The Shocking Truth: 5 Major Revelations About What Happens To Stella In XO, Kitty

The mystery surrounding Stella Cho, the enigmatic new roommate at the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) in XO, Kitty Season 2, was one of the series’ biggest new storylines. Fans were immediately suspicious of the seemingly sweet exchange student from Ohio, and as of the latest season's dramatic conclusion, the full, shocking truth has been exposed. Her storyline was a masterclass in misdirection, revealing a deep-seated revenge plot that threatened to dismantle the lives of Kitty Covey, Min Ho, and even Principal Young Moon. This article, updated for December 15, 2025, breaks down every critical detail of Stella's true identity, her motives, and the dramatic turn of events that led to her ultimate fate.

Stella's journey from a seemingly innocent transfer student to the season's primary antagonist was a whirlwind of manipulation and drama. Her true name and her connection to a past scandal at KISS provided the high-stakes tension that Season 2 desperately needed, proving that not everyone who arrives at the school is there for love and friendship.

Stella Cho: Full Biography and Profile

The character known as Stella Cho was a central figure in the dramatic events of XO, Kitty Season 2. Her profile is complex, rooted in a past humiliation that fueled her quest for vengeance.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Character Name: Stella Cho (Assumed Name at KISS)
• Real Name: Esther Shim
• Portrayed By: Audrey Huynh
• First Appearance: XO, Kitty Season 2
• Role: Kitty Covey's new roommate and the season's main antagonist/villain.
• School: Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) (as an exchange student from Ohio).
• Key Relationship: Min Ho (Fake relationship for her plot).
• Motive: Revenge against Principal Young Moon (Mr. Moon).
• Ultimate Fate: Exposed for cheating and blackmail, sent back to the USA.

The Shocking Discovery of Stella's True Identity and Motive

The biggest twist in Stella's storyline was the revelation that "Stella Cho" was an alias and that she was not just a random exchange student. Her real name is Esther Shim, and she had a deep, personal connection to the school's principal, Young Moon, that dated back years.

The Rising Stars Incident. Years before Kitty arrived at KISS, Esther (Stella) had auditioned for one of Mr. Moon's previous talent shows, "Rising Stars with Young Moon." During her performance, she suffered a traumatic and embarrassing emotional breakdown on stage. Instead of showing compassion, Mr. Moon cruelly mocked her reaction, turning her emotional moment into a viral meme that humiliated her publicly.

The Vengeance Plot. This incident was the sole reason Esther, now calling herself Stella Cho, transferred to KISS. Her entire plan was designed to seek vengeance on Mr. Moon by sabotaging the annual KISS Talent Show and exposing him. She saw the competition as her chance to finally "get what's hers" and make him pay for the public humiliation she endured.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

A Calculated Deception. Stella was incredibly manipulative, quickly inserting herself into Kitty's life and the lives of her friends. She used her position as Kitty’s roommate to maintain proximity to the main group and execute her scheme under the guise of being a supportive friend. Her actions slowly ramped up the stakes throughout the season, causing a great deal of havoc.

How Stella's Blackmail and Lies Were Exposed

Stella's plan hinged on winning the KISS Talent Show, and she was willing to destroy relationships to achieve her goal. Her most damaging move involved Min Ho, who she began dating in a calculated ploy.

Blackmailing Min Ho. Stella discovered a secret about Min Ho's past and used it to blackmail him. She forced him to help her cheat her way into the talent competition lineup, ensuring she was poised to win.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

Kitty's Investigation. Kitty, who had been suspicious of Stella's true intentions and even envied her relationship with Min Ho, eventually realized something was wrong. Dae also played a crucial role, realizing that Stella had cheated her way into the competition. The final piece of the puzzle came when Kitty discovered evidence confirming Stella's deception, including an envelope related to her plot.

The Dramatic Confrontation. On the day of the competition, the truth came out. Kitty and Dae's discoveries led to Stella's exposure. Mr. Moon, realizing the extent of Stella’s actions and the depth of her pain, was forced to address the situation.

Stella's Dramatic and Definitive Ending in XO, Kitty Season 2

The climax of Stella's storyline brought about her definitive fate at KISS. While her revenge plot was ultimately foiled, the ending provided a moment of unexpected closure and even a hint of redemption for the characters involved.

Sent Back to Ohio. With her cheating and blackmail officially exposed, Stella's plan was rendered moot. Principal Moon, despite being the target of her scheme, made the decision to send her back to Ohio, effectively expelling her from KISS.

Mr. Moon's Apology. Crucially, before Stella left, Mr. Moon showed a surprising level of introspection. He genuinely apologized to her for his past cruelty during the "Rising Stars" incident, acknowledging the pain he had caused her years ago. This moment offered a small, bittersweet resolution to Stella's long-standing grievance, even as she faced the consequences of her actions.

Impact on Min Ho. Stella's departure freed Min Ho from her blackmail, although their relationship, which was built entirely on lies and manipulation, ended. This event helped Min Ho to finally be honest about his own feelings and focus on his true romantic interests, further complicating the central love triangle.

Will Stella Return for Season 3? Given her dramatic exit—being put on the first plane back to the USA—it is highly unlikely that Stella Cho (Esther Shim) will be a main character in a potential XO, Kitty Season 3. However, the actress, Audrey Huynh, has expressed interest in seeing where Stella's journey goes next, suggesting there is always a possibility for a cameo or a mention of her future life back in the States.

In the end, Stella's arc served as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of public humiliation and the lengths people will go to for validation. Her story was a dramatic departure from the usual high school romance, adding a layer of sophisticated villainy and high-stakes conflict to the To All The Boys I've Loved Before universe.