Joshua Hyunho Lee – XO, Kitty

By starrymag | January 17, 2025

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) When we pick up in the “XO, Kitty” verse and KISS, what kind of introduction to Jin are we given with Season 2?

A) We first see Jin inserting himself into Dae (Minyeong Choi) and Q’s (Anthony Keyvan) practice time to make fun of Q. What an intro to Jin. [laughs] I feel like Dae’s comments about Jin are apt — “he’s a toxic alpha male.” I laughed the first time I read that in the script!

 

Q) When you first read the breakdown for Jin and subsequently started reading the Season 2 scripts, what stood out to you about your character whether his attitude, personality, or something about his development?

A) What stood out to me is that Jin’s bad-boy exterior is just a self-defense mechanism to bear with the pressures he puts on himself to be Number 1. His dad represented Korea in the Olympics, and he wants to continue that legacy. It’s a lot of stress for him, but as his character develops through the season, we see him open up about his insecurities and show his softer side.

 

Q) The series has such strong writing and production behind it. What impressed you the most about this team?

A) Everyone is so talented and the best at what they do, but what impressed me the most was how collaborative everyone was. I felt really confident in my ability to perform because I trusted the writers, the crew, the directors and our amazing showrunner, Jessica [O’Toole], to create and also listen to any feedback I had!

 

Q) What is it about Q that really draws Jin to him? 

A) Jin loves and, at times, envies how true to himself Q is. Jin admires this quality about Q and wants to be able to have that level of security in his own identity as he struggles with creating his path instead of one dictated by familial or social pressures. That and secretly Jin likes the competitiveness between him and Q and thinks it’s hot! [laughs]

 

Q) Jin and Q have an enemy to lovers dynamic. Did you and Anthony do anything to cultivate your chemistry and that competitive streak of each?

A) Anthony and I had to rehearse with a track coach a few times every week for our track scenes. We naturally built that friendly competition trying to run faster than each other at our practices! In terms of our chemistry, I’m lucky to have had such a great scene partner. The acting was made easier because he quickly became such a great friend and because we had an awesome intimacy coordinator.

 

Q) Since the series is filmed in South Korea, what were some of your favorite spots to frequent, and locations to film, and why?

A) My favorite location to film was by far the palace where we shot our finale dance sequence! It was surreal seeing the stage for the first time in the courtyard of this beautiful area. I’m going to remember those scenes for the rest of my life.

 

Q) You got to be a part of a special performance during a song and dance competition within the series. What was the best and most challenging parts of being a part of this?

A) That performance was a blast. I never thought I’d be able to dance on the series when I booked the role, but here we are. Rehearsing for it was a little stressful because we didn’t have that much time to rehearse, but being on that stage in that beautiful location will always be a highlight for me.

 

Q) What was your favorite aspect or moment of filming the series?

A) One of my favorite moments filming for me was filming the snow cabin scenes. They were some long hours, but I remember one particular day we filmed until we saw the sunrise. It was the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen.

 

Q) What have you taken away from being a part of this series?

A) I’ve learned a lot in my time on set for “XO, Kitty,” but one of the biggest lessons I learned is that time flies by so fast! When I first landed, I felt like two months would be a long time. I’m glad I spent every day in the present and, as a result, I’m lucky enough to have made some lifelong friends.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters and leave with them as a tease for “XO, Kitty” Season 2?

A) I hope you enjoy watching Jin and the whole Kitty crew on “XO, Kitty” Season 2! If you watch it, you might see some familiar faces, steamy scenes between multiple people and one very, very shocking twist.