Single’s Inferno Season 5 Is Heating Up Netflix

Single's Inferno, Netflix's Korean reality dating series, will premiere its fifth season on January 20, 2026 with weekly episodes. 

The show continues its established format while introducing a larger and more diverse cast, contributing to strong viewer interest and online discussion early in the season.

The premise remains unchanged: a group of single men and women live together on a remote island known as Inferno.Contestants must form mutual romantic connections in order to earn dates in “Paradise,” a luxury setting where they can spend time together away from the island and reveal personal details. Season 5 places additional emphasis on group dynamics, emotional decision-making, and strategic choices, resulting in a mix of relationship development and social tension.

Throughout the episode, Hanhae, Dex, Hong Jin-kyung, Lee Da-hee, and Kyuhyun give their observations and analyses.

Meet the contestants who are bringing the hotness to Single’s Inferno season 5

Women

Park Hee-sun

• Age: 22
• Background: Student at Carnegie Mellon University, studying Information Systems with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction and Fine Arts
• Profile: The youngest contestant this season, Park Hee-sun is direct and self-assured in her approach to forming connections.

Kim Go-eun

• Age: Mid-20s
• Background: Fashion model and Miss Korea 2022 runner-up; daughter of a former professional soccer player
• Profile: Known for a composed first impression, she gradually reveals a warmer and more approachable personality.

Ham Ye-jin

• Background: Freelance announcer and former esports caster
• Profile: Communicative and candid, Ye-jin stands out for her conversational ease and clarity in expressing her thoughts.

Kim Min-jee (Min-gee)

• Age: 29
• Background: Professional track and field athlete with a 17-year competitive career
• Profile: A prominent figure in the season, she is involved in one of the show’s central interpersonal storylines.

Lee Joo-young

• Background: Art and design student specializing in live art and craft
• Profile: Thoughtful and creative, Joo-young contributes a quieter and more reflective presence.

Choi Mina-Sue

• Age: Mid-20s
• Background: Communications student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Miss Earth 2022 winner
• Profile: With international pageant and modeling experience, she has become one of the most discussed contestants this season.

Lee Ha-eun

• Age: 23
• Background: Beauty model and former hip-hop dancer
• Profile: Friendly and expressive, she faces early challenges in establishing romantic momentum.

Men

Youn Hyun-jae

• Background: Student in Sport Business; Mr. International Korea runner-up
• Profile: Athletic and competitive, he brings a structured and goal-oriented approach to the group.

Song Seung-il

• Background: Fashion marketer
• Profile: Direct and decisive, he plays a central role in several developing relationships.

Kim Jae-jin

• Profile: Known for humor and lighthearted interaction, he contributes to group morale and social balance.

Woo Sung-min

• Background: Optician
• Profile: Approachable and calm, he was selected for Paradise dates early in the season.

Lee Sung-hun (Samuel Lee)

• Background: UC Berkeley graduate; quantitative trader based in New York
• Profile: Analytical and internationally experienced, he offers a more reserved and intellectual perspective.

Shin Hyeon-woo

• Profile: Relaxed and confident, he emphasizes intuition and personal chemistry in forming connections.

Lim Su-been

• Background: Model and former baseball player
• Profile: Combines athleticism with a polished public image.

Jo I-geon

• Background: Actor
• Profile: Expressive and emotionally open, he adds an artistic sensibility to the cast dynamic.

Ongoing Themes and Viewer Response

Early episodes of Season 5 feature emotional conversations, shifting alliances, and strategic voting decisions. Certain relationship choices, particularly involving Choi Mina-Sue, have prompted discussion among viewers, reflecting differing interpretations of intent and sincerity.

A recurring theme this season is emotional transparency, as contestants navigate attraction, uncertainty, and group pressure within the show’s structured environment.

Why Single’s Inferno Continues to Resonate

The series maintains its appeal by emphasizing interpersonal nuance rather than overt competition. Instead of dramatic twists or eliminations, the focus remains on gradual relationship development, social awareness, and subtle shifts in interest. This understated approach allows small decisions and interactions to carry significant narrative weight, distinguishing Single’s Inferno from more spectacle-driven dating shows.