Pari Kim has become one of the breakout stars of Love on the Spectrum season three — and not just for her charming quirks, love of trains, or bubbly personality.
The 23-year-old Boston native made history on the hit Netflix dating series as part of the show’s first LGBTQ+ couple. And yes — she’s still going strong with girlfriend Tina Zhu Xi Caruso.
“It’s going really well with us. I just love her so much,” Pari told The Advocate. “She is really the Amtrak to my commuter. She’s just perfect for me.”
All Aboard for Love
Pari and Tina’s relationship blossomed on screen in the most relatable — and adorably awkward — way. In one viral scene, the pair shyly exchanged thoughts about what it might be like to kiss another girl.
“I always wonder what it would be like to kiss a girl, honestly,” Pari said during the moment. Tina replied, “Yeah. I wonder, too.” The two then stood in nervous silence, sparking a flurry of fan reactions from queer women everywhere who saw themselves in the sweet, tentative exchange.
@anathetomato_ this is too real #loveonthespectrum #wlw#fyp
Thankfully, the big moment came soon after — during a romantic train ride over a scenic bridge, of course. Tina, ever thoughtful, even avoided gluten beforehand, just in case.
“Princess Charming” and a Train-Themed Wedding?
As for what’s next? The couple is dreaming big — and rail-themed.
“We talked about someday getting married and having a train-themed wedding,” Pari said. “Maybe like, rent out a private Amtrak charter train. A nice vintage steam engine would be really cool, but yeah, it’s gotta have trains in it.”
Pari Kim and Tina Zhu Xi Caruso. Photo: Instagram (@blindsided_in_boston)
Pari affectionately refers to Tina as her “Princess Charming,” and says the relationship has only grown stronger since filming wrapped.
“I love how we both get so excited together. She’s just the sweetest, and I can always count on her. She keeps me on track — no pun intended,” she joked.
A Viral Star (and Aspiring Transit Influencer)
Since season three debuted, Pari’s life has taken a dramatic turn. Her Instagram account was briefly locked after a flood of new followers — so many that the platform flagged it as suspicious.
“Some fans want to ride the T [Boston’s subway] with me or say they’ve been touched by the show,” she said. “I just love all my fans and I hope they realize how much of an impact they make on my life.”
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As a proud leader of the “Railfans” — a friend group united by a passion for public transit — Pari’s dream job would be running social media for Amtrak or Boston’s MBTA.
“I have so many great ideas I want to bring to the table,” she said. “I feel like I have a good creative vision, and they could use more diversity in their teams.”
Representation That Matters
Pari has been vocal about her intersecting identities — both autistic and queer — and says being “unapologetically both” has resonated with fans around the world.
“There’s a lot more of us out there than you think,” she said. “It’s just part of who we are.”
Though some negative comments have surfaced online, Pari isn’t fazed.
“People say, ‘You’re confused’ or ‘Your sister’s a bad influence.’ No — this is just who we are, and we don’t have to change ourselves,” she said. “Just ignore the haters and bullies because they just want to get a rise out of you. There’s always going to be way more people who love and support you.”
Pari hopes she gets the chance to return for season four, and maybe even more projects in TV or film.
“I want to continue telling my story,” she said. “And Tina has so many things she wants to share, too.”
Until then, Pari’s message to the world is simple: “There’s nothing wrong with being autistic or LGBTQ+. I’m proud to be me.”
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