by Alice-Ginevra Micheli, Contributing Writer
We all have that feeling. You know the one: You finish watching a movie and something about it hits you in just the right spot.
Whether it was the theme, the story, or even the characters, there was a quality about it that almost makes you want to turn around and go back a second, third, or even fourth time!
Bar the reality of living in the movie theater for the rest of your days, you turn to the rest of pop culture and start to look for other avenues where you can find that same feeling.
Well I’m here to make this plight easier for all. Each month, I take a piece of pop culture that was prevalent in the social consciousness — whether it is a movie, TV show, or something else — and then recommend other forms of media for those who want to stay in that world a little bit longer.
Welcome to your One Stop Pop, internet!
We are officially in 2025, a new quarter century with many more possibilities. With all of that also comes a wave of new television that those of us trying to catch up on the movies from the year before may find ourselves scrambling to keep up with.
Whether it’s the typical Netflix drops, the new high-quality premier Max program, or the return of a beloved show, there’s bound to be something that keeps the people interested.
With that, has come along the return of XO, Kitty, a series that combines the onslaught of love for Korean culture in the western sphere, as well as good old fashioned romance storylines to keep even the most cynical amongst us intrigued.
So while Kitty Song-Covey navigates the trials and tribulations of young love in a foreign country, let’s find a couple of things to keep you interested until Season Three arrives into our warm embrace…
Book: Geekerella by Ashley Poston
As a show about a girl who goes on a trip to win the heart of someone she thinks she loves — very Legally Blonde of her — we must look to a classic young adult novel series Once Upon A Con, which combines classic fairy tales with classic romance tropes. But for this recommendation, we look to the first of the series, Geekerella, something with a bit more of a modern twist of mistaken identity.
Part romance, part love letter to pop culture, this novel is a modern fairy tale for fandom lovers. When geek girl Elle enters a cosplay contest for her favourite sci-fi series, she’s determined to win — if her stepsisters don’t ruin it first. Meanwhile, teen heartthrob Darien, currently cast in the coveted role of the beloved hero, struggles to prove he’s more than just a pretty face. As ExcelsiCon approaches, an unexpected connection changes everything.
In a phrase, this book is wholly adorable. With a couple of heartbreakingly realistic portrayals of teenage feeling, as well as the fun environment of a pop-culture convention, any lover of “nerddom,” romantic comedies, or even classic fairy tales is sure to get a kick out of this one. Plus with all the funny little tropes that are present in XO, Kitty, paired well into this series, it’s a fun, easy read that can entertain anyone on a free weekend.
Movie: The Lake House
An American series that is inspired by the K-Drama genre should in turn recommend an American movie that is derived from a K-Drama movie, right? Taking inspiration from the 2000s Korean romance, Il Mare, The Lake House is a film from a time where westerners couldn’t fathom the idea of watching a story in another language, and so Hollywood just remade foreign-language films to get the story out to their markets.
Starring two major stars who are still active today, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, the film follows a lonely doctor and a frustrated architect as they begin exchanging love letters across time through a mysterious lakeside house. As their connection deepens, they must uncover the truth behind their impossible romance before time runs out.
The original, as well as this remake, are both beautifully lyrical films about loneliness, connection, and meeting at the right time, across time. This especially comes down to the undeniable chemistry between the leads, even though they’re barely on screen together beyond a few split screen conversations filling in the blanks.
With Valentine’s Day coming up, it’s a wonderful story that any romance lover can enjoy the experience of watching, especially with perhaps that special someone… or special snack.
Album/Podcast: Beyond the Romance Drama Podcast
To continue the K-Drama train, any fan of these kind-of soap opera dramatic renditions of storytelling would likely be itching to hear all about the ins and outs of their favourite series and/or movie. So, of course, this month’s auditory recommendation had to involve a podcast getting down to the nitty gritty of it all.
The Beyond The Romance Drama Podcast is hosted by Rotten Tomato-approved critic Carolyn Hinds. Each episode dives into the best (and worst) of new and classic drama, from their favourite emotional performances to the frustrating tropes audiences secretly adore. If listening to deep dives and lively discussions are something one can enjoy, then this is definitely one to give a go.
With only 13 episodes in the catalogue, it’s just enough for a fan to dip their toes into the ins and outs of many a K-Drama, and maybe find a title or theme that interests them enough to explore more. Considered in a lot of ways to be the Gogglebox of K-Drama, recorded at a time when content was king, this is a great option for anyone looking to diversify their listening into reactionary reviews.
Video Game: Gone Home
Going back to the romance, and specifically young love, we look toward the game recommendation of the month. Taking into account how multifaceted storylines, complex character work, and traditional romance make up the main elements of XO, Kitty, it should only be fair that the gaming experience also includes all these elements.
Gone Home is a personal experience where the player arrives home after a year abroad. They expect a warm welcome — but the house is empty, and something feels off. A story-driven exploration game, they proceed to search every room, uncovering notes, objects, and memories to piece together the mystery of what happened to the Greenbriar family. With no combat or puzzles, the player will explore at their own pace, richly immersing them in a detailed 1990s home.
From the outset, this doesn’t seem like a very romantic game at all. In fact, it gives off more mystery and/or horror vibes. However, this is one that is more than what it seems. Using tropes from detective stories, Gone Home is more interested in telling a tale of love, and all the different parts that make up its whole. It’s also very short, with it probably taking the average gamer no longer than an afternoon to enjoy.
So we have gone down quite a dreamy, romantic lane this month, looking toward Korean-led storylines and captivating characters. If you’re still on edge after the exciting end of XO, Kitty Season Two, hopefully one of these can help ease that heartbreak for a little bit of time.
We’ll return next month with what manages to break through in this second month of 2025. Until then, thank you for visiting Siftpop’s One Stop Pop — we hope to see you again soon!
You can read more from Alice-Ginevra Micheli, and follow her on Instagram and Letterboxd