Single's Inferno Explained

Image Upright:	1.15
Native Name:	Hangul: 솔로지옥 Hanja: 솔로地獄 Rr: Sollojiok Mr: Sollojiok Lk: Solo Hell
Music:	Ryu Chung-yeol
Country:	South Korea
Language:	Korean
Num Seasons:	3
Num Episodes:	29
List Episodes:	Single's Inferno#Episodes
Executive Producer:	Kim Soo-ah
Runtime:	56–82 minutes
Network:	Netflix
Last Aired:	present

Single's Inferno is a South Korean reality television series on Netflix. The program's hosts are model Hong Jin-kyung, actress Lee Da-hee, singer and Super Junior member Kyuhyun, rapper Hanhae, and YouTuber Dex.^{[1] [2] [3]} The first season was released from December 18, 2021 to January 8, 2022. The second season was released from December 13, 2022 to January 10, 2023. The third season was released from December 12, 2023 to January 9, 2024. The fourth season will premiere in January 2025.

Concept

The show's main concept takes the idea of survival shows and mixes it with the idea of fighting for their intended love interest.^[4] Participants are left on an island, and the mission is to leave it. The location of the shoot is about an hour from Seoul, South Korea.

Twelve singles are meant to find their love on this island through challenges and getting to know each other throughout the season.^[5] Something unique to the show is its way of capturing awkward moments between participants and how friendship was formed in addition to love. Relationships and people take a deep dive into learning about one another, not just the shallow desires of physical relationships.

In the show, couples are formed through free dates and dates in Paradise. The deserted island the contestants reside on, called Inferno, requires them to cook their own food, not use their electronics, and draw their own water. Any discussion of age and occupation is also not allowed. The only thing to do is to date and win games in order to have the opportunity to escape the island.^[6] During the first episode, contestants are asked to write to a potential interest using a postcard. However, the chosen interest does not have to stay the same throughout the show. The games and free dates within the deserted island give contestants the time to make the decision of who they would like to go to Paradise with.

Paradise is the direct opposite of Inferno. It is a luxurious island where paired contestants can enjoy dates with room service and fun activities in their paid hotels. It is the ultimate goal for contestants, as it is also the place where people can ask about their interests' age and occupations. People can only go to Paradise if they choose a person that also chose to go with them.

The final couple of matches are made in the last episode. The women are placed at different points on the island. If the male contestant is interested in a woman, he will walk up to her. If she accepts him and takes his hand, they both can leave Inferno together as a match.

Season 1

Singles

Women

Name	Hangul	Age	Background
Shin Ji-yeon	신지연		University student (Majoring in Neuroscience at University of Toronto) Participated in the 2020 Miss Korea Chunhyang; Season 2's Shin Seul-ki participated in the pageant the same year.^[7]
Kang So-yeon	강소연	23 May 1988	Boxer, clothing brand representative Former JYP Entertainment trainee
Ahn Ye-won	안예원		Fitness instructor, Pilates instructor, model
Song Ji-a	송지아	30 April 1997	Stage name: Free 지아 Beauty YouTuber, model Once hosted FashionN Follow Me Appeared in Channel A's Friends
Kim Su-min	김수민	10 December 1998	Advertising model
Seong Min-ji	성민지	1 April 1998	Beauty and apparel model

Men

Name	Hangul	Age	Background
Kim Hyeon-joong	김현중	26 November 1994	Fitness trainer and model
Moon Se-hoon	문세훈		Owner of a restaurant in Gangnam
Kim Jun-sik	김준식		Health food brand representative
Choi Si-hun	최시훈	27 October 1992	Apparel brand representative Appeared in web series Kilimanjaro Cafe, Standby Curator and Romanced
Oh Jin-taek	오진택		Suit shop Ascottage's CEO and co-founder
Cha Hyun-seung	차현승	2 May 1991	Dancer, notably Sun-mi's back-up dancer

Coupling history

Single		Episode
		1	2		3		4	5	6			7	8
	Hyeon-joong	Ji-a		Ji-a		Ji-yeon							Ji-a
	Hyun-seung	Not in Inferno						Ji-a		Ji-a	Ji-a		Ji-a
	Ji-a	Hyeon-joong	Selected	Hyeon-joong		Si-hun		Selected			Selected		Hyeon-joong
	Ji-yeon	Si-hun	Selected	Si-hun		Jin-taek					Selected	Se-hoon	Se-hoon
	Jin-taek	So-yeon		So-yeon		Ji-yeon					So-yeon	Selected	So-yeon
	Jun-sik	Ji-a		Ji-a	Selected	Ye-won		Selected					Ye-won
	Min-ji	Not in Inferno						Se-hoon		Se-hoon			Unselected
	Se-hoon	So-yeon	Won and Chose	Ji-yeon	Selected	Ji-yeon		Selected			Ji-yeon	Selected	Ji-yeon
	Si-hun	Ji-a		Ji-yeon		Ji-a						Selected	Ji-a
	So-yeon	Se-hoon		Jin-taek	Won and Chose	Se-hoon					Selected	Jin-taek	Jin-taek
	Su-min	Not in Inferno						Jun-sik		Se-hoon		Si-hun	Unselected
	Ye-won	Jun-sik		Jun-sik		Jun-sik							Jun-sik

Male Contestant

Female Contestant

Sent a letter to

Chose/Chosen for date in Inferno

Chose and didn't go to Paradise

Successfully paired and went to Paradise or Chosen/Chose someone to go to Paradise

Failed to make a final pair

Made a final pair

Season 2

Singles

Women

Name	Hangul	Age	Background
Lee Nadine	이나딘	1 May 2000	Neuroscience major at Harvard University Regularly featured with her younger sister on her mother's Youtube channel 'Nimo Fam'^[8]
Shin Seul-ki	신슬기	3 March 1998	Piano major at Seoul National University Participated in the 2020 Miss Korea Chunhyang along with Season 1 participant Shin Ji-yeon
Park Se-jeong	박세정		Model, managed by YG KPlus^[9] Modeled for brands such as BMW and Sony
Lee So-e	이소이		Acting major at Hanyang University Managed by Saram Entertainment for acting activities^[10] Appeared in minor roles in Netflix series The Glory, JTBC series Snowdrop and SBS series The First Responders
Choi Seo-eun	최서은	16 April 1994	Artist (painting) Crowned as Miss Korea 2021
Lim Min-su	임민수		Model and CEO of online clothing boutique

Men

Name	Hangul	Age	Background
Choi Jong-woo	최종우		Barista of a family-owned cafe in Gangwon-do
Jo Yoong-jae	조융재		Investment broker at Shinhan Investment Corp Graduated with a Finance Management major from Hanyang University
Kim Han-bin	김한빈		Chef
Shin Dong-woo	신동우		Plastic surgeon Graduated from Yonsei University's College of Medicine
Kim Jin-young	김진영		YouTuber Former ROKN UDT soldier
Kim Se-jun	김세준	31 July 1996	Tailor at Ascottage, founded by Season 1 participant Oh Jin-taek

Coupling History

Single		Episode
		1	2		3	4		5	6	7	8	9	10
	Nadine	Dong-woo		Dong-woo			Dong-woo				Yoong-jae	Selected	Not selected
	Seul-ki	Dong-woo		Dong-woo		Selected	Jin-young					Selected	Jong-woo
	So-e	Yoong-jae	Won and Chose		Yoong-jae		Yoong-jae			Selected	Han-bin		Se-jun
	Se-jeong	Yoong-jae			Yoong-jae		Jin-young						Not selected
	Seo-eun	Jong-woo			Yoong-jae	Selected	Han-bin					Selected	Yoong-jae
	Jong-woo	Seul-ki	Selected		Seul-ki		Seul-ki					Seul-ki	Seul-ki
	Yoong-jae	Se-jeong	Selected		Seo-eun		Nadine				Selected	Seo-eun	Seo-eun
	Han-bin	Seo-eun			Seo-eun		Seo-eun				Selected		Seo-eun
	Dong-woo	Nadine		Seul-ki			Nadine						Seul-ki
	Jin-young	Not in Inferno				Won and Chose	Seul-ki			Selected	Selected	Nadine	Seul-ki
	Min-su	Not in Inferno								Jin-young	Jin-young		Not Selected
	Se-jun	Not in Inferno								So-e			So-e

Male Contestant

Female Contestant

Sent a letter to

Chose/Chosen for date in Inferno

Chose and didn't go to Paradise

Successfully paired and went to Paradise or Chosen/Chose someone to go to Paradise

Failed to make a final pair

Made a final pair

Season 3

Singles

Women

Name	Hangul	Age	Background
Kim Gyu-ri	김규리		Model for fashion and beauty brands Miss Korea 2022 participant Graduated from with a degree in Airline Operations
Choi Hye-seon	최혜선		Freelance model Bioinformatics major at Ewha Womans University
An Min-young	안민영		Pilates studio director and instructor Miss Korea Busan 2023
Yun Ha-jeong	윤하정		Medical clothing company employee Participated in the 2021 Miss Korea Chunhyang competition Graduated from Suwon Science College with a degree in Aviation Tourism
Yu Si-eun	유시은		Freelance model Miss Korea 2022 runner-up Graduated from Youngsan University with a degree in Aviation Service
Cho Min-ji	조민지	20 April 1998	Student- studying to be an anchor in Ewha Womans University Miss Korea 2021 runner-up

Men

Name	Hangul	Age	Background
Choi Min-woo	최민우		Model
Lee Jin-seok	이진석		Bakery café owner
Lee Gwan-hee	이관희	29 April 1988	Professional basketball player YouTuber Graduated from Yonsei University
Son Won-ik	손원익		Real estate agent
Yun Ha-bin	윤하빈		Actor Appeared in minor role in SBS series My Demon Main role in web drama Our D-Day
Park Min-kyu	박민규		Korea Coast Guard Special Rescue Team (KCG-SSRT)

Coupling History

Single		Episode
		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
	Gwan-hee	Hye-seon	Hye-seon	Ha-jeong					Min-ji	Selected		Hye-seon
	Hye-seon	Gwan-hee	Gwan-hee	Min-woo			Won-ik			Gwan-hee		Gwan-hee
	Gyu-ri	Min-woo	Min-woo	Min-kyu			Min-woo		Selected			Min-kyu
	Min-woo	Min-young	Min-young	Gyu-ri		Selected	Selected					Si-eun
	Jin-seok	Min-young	Min-young	Gyu-ri		Selected						Min-young
	Min-young	Jin-seok	Jin-seok	Won-ik								Jin-seok
	Ha-bin	Ha-jeong	Ha-jeong	Ha-jeong						Selected		Ha-jeong
	Won-ik	Si-eun	Si-eun	Si-eun			Selected		Si-eun			Si-eun
	Si-eun	Min-kyu	Min-kyu	Won-ik			Min-kyu		Selected			Min-woo
	Ha-jeong	Min-kyu	Min-kyu	Gwan-hee						Ha-bin		Gwan-hee
	Min-kyu	Ha-jeong	Ha-jeong	Gyu-ri			Selected		Gyu-ri	Selected		Gyu-ri
	Min-ji	Not in Inferno				Choose			Selected	Min-kyu		Gwan-hee

Male Contestant

Female Contestant

Sent a ticket to

Chose and didn't go to Paradise

Successfully paired and went to Paradise or Chosen/Chose someone to go to Paradise

Won a minigame and received a special meal

Failed to make a final pair

Made a final pair

In episode 4, contestants were asked to give candies in the mailbox of anyone they're interested in, and multiple selections were allowed.

Results
Contestants	Candies
Gyu-ri	4
Hye-seon	3
Si-eun	2
Ha-jeong	1
Min-young	1
Ha-bin	5
Won-ik	2
Gwan-hee	2
Min-kyu	2
Jin-seok	1
Min-woo	1

Release

Netflix has confirmed the release date of season one which would be on December 18, 2021, with eight episodes.^[11] The season two was confirmed and released on December 13, 2022, with ten episodes.^{[12] [13]} The production of season three was confirmed with changes in rules and location,^{[14] [15]} which was released on December 12, 2023.^{[16] [17]} Season four production was confirmed and is slated to premiere on January 2025.^{[18] [19]}

Reception

It has been described as a Korean version of Bachelor in Paradise.^[20] Single's Inferno has been ranked among Netflix's Global Top 10 list, becoming the first Korean reality show to reach the list.^{[21] [22]} It became popular in many regions, and the hashtag #singlesinferno was trending on social media throughout its run.^[23]

Controversies

There had been a handful of controversies during and after the show. While the show was popular as it was airing, some fans were irked by the amount of comments season one had on one contestant's, Shin Ji-Yeon, skin. In Korea, the beauty standard is to have "white skin." It is noticeable how often male and female contestants commented and complimented her white skin. Netizens criticized the way the show portrayed having "white skin" as something more desirable than not.^[23]

After season one, female contestant Song Ji-a received backlash for wearing fake luxury items. Because her content is about her high maintenance lifestyle and because she regularly shared reviews about certain luxury products, fans were disappointed by her admittance that the rumors of her wearing fake items were partially true. She has since apologized on her social media and deleted posts that showed these fake items.^{[24] [25]}

After filming

As of none of the couples are still together.

In May 2024, season 1 contestant Si-hun announced his engagement to singer-songwriter Ailee.^[26]

See also

• Korean wave
• Bachelor in Paradise

Notes and References

1. Web site: Hong. Se-young. November 26, 2021. ko:홍진경·이다희·규현·한해 '솔로지옥' 12월 18일 공개 [공식]. Jinkyung Hong, Dahee Lee, Kyuhyun, and Hanhae 'Solo Hell' released on December 18th [Official]. https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=382&aid=0000947384. November 26, 2021. Sports Dong-a. ko. Naver.
2. Web site: Yang. Yu-jin. November 24, 2022. 솔로지옥' 홍진경·이다희·규현·한해, 시즌2도 함께..."상상 이상의 러브스토리. 'Solo Hell' Jinkyung Hong, Lee Dahee, Kyuhyun, Hanhae, Season 2 together... "Love story beyond imagination. November 24, 2022. My Daily. ko. Naver.
3. Web site: Jeon. Ye-seul. November 15, 2023. ko:'솔로지옥3', 12월 12일 공개...덱스 MC 합류. 'Solo Hell 3' will be released on December 12th...Dex Joins as MC. http://www.celuvmedia.com/article.php?aid=1700007817466328010. November 15, 2023. Celuv Media. ko.
4. Web site: Szelinski. Cailyn. January 24, 2023. Single's Inferno: 10 Facts You Need To Know About The Reality Show. January 25, 2023. ScreenRant. en.
5. Web site: Clark. Nicole. January 10, 2023. Single's Inferno filled the Bachelor-sized hole in my heart. January 25, 2023. Polygon. en-US.
6. Web site: Watch Single's Inferno Netflix Official Site. February 12, 2023. www.netflix.com. en.
7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTLyb54SpJM official competition and awards YT clip
8. Web site: Nimo Fam's channel on Youtube. Youtube.
9. Web site: Park Se-jeong's official profile on YG KPlus' website. YG KPlus.
10. News: [단독] '더 글로리' 학폭 피해자='솔로지옥2' 이소이..사람엔터 전속계약(종합)]. Ha Su-jeong. [Exclusive] Victim of school violence in drama 'The Glory'='Single's Inferno' Lee So-e... Exclusive contract signed with Saram Entertainment. Osen. January 4, 2023. January 4, 2023. ko.
11. Web site: https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=382&aid=0000947856. Hong. Se-young. November 29, 2021. Sports Dong-a. ko. ko:천국vs지옥...넷플릭스 '솔로지옥' 12월 18일 첫 공개 [공식]. Heaven vs. Hell... Netflix's 'Single's Inferno' premieres on December 18 [Official]. January 24, 2024. Naver.
12. Yeo. Gladys. April 12, 2022. Netflix officially confirms a second season of 'Single's Inferno'. NME. January 24, 2024.
13. Web site: 'Single's Inferno' Is Back for Season 2 to Heat Up Your Winter. Morin. Natalie. November 15, 2022. Tudum. January 24, 2024.
14. Yoo. Ki-hwan. February 10, 2023. From Finding Love to Fighting Zombies — Netflix Brings Korean Unscripted Shows to the World. Netflix Media Center. February 10, 2023.
15. Web site: Morin. Natalie. 'Single's Inferno' Season 3 is Coming — with a Devilish Twist. Tudum. February 13, 2023. February 10, 2023.
16. Web site: Dex Is Back for 'Single's Inferno' 3 — And Has Some Advice for the Contestants. Morin. Natalie. November 15, 2023. Tudum). January 24, 2024.
17. Ziwei. Puah. November 27, 2023. Here's a first look at 'Single's Inferno' season 3. NME. January 24, 2024.
18. Ziwei. Puah. January 24, 2024. 'Single's Inferno' renewed for season four by Netflix. NME. January 24, 2024.
19. Can't Get Enough of K-Variety? New Unscripted Series Debuts Every Month From August. July 26, 2024. About Netflix. July 27, 2024.
20. Web site: LeGardye. Quinci. December 21, 2022. The Cast of 'Single's Inferno' Season 2: Your Guide. Marie Claire.
21. News: Si-jin. Lee. January 4, 2022. Can 'Single's Inferno' repeat Korean drama series' success on Netflix?. January 25, 2023. The Korea Herald. en.
22. Web site: Kim. YeEun. January 3, 2022. Reality Dating Show 'Single's Inferno' Joins Netflix's Global Top 10 List. Hypebae.
23. Web site: December 23, 2021. Hit K-reality show Single's Inferno draws anger over 'white skin' comments. February 12, 2023. South China Morning Post. en.
24. News: Ye-eun. Jie. January 18, 2022. Song Ji-ah from Netflix's 'Single's Inferno' under fire for wearing fake luxury goods. February 12, 2023. The Korea Herald. en.
25. Web site: Song Ji-a Apologizes For Wearing Fake Designer Goods on 'Single's Inferno'. February 12, 2023. Hypebae. January 18, 2022.
26. Web site: ko:에일리 예비 남편, '솔로지옥' 최시훈이었다..."내년 결혼 목표". Ailee's husband-to-be, 'Single's Inferno' Choi Si-hoon..."Goal to get married next year". https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/477/0000490206. Naver. SPOTV News. ko. Jang. Jin-ri. May 14, 2024. July 27, 2024.