Single’s Inferno is the first ever South Korean Netflix reality show to make it into the Netflix Global Top 10. The show takes place on a deserted island that is only stocked with necessities. Flirty singles, both men and women, are stranded on an island they called Inferno. The twist? They can only escape the inferno as couples, but they must unknowingly choose each other every end of the day or through a game match.
The contestants must hide their age and profession, relying solely on personality to make connections. They are only allowed to reveal it if they participate in challenges for the chance to stay at Paradise, a luxury hotel for matched couples. Each contestant comes from a different personal background, from personal trainers to K-pop dancers, the show manages to bring together a diverse range of personalities.
Adding to the excitement are the show’s hosts: Kyuhyun Lee Da-hee, Hanhae and Hong Jin-kyung. Kim Jin Young (Dex), a participant of second Season, was also added as commentator for Season 3. These well-known Korean entertainers provide humorous reactions and insightful analysis of the contestants, making the viewing experience relatable and engaging and it feels like you are watching with them.
With its unexpected twists, such as rules preventing contestants from choosing the same person two days in a row, Single’s Inferno keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The genuine drama unfolds as contestants navigate complex relationships, highlighting both the challenges and cultural values of conservative Korean society.
This reality show has produced three successful seasons already, showing off unique charms amongst the contestants each season.
Single’s Inferno Season One
In the first season as the season progresses, viewers are questioning whether the show is truly a reality TV series or a staged reality series, as some outcomes seem fabricated rather than genuine. But as the first season aired, it automatically became trending globally making it known not just in Asia but in Western Countries.
Female Contestants Background:
Song Ji-a, a renowned YouTube beauty influencer in South Korea, is the most sought-after female contestant on Single’s Inferno. She captured the attention of male contestants with her striking beauty and physique.
Shin Ji-yeon surprises viewers by revealing she is a student at the University of Toronto in Canada, adding an unexpected international dimension to the competition.
Kang Seo-yeon, a personal favorite for many viewers, exudes strength with her athletic vibe. Previously an idol trainee under JYP Entertainment, she later joined Star Empire but did not debut, displaying her resilience and determination.
An Yea-won, a Pilates instructor, is impressed with her stunning figure and dedication to fitness, which she also shares through her YouTube channel focusing on fitness and lifestyle.
Kim Su-min, introduced later in the show, brings a pure image and modeling experience to the competition, adding diversity to the mix of contestants.
Lastly, Seong Min-ji, known for her modeling work in beauty products, rounds out the female contestants with her elegant presence and experience in the industry.
Male Contestants Background:
Kim Hyun-joong, a fitness trainer, boasts impressive achievements as the third place finisher in Mr. Korea International 2019 and the second place finisher in Mr. Model Worldwide in the same year, displaying his dedication to fitness and modeling.
Oh Jin-taek, the owner of his own clothing brand, stands out with his distinctive beard, setting him apart from conventional Korean men and sparking conversations among viewers about his unique image.
Moon Se-hun, is not only good looking but also the manager of a renowned restaurant in South Korea, capturing the attention of others with his culinary skills, and making him a favorite among those who appreciate men who can cook.
Kim Jun-sik, the CEO of a startup specializing in healthy products, receives limited screen time despite his striking appearance, leaving viewers curious about why such an attractive individual is still single.
Choi Si-hun, a web drama actor and a model for various products including clothing and cafes, adds to the diversity of talents among the contestants with his versatile background in entertainment and modeling.
Finally, Cha Hyun-seung, my personal favorite, is a well-known backup dancer in South Korea, and brings a strong presence to the show with his experience dancing alongside top K-pop celebrities like Sumin, adding an element of excitement to the competition.
Highlights of the Season:
As noted earlier, Song Ji-a stands out among the female contestants with her femme fatale allure. In a tense moment towards the end of the show, three men vied for her attention, creating a nerve-wracking atmosphere. Ji-a chose Kim Hyun-joong, affectionately calling him “let’s go my puppy,” a moment that some found endearing, while others cringed at its sweetness.
Additionally, viewers could not ignore the strong chemistry between Oh Jin-taek and Kang Seo-yeon. Their undeniable connection was evident, fueled by their equally strong personalities, which allowed them to naturally bond on screen.
Single’s Inferno Season Two
In Single’s Inferno season 2, just like season 1, there were some unexpected couples and others who seemed perfect for each other right from the start. Because they only get to know each other on the show and then suddenly must face the real world together, many couples find it hard to stay together after the show ends. The couples in season 2 were from diverse backgrounds and did not have much in common, but some of them still managed to make their relationships work. However, some participants did not find love and moved on to other things.
Female Contestants Background:
Shin Seulki has one of the most unique backgrounds across all seasons. She is a student at Seoul National University, majoring in Piano. She was crowned Miss Korean Traditional Beauty pageant winner in 2020.
Park Se Jeong stands out with her unique beauty on the show. As a model from YGK Plus, her fit physique catches attention, despite not being popular among male contestants. Viewers appreciate her western beauty features.
Lee So-e charms viewers with her infectious laughter, making her one of the cutest contestants. A graduate of Hanyang University in theater and film, her bubbly personality shines through.
Lee Nadine, a medical student majoring in Neuroscience at Harvard University, brings a surprising twist with her feminine aura despite her interests in sports like soccer, lacrosse, and motorcycles. She is a personal favorite for many this season.
Choi Seo Eun exudes calm and laid-back energy, standing out as the most natural contestant. As Miss Korea 2021, she adds grace and poise to the competition.
Lastly, Lim Min Su may appear angelic and soft, but she is internally strong. A Miss Korea 2020 competitor and CEO of her own online business, she embodies a blend of sweetness and determination.
Male Contestants Background:
The first male introduced on the show is Choi Jong Woo, whose family runs a coffee business. An athlete, he enjoys playing futsal and soccer.
Secondly, we have Jo Yoong Jae, who loves CrossFit and hiking. Unlike any other male contestants from the three seasons, he shows interest in and finds it attractive when women are wise and full of wisdom.
Kim Hanbin, the grand winner of Korea’s international cooking and confectionary contest, is a professional chef and a graduate of culinary arts from Bucheon University.
Next up is Shin Dong Woo. With his masculine physique, you would question that he is a plastic surgeon. He enjoys lifting weights daily and playing basketball, which contributed to his third-place win at the Mister International Korea competition in 2021.
Another notable contestant is Kim Jin Young, popularly known as Dex. He is the most sought-after male contestant among the females, despite being introduced in the middle of the show. With a military background, he was part of Korea’s UDT Navy Seal for four years.
Lastly, we have Kim Se Jun, a professional shirt maker and tailor for the brand Ascottage, who joined the show later on. The business is owned by Oh Jin Taek from the season 1 cast. Se Jun loves playing tennis and is attracted to bubbly women.
Highlights of the Season:
One remarkable episode of this season was when Kim Jin Young (Dex) joined the show. His dramatic entrance drove the women wild and intensified when, immediately after his arrival, he won the game.
Another memorable moment was when two medical contestants chose each other. Since both had studied abroad, they communicated exclusively in English during their time in Paradise. Despite being shocked by the revelation of their age gap, they still connected due to their shared experiences of studying medicine abroad.
Single’s Inferno Season Three
Netflix’s third season of Single’s Inferno just ended recently and has been the best batch among 3 seasons. And for those who have been following the reality show, you know it’s been quite a rollercoaster, especially with the main character Lee Gwan Hee. This season witnessed authentic and candid confessions from the contestants, alongside moments of displeasure and disappointment.
Female Contestants Background:
Introducing another Femme Fatale for this season, Kim Gyuri, a runner-up during Miss Korea 2022. Despite her shy demeanor, she possesses inner strength, evident in her victory during the first female game match.
Next, we have Choi Hye Seon, the season’s beloved contender among viewers. Majoring in bioinformatics at Ewha Women’s University, she exudes positivity and leads an active lifestyle.
Joining the cast is fitness instructor An Min Young, specializing in Pilates and managing her own studio. She also participated in the 2023 Korean Beauty Pageant.
Yun Ha Jeong stands out as the most transparent female contender, captivating everyone with her expressive face when conversing with male contestants. As an office worker selling medical clothing, she brings a unique perspective to the island.
Yu Si Eun, first placer of Miss Korea 2022, is renowned for her resemblance to Blackpink’s Jennie. She is a freelance model in fashion and beauty products.
Lastly, Cho Minji, also a participant of Miss Korea 2022, joined the show midway. A graduate in Economics from Ewha Women’s University, she currently works as a television anchor, sparking intrigue among both male and female contestants upon her arrival.
Male Contestants Background:
The first guy introduced is Choi Min Woo, a 24-year-old model who has posed for many fashion brands. He is into older women with a cheerful vibe.
Then there’s Lee Jin Seok, a 31-year-old entrepreneur who owns several bakeries in South Korea. He has a captivating smile and loves fitness.
Now onto the main character, Lee Gwan Hee, a passionate basketball player for Changwon LG Sakers in South Korea.
We also have Son Won-ik, a marathon runner who loves challenges and trying new things. He is a licensed realtor in South Korea.
Yun Habin is an actor known for indie films and appearing in the drama series My Demon.
Finally, there’s Park Min Kyu, nicknamed “Shoulder beast” by his friends because of his broad shoulders. He is a rescue diver and a police officer on the Korean Coastguard.
Highlights of the Season:
Season 3 stands out as the pinnacle of the series, characterized by a plethora of captivating twists and turns unfolding in each episode. Notably, the announcement of Lee Gwan Hee’s top 3 female contenders, vying for his affection, added a layer of suspense and intrigue to the narrative. Global fans eagerly anticipated his ultimate selection, culminating in a surge of emotions when Choi Hye Seon was revealed as his final choice. This decision elicited widespread jubilation among viewers, including myself, as it resonated with the collective sentiment of supporters and garnered approval from both the host and audience alike.
PERSONAL INSIGHTS
At first, I was hesitant to watch it, fearing it would be superficial and overly dramatic. However, I was pleasantly surprised to encounter a group of sentimental and kind-hearted individuals. Throughout the three seasons, I gained valuable insights into Korean culture, particularly their gradual approach to forming relationships and their genuine sincerity in expressing emotions. Their thoughtfulness and honesty about their feelings were truly refreshing, and I found myself learning a great deal from their handling of various situations. Each person was genuinely endearing, and despite the slower and less dramatic pace compared to Western dating shows, I found myself eagerly glued to the screen, thoroughly enjoying every moment. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that left me laughing with delight. I rate this show 4.5 stars out of 5.
Written by Jackielou Ponce, Lethbridge College
