung Chul
It doesn’t exude K-drama energy without a chaebol member. Actor Lee Hyung Chul plays the part in XO, Kitty as the Han Hotel honcho President Han, who’s also Jina’s husband and Yuri’s authoritarian dad. Previously, Hyung Chul made his rounds in the Korean drama scene in You Are the Boss! and War of the Roses, with supporting roles in Scent of Man and Sisters of the Sea.
3. Michael K. Lee
Much like his fictional counterpart Professor Lee, actor Michael K. Lee has a penchant for music. But unlike K.I.S.S.’s resident terror teacher, the American-born actor ventured to a full-fledged career onstage, having found his footing in theater.
Since his casting in Miss Saigon in 1995, the thespian has appeared in several prominent drama productions on Broadway and abroad (Fun fact: He played opposite Lea Salonga in a Philippine staging of They’re Playing Our Song!).
In 2017, the actor made his Korean TV debut in A Korean Odyssey, where he played the part of Jonathan.
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4. Lee Sung Wook
K-dramas have a long streak of casting familiar faces for their fatherly roles, and XO, Kitty took the baton and ran with it. Taking on the role of Dae’s dad and the Hans’ trusty chauffeur is Lee Sung Wook, who’s a regular in Hallyu’s favorite series. Exhibit A: You can count titles like Black Knight, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Forecasting Love and Weather, and The Silent Sea among his hit filmography.
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5. Jung Ji Yoon
KISS' resident librarian has actually made her rounds in Korea's drama scene, too. The actress, who's spotted in a couple of episodes of XO, Kitty, previously appeared in series such as 18 Again, Vincenzo, and The Veil.
6. Han Chae Young
If we’re talking “familiar,” however, then actress Han Chae Young has taken the crown. Her character takes a page out of the life of her real-life counterpart, as Chae Young plays Dami, Min Ho’s mom who’s also a prominent actress in the XO, Kitty universe.
In reality, Chae Young is dubbed the “Korean Barbie Doll,” who has made her presence known in hit 2000s series like Autumn in My Heart, Sassy Girl Chun-hyang, Only You, and Boys Over Flowers, where she played the subject of Yoon Ji-hu (played by Kim Hyun-Joong)’s affection.
7. Choi Min Young
The younger cast of XO, Kitty might be packed with fresh, breakthrough acts, but certain cast members have already made their appearances in Hallyu-wood. The long-distance (turned short-distance!) boyfriend of Kitty (Anna Cathcart) is portrayed by Choi Min Young, whose stint as a child actor lent him roles in Strong Girl Bong-Soon, Itaewon Class, Radio Romance, W, and Twenty-Five, Twenty-One.
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8. Ryu Han Bi
Another former child actor among the show's fold is Ryu Han Bi, a vividly dressed lackey of queen bee Yuri Han. Before being the subject of rumors that pinpointed her as a former trainee of K-pop girl group NewJeans, Han Bi had already earned credits in several K-dramas, including Live Up to Your Name, Argon, and Entourage. She even bagged the 2018 MBC Drama Award for Best Child Actress, thanks to her role in Come and Hug Me!
9. Go Do Yeon
The adorable little sister of Dae, Bora, is actually a familiar face in K-drama! The child actress has roles across hit series across the industry, including Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Hospital Playlist, Because This Is My First Life, Jirisan, See You in My 19th Life, and more.
10. Ok Taecyeon
Making a much-talked-about cameo in the series is Korean heartthrob Ok Taecyeon, who appeared in a brief but memorable minute in episode 8. True to his show persona as Ocean Park, the Hallyu star is also a buzzed-about a K-pop idol from the group 2PM. But he's also a staggering actor to follow on screen, as seen on his credits in Who Are You?, Bring It On, Ghost, Save Me, and even as the baddie in the Song Joong Ki-starring drama Vincenzo.
11. Peniel Shin
It isn't just Minho's mom who comes from a life of glitz and fame. Aside from having a famous actress for a mom and a renowned talent manager for a dad (Philippe Lee), Minho also calls K-pop superstar Joon Ho his older brother. In real life, he's played by the actual rapper and musician Peniel, who's a member of the boy group BTOB. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, United States, the star made his move to South Korea to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Peniel also had his fair share of guest appearances in K-dramas including The Heirs and Dae Jang Geum Is Watching.
12. Hojo Shin
Another new character is introduced in the XO, Kitty universe in season two, who actually has familial ties with the titular character. Hojo Shin, who plays a long-lost relative of the Song-Coveys, is an actress based in Los Angeles who has appeared in series like The Dead Girls Detective Agency. In the K-drama realm, viewers could also spot her in the Philippine-set series Big Bet.
13. Jung Hye Sun
In the second season of XO, Kitty, Kitty digs into her Korean roots and also discovers her estranged great aunt, Soon Ja. Behind the austere matchmaker is Jung Hye Sun, a figure in the industry for more than six decades. The veteran actress has been well-decorated in accolades across film, television, and theater, with awards including the Daesang-Grand Prize at the 1983 MBC Drama Awards, alongside numerous Best Actress awards at the prestigious Baeksang Art Awards. Recently, viewers can find her in dramas like The Two Sisters and All That We Loved.
XO, Kitty seasons one and two are streaming on Netflix.
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