At a press conference held Tuesday morning at Hotel Naru Seoul in Mapo-gu, Seoul, "Single’s Inferno 5" host Hong Jin-kyung revealed that the way she watches dating shows has completely changed.
“In earlier seasons I watched like it had nothing to do with me, just as a bystander,” she said. “But now it does. I’ve been off the dating scene for so long that I’m in learning mode. I got totally absorbed, like one of the contestants, and I learned a lot.”
Hong finalized her divorce last year and now proudly calls herself “single,” which she says made her even more invested in the new season’s cast. “Starting this season, I found myself relating hard and getting swept up,” she shared.
Single’s Inferno strands singles on a remote island ― the infamous “Inferno” ― where only matched couples can escape to “Paradise.” Since its 2021 debut, the Netflix hit has been a global watercooler favorite and a genre heavyweight. Season 5 returns with bolder personalities and even hotter chemistry.
This chapter features the largest lineup of singles yet, promising more tangled connections and standout characters. All eyes are on whether the show will mint another breakout “dating-show star” in the vein of FreeZia, DEX, Shin Seul-ki, Lee Gwan-hee, Lee Si-an, and Youk Jun-seo. The studio panel once again includes Hong Jin-kyung, Lee Da-hee, KyuHyun, Hanhae, and DEX.
Hong also said the cast schooled her on what dating looks like now. “These days, people don’t hold back,” she noted. “Image be damned ― they’re bluntly honest. Watching that, I thought, ‘Oh, that’s how you’re supposed to do it,’ and I tuned in with a student’s mindset.”
Reflecting on past seasons, she added, “Sometimes someone’s first appearance is stunning, but as you watch their attitude and the way they speak, you end up disappointed. It reminded me that good looks aren’t everything in love.”
Her takeaway? “It’s not just about polishing your appearance. When you show maturity in different aspects, that’s what really appeals to others. I think viewers will connect with that as they watch 'Single’s Inferno 5'.”
"Single’s Inferno 5" premieres Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. KST with four episodes, followed by new installments every Tuesday.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)