Netflix’s beloved teen rom-com XO, Kitty is gearing up for its most emotionally charged season yet, with Season 3 set to premiere in early 2026—likely March, according to insider buzz and production timelines. Filming wrapped in Seoul back in July 2025, and post-production has been humming along, promising fans a return to the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) for Kitty Song Covey’s senior year. But before that, the season kicks off with something entirely new: the show’s first full summer episode, a sun-soaked detour filled with romance, adventure, and—crucially—enough drama to reignite old flames and spark fierce debates among the fandom.

The central hook? The simmering slow-burn between Kitty (Anna Cathcart) and Min Ho (Sang Heon Lee) finally gets its spotlight on the road. After Season 2’s explosive cliffhanger—Kitty impulsively confessing her feelings (or nearly doing so) and begging to join Min Ho on his family’s music tour with his rockstar brother and famous father—the stakes feel sky-high. Showrunner Jessica O’Toole has teased “lots of kissing,” a “more mature” vibe, and plenty of heartfelt moments. Episode titles like “Before Sunrise” (a clear nod to the iconic romance film about one magical night of deep conversation) hint at long, intimate evenings under the stars where confessions finally spill out. “Ride or Die” suggests loyalty tests, high-stakes decisions, and perhaps a moment where Kitty must prove she’s all-in.

But here’s where the real drama explodes: sources and fan theories point to a shocking revival of the love triangle that defined Season 2. Yuri Han (Gia Kim), who shared a charged kiss with Kitty while still dating Juliana (Regan Aliyah), ended the season single and reflective. The breakup stemmed from Kitty’s meddling letter exposing the kiss, leaving Yuri heartbroken but free. Now, with Kitty spending the summer on tour with Min Ho, whispers suggest Yuri’s unresolved feelings won’t stay buried.

Insiders reveal that Season 3 delves deeper into Yuri’s emotional journey. Despite the friendship zone at the end of Season 2, Gia Kim has hinted in interviews that Yuri’s heart isn’t fully settled. “There’s still so much left unsaid,” she teased. Fan speculation runs wild: Could Yuri crash the tour? Or does a chance reunion back at KISS force Kitty to confront lingering attraction? Reddit threads and TikTok edits already dissect every Season 2 glance, arguing the Yuri-Kitty spark was too electric to fizzle out. One viral theory posits a “what could have been” episode exploring alternate paths, potentially pulling Kitty back toward Yuri just as things heat up with Min Ho.

This potential triangle isn’t just fan service—it’s rooted in the show’s DNA. XO, Kitty thrives on messy, authentic teen emotions: bisexuality exploration, first loves, and the fear of choosing wrong. Kitty’s journey has always been about growth, not easy answers. If Yuri’s feelings resurface, it could lead to gut-wrenching confrontations, jealousy-fueled arguments, and tearful heart-to-hearts that test friendships and force Kitty to define what she truly wants.

Adding fuel to the fire are the new cast members shaking up dynamics. Sule Thelwell joins as Marius (Q’s ex-roommate and former fling), bringing potential tension for Q (Anthony Keyvan), who’s off at USC for summer training. Soy Kim as Yisoo and Christine Hwang as Gigi remain mysterious, but rumors swirl they could introduce jealousy or new romantic interests—perhaps someone who catches Min Ho’s eye during tour downtime, or a confidante who encourages Kitty to explore her feelings for Yuri further.

Meanwhile, the summer tour itself promises high-octane drama. Close quarters on buses and in hotels amplify every emotion. Min Ho, scarred from being used by Stella (Audrey Huynh) in Season 2’s revenge plot, is guarded about relationships. Kitty’s impulsiveness—charming in small doses—could clash with the pressures of fame, paparazzi, and family expectations. Expect grand K-drama gestures: rooftop confessions, stolen kisses backstage, and perhaps a public moment that goes viral, forcing the couple (or not-couple) to confront their feelings under scrutiny.

The shift to senior year at KISS brings even more layers. Kitty’s scholarship renewal means she’s back for the long haul, but senior year pressures—college apps, future plans, and saying goodbye—loom large. Friendships evolve: Juliana and Praveena (Sasha Bhasin) might solidify their bond post-breakup, while Dae (Choi Min-young) and Eunice navigate their own romance. And with Min Ho’s father (Philippe Lee) more involved, family reconciliation and legacy weigh heavy.

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What makes this season so anticipated is the payoff fans crave. Mooncovey shippers (Kitty + Min Ho) have waited through two seasons of tension—banter turning tender, gestures like flying her family over, and quiet support. But the Yuri chapter feels unfinished, with many arguing the show has handled queer representation thoughtfully but left room for more exploration. A love triangle revival could deliver the messiest, most relatable drama yet: no villains, just teenagers figuring out love in real time.

As the countdown to 2026 ticks on, excitement builds. Netflix has kept details tight, but the promise of “adventure, friendship… and kissing. Lots of kissing” has fans buzzing. Will Kitty and Min Ho finally lock in their romance? Or will Yuri’s return pull everything apart? One thing’s certain: XO, Kitty Season 3 won’t play it safe. It’s set to be the most dramatic, swoon-worthy, and heartbreaking chapter yet.

Grab your tissues, update your watchlist, and prepare for a summer that changes everything. The chaos queen is back—and this time, the heartstrings are on the line.