Single’s Inferno is a hit Korean reality-based dating show in which beautiful singles are marooned on an isolated island called Inferno in a challenging lifestyle, attempting to find romantic partners. To go to luxurious “Paradise” and enjoy dates with someone, they have to find someone to pair up with, but only reveal their age and profession during dates. Single’s Inferno Season 5, which started airing on January 20, 2026, brought new surprises in the form of challenges and an eclectic cast.
Episodes were released weekly on Tuesdays, the finale being on February 10, 2026, with a total of 12. This season is all available for streaming on Netflix only, and it is subtitled in many languages for people all over the world. The most exciting storyline this season consisted of the great rivalry between contestants Kim Min-gee and Choi Mina Sue over the other participant, Song Seung-il.
This rivalry took so much interest and ruled the conversations among the audience. Their conflicts had a great appeal to competition and clarity between the couple, which was one of the most controversial elements of the show.
Introducing the key players: Min Gee and Mina Sue
Kim Min-gee, who was 29 years old, entered Single’s Inferno Season 5 as a celebrated athlete with a reputation for competition and athleticism. Min-gee’s sports background contributed to her distinct advantage as she continuously showed determination and concentration during challenges. Immediately, Min-gee began making connections, including with Song Seung-il, a 24-year-old fashion marketer, who admired her candid personality.
Choi Mina Sue, a communications student at the University of Illinois, entered Single’s Inferno in Episode 2 as the first Korean Miss Earth winner of 2022. Mina Sue wore a flowing yellow gown, catching everyone’s attention, as she possessed natural beauty. With Mina Sue having experience in pageants, there was also the aspect of having multiple areas of interest among male participants, including Seung-il, Su-been, and Sung-hun.
Evidently, though both women possessed similarities in character traits such as confidence and competitiveness, there were distinct differences between them and the way they conducted themselves in their endeavors. For instance, whereas Min-gee was direct and faithful in her endeavors, Mina Sue exhibited exploratory qualities in her affairs, thus the overlapping of interests.
This formed part of the backdrop upon which their eventual interaction would be based in relation to island socialization and discussions within respective groups. In terms of their respective career activities, there were diversities in fields including sports and international beauty pageants.
Single’s Inferno season 5: The spark of the rivalry
The rivalry between Min Gee and Mina Sue started as early as Episodes 4 and 5 of Single’s Inferno season 5, as they both confessed their intentions to have Song Seung Il. Min Gee first received a Paradise date with Seung Il, and they built chemistry as they talked and played games together. Once Min Gee returned to Inferno, she shared her experiences, and Mina Sue became intrigued. Mina Sue, therefore, sought Seung Il for conversations, despite Min Gee’s affections, as evidenced in front of Mina Sue during a bonfire game session.
This move came as a surprise to Min Gee, who felt it was an invasion of her relationship. Mina Sue, however, claimed she only wanted to explore her choices, as the show’s concept enabled this. There were, however, moments of conflict in the show when Mina Sue informed Min Gee that she was no longer interested in Seung-il, only to go after a date with him in Paradise.
This led to their first direct interaction on Day 5, as Min Gee advised Mina Sue to compete openly. There were many occurrences due to the confined environment, which drew attention from other contestants. Production scenarios, such as group activities, also showcased these differences, which set the stage for competition.
Pivotal moments that fueled the tension in Single’s Inferno season 5
Where applicable, specific moments highlighted the build-up of animosity between Min Gee and Mina Sue. Single’s Inferno season 5 episode 8, during a double Paradise date where Seung-il and other couples were part of, Mina Sue proved to be jealous of another couple, leading Seung-il to share advice to Mina Sue on being emotionally clear. Back to Inferno, Min Gee confronted Mina Sue, who said, “Are you eyeing the queen’s man?” Min Gee, however, boldly said, “I’m not someone to be underestimated.”
This conflict came about as a result of Mina Sue’s date with Seung-il, after which attention centered on Mina Sue’s unresolved feelings towards Su-been, driving Min Gee crazy. In Episode 9, Min Gee chose Su-been as a member of Paradise, partly as a means of testing herself, including her own feelings, as Mina Sue earlier did.
In Episode 10, there was an apology from Mina Sue towards Su-been, followed by Mina Sue’s new focus on Sung-hun, thus resolving some tensions between these characters. Wrestling challenges, as well as photoshoots, were further means of conflict, whereby these ladies were very competitive. These scenes were documented, making them central themes that elicited drama, as seen in these scenes of bonfires and intimate conversations.
Impact on the show and other contestants in Single’s Inferno season 5
This conflict greatly added to the drama of Single’s Inferno season 5, making it the messiest season yet, based on reviews. Issues of indecision and error in judgment plagued Mina Sue, especially when it came to her relationship with Min Gee, who took a lot of center stage, changing the spotlight from other contestants and causing ripple effects as a result. For example, Seung-il tried to balance the two but eventually clarified his intentions with Min Gee, especially since the first date with Mina Sue failed to impress.
This affected other contestants, like Su-been, who turned to Hee-sun, especially when issues of jealousy arose at a double date with Mina Sue. Go-eun and Sung-min, among others, experienced a spill-over effect when group dates were affected by the growing tension. Within the show, the hosts as well as other panelists often discussed the feud, thereby increasing its importance.
For instance, production changes, such as new challenges, were not given as much attention as this storyline. However, it actually revitalized the series, as it did not allow for the same things that occurred in the previous seasons to happen, albeit with an over-dramatization of the editing. However, as seen, it concluded well, as all of the couples formed, a total of five.
Fan reactions and public discourse
The responses from the audience to this competition varied, leading to various online conversations. Some people commended Min Gee’s straightforwardness, even calling her a “queen” for standing up to Mina Sue, while others accused Mina Sue of manipulation for being indecisive, even calling her the “villain” of the season. There were various comments on social media, with some people backing Mina Sue for considering options, which is what the show requested, admitting that people might be biased towards their favorite contestants.
There were comments on the “queen’s man” exchange, with people saying it was interesting but intense. The sense of disappointment arose from the finale’s editing, wherein the contestants’ reactions to their aging and job reveals were not shown, for which calls have been raised to ensure a more balanced reporting strategy. The discussions and debates reached a new course with gender-based elements, wherein Mina Sue is subject to more scrutiny than other male contestants of similar status from previous seasons.
The media covered a discussion on her as a breakout character, attributing the feud to her rise to popularity. The discussions and debates have increased and have gone viral, although there is a call for compassion considering the participants’ real emotional experiences. The reunion episode on February 14, 2026, is expected to cover these elements.
Single’s Inferno season 5: Resolution and aftermath
In the finale episodes 11-12 of Single’s Inferno season 5, the rivalry was resolved as Min Gee paired with Seung-il, leaving Inferno together after mutual selection. Mina Sue chose Sung-hun, forming one of five couples, including Hee-sun with Su-been, Go-eun with Sung-min, and Joo-young with Jae-jin. Three men—Hyeon-woo, I-geon, and another—left single. Mina Sue’s shift followed apologies and clarity, ending her indecision. Post-finale, a reunion aired on February 14, 2026, where contestants discussed relationships and standout moments, revealing some pairs remained connected while others parted amicably.
Media coverage noted the season’s success, renewed for Single’s Inferno season 6, crediting the drama for high ratings. Min Gee and Mina Sue’s interactions were revisited, with both reflecting on growth. Public interest continued through social media, with fans speculating on real-life statuses based on Instagram activity. The show’s producers highlighted emotional authenticity, though editing critiques persisted. Overall, the rivalry provided closure, transforming from conflict to a narrative of self-discovery, influencing future seasons’ formats.
Stay tuned for more upcoming updates.
Also Read: Single’s Inferno reunion explained: What happened after the finale?
Single’s Inferno Season 5: How Song Seung Il changed the tone of the show
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Hilfa, Senior Writer at Hilvaro, excels in pop culture journalism. She crafts engaging content on movies, TV, & trends, fueled by her love for storytelling & entertainment.
Discover more from Hilvaro
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
