Single's Inferno

Single's Inferno (Korean솔로지옥) 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.[a][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 has been confirmed.

Single's Inferno
Teaser poster for season four
Also known as
  • Single's Inferno 2
  • Single's Inferno 3
Hangul
솔로지옥
Hanja
솔로地獄
Literal meaningSolo Hell
Revised RomanizationSollojiok
McCune–ReischauerSollojiok
Genre
Written by
  • Ji Hyun-suk
  • Lee Jung-hwa
Directed by
  • Kim Jae-won
  • Kim Na-hyun
Presented by
Music byRyu Chung-yeol
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes29 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producerKim Soo-ah
Running time56–82 minutes
Production companies
  • JTBC (season 1–2)
  • Sijak Company (season 2–3)
Original release
NetworkNetflix
ReleaseDecember 18, 2021 (2021-12-18) –
present

Concept

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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.[4]

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.[5]

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.[6]

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.[6]

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.[6]

Season 1

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Promotional poster for season one.

Singles

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Women

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NameHangulAgeBackground
Shin Ji-yeon신지연 (1997-03-26) March 26, 1997 (age 27)
  • 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-yeon강소연 (1988-05-23) May 23, 1988 (age 36)
  • Boxer, clothing brand representative
  • Former JYP Entertainment trainee
Ahn Ye-won안예원1995 (age 28–29)
  • Fitness instructor, Pilates instructor, model
Song Ji-a송지아 (1997-04-30) April 30, 1997 (age 27)
  • Stage name: Free 지아
  • Beauty YouTuber, model
  • Once hosted FashionN Follow Me
  • Appeared in Channel A's Friends
Kim Su-min김수민 (1998-12-10) December 10, 1998 (age 25)
  • Advertising model
Seong Min-ji성민지 (1998-04-01) April 1, 1998 (age 26)
  • Beauty and apparel model
NameHangulAgeBackground
Kim Hyeon-joong김현중 (1994-11-26) November 26, 1994 (age 29)
  • Fitness trainer and model
Moon Se-hoon문세훈1995 (age 28–29)
Kim Jun-sik김준식1994 (age 29–30)
  • Health food brand representative
Choi Si-hun최시훈 (1992-10-27) October 27, 1992 (age 31)
  • Apparel brand representative
  • Appeared in web series Kilimanjaro Cafe, Standby Curator and Romanced
Oh Jin-taek오진택1992 (age 31–32)
  • Suit shop Ascottage's CEO and co-founder
Cha Hyun-seung차현승 (1991-05-02) May 2, 1991 (age 33)
  • Dancer, notably Sun-mi's back-up dancer

Coupling history

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SingleEpisode
12345678
Hyeon-joongJi-aJi-aJi-yeonJi-a
Hyun-seungNot in InfernoJi-aJi-aJi-aJi-a
Ji-aHyeon-joongSelectedHyeon-joongSi-hunSelectedSelectedHyeon-joong
Ji-yeonSi-hunSelectedSi-hunJin-taekSelectedSe-hoonSe-hoon
Jin-taekSo-yeonSo-yeonJi-yeonSo-yeonSelectedSo-yeon
Jun-sikJi-aJi-aSelectedYe-wonSelectedYe-won
Min-jiNot in InfernoSe-hoonSe-hoonUnselected
Se-hoonSo-yeonWon and ChoseJi-yeonSelectedJi-yeonSelectedJi-yeonSelectedJi-yeon
Si-hunJi-aJi-yeonJi-aSelectedJi-a
So-yeonSe-hoonJin-taekWon and ChoseSe-hoonSelectedJin-taekJin-taek
Su-minNot in InfernoJun-sikSe-hoonSi-hunUnselected
Ye-wonJun-sikJun-sikJun-sikJun-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

After Filming

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As of May 2024 none of the couples are still together.In 2023 Si-hun announced his engagement to singer-songwriter Ailee[8]

Season 2

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Promotional poster for season two.

Singles

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Women

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NameHangulAgeBackground
Lee Nadine이나딘 (2000-05-01) May 1, 2000 (age 24)
  • Neuroscience major at Harvard University
  • Regularly featured with her younger sister on her mother's Youtube channel 'Nimo Fam'[9]
Shin Seul-ki신슬기 (1998-03-03) March 3, 1998 (age 26)
  • Piano major at Seoul National University
  • Participated in the 2020 Miss Korea Chunhyang along with Season 1 participant Shin Ji-yeon
Park Se-jeong박세정1997 (age 26–27)
  • Model, managed by YG KPlus[10]
  • Modeled for brands such as BMW and Sony
Lee So-e이소이October 2000 (age 23)
Choi Seo-eun최서은 (1994-04-16) April 16, 1994 (age 30)
Lim Min-su임민수1997 (age 26–27)
  • Model and CEO of online clothing boutique
NameHangulAgeBackground
Choi Jong-woo최종우1998 (25 turning 26)
Jo Yoong-jae조융재1991 (age 32–33)
Kim Han-bin김한빈1999 (age 24–25)
  • Chef
Shin Dong-woo신동우1991 (age 32–33)
Kim Jin-young김진영1995 (age 28–29)
Kim Se-jun김세준 (1996-07-31) July 31, 1996 (age 27)
  • Tailor at Ascottage, founded by Season 1 participant Oh Jin-taek

Coupling History

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SingleEpisode
12345678910
NadineDong-wooDong-wooDong-wooYoong-jaeSelectedNot selected
Seul-kiDong-wooDong-wooSelectedJin-youngSelectedJong-woo
So-eYoong-jaeWon and ChoseYoong-jaeYoong-jaeSelectedHan-binSe-jun
Se-jeongYoong-jaeYoong-jaeJin-youngNot selected
Seo-eunJong-wooYoong-jaeSelectedHan-binSelectedYoong-jae
Jong-wooSeul-kiSelectedSeul-kiSeul-kiSeul-kiSeul-ki
Yoong-jaeSe-jeongSelectedSeo-eunNadineSelectedSeo-eunSeo-eun
Han-binSeo-eunSeo-eunSeo-eunSelectedSeo-eun
Dong-wooNadineSeul-kiNadineSeul-ki
Jin-youngNot in InfernoWon and ChoseSeul-kiSelectedSelectedNadineSeul-ki
Min-suNot in InfernoJin-youngJin-youngNot Selected
Se-junNot in InfernoSo-eSo-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

After Filming

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As of May 2024 none of the couples are still together

Season 3

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Promotional poster for season three.

Singles

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Women

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NameHangulAgeBackground
Kim Gyu-ri김규리1996 (age 27–28)
  • Model for fashion and beauty brands
  • Miss Korea 2022 participant
  • Graduated from Inha Technical College with a degree in Airline Operations
Choi Hye-seon최혜선1998 (age 25–26)
An Min-young안민영1998 (age 25–26)
  • Pilates studio director and instructor
  • Miss Korea Busan 2023
Yun Ha-jeong윤하정1998 (age 25–26)
  • 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-eun유시은1997 (age 26–27)
  • Freelance model
  • Miss Korea 2022 runner-up
  • Graduated from Yeongsun University with a degree in Aviation Service
Cho Min-ji조민지 (1998-04-20) April 20, 1998 (age 26)
NameHangulAgeBackground
Choi Min-woo최민우2000 (age 23–24)
  • Model
Lee Jin-seok이진석1993 (age 30–31)
  • Bakery café owner
Lee Gwan-hee이관희 (1988-04-29) April 29, 1988 (age 36)
Son Won Ik손원익1993 (age 30–31)
  • Real estate agent
Yun Ha-bin윤하빈1993 (age 30–31)
Park Min-kyu박민규1989 (age 34–35)

Coupling History

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SingleEpisode
1234567891011
Gwan-heeHye-seonHye-seonHa-jeongMin-jiSelectedHye-seon
Hye-seonGwan-heeGwan-heeMin-wooWon-ikGwan-heeGwan-hee
Gyu-riMin-wooMin-wooMin-kyuMin-wooSelectedMin-kyu
Min-wooMin-youngMin-youngGyu-riSelectedSelectedSi-eun
Jin-seokMin-youngMin-youngGyu-riSelectedMin-young
Min-youngJin-seokJin-seokWon-ikJin-seok
Ha-binHa-jeongHa-jeongHa-jeongSelectedHa-jeong
Won-ikSi-eunSi-eunSi-eunSelectedSi-eunSi-eun
Si-eunMin-kyuMin-kyuWon-ikMin-kyuSelectedMin-woo
Ha-jeongMin-kyuMin-kyuGwan-heeHa-binGwan-hee
Min-kyuHa-jeongHa-jeongGyu-riSelectedGyu-riSelectedGyu-ri
Min-jiNot in InfernoChooseSelectedMin-kyuGwan-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
  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
ContestantsCandies
Gyu-ri4
Hye-seon3
Si-eun2
Ha-jeong1
Min-young1
Ha-bin5
Won-ik2
Gwan-hee2
Min-kyu2
Jin-seok1
Min-woo1

After Filming

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As of May 2024 none of the couples are still together.

Episodes

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SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
18December 18, 2021 (2021-12-18)January 8, 2022 (2022-01-08)
210December 13, 2022 (2022-12-13)January 10, 2023 (2023-01-10)
311December 12, 2023 (2023-12-12)January 9, 2024 (2024-01-09)
No.
overall
No. in
season
Original release date
Season 1
11December 18, 2021 (2021-12-18)
The contestants are introduced to each other and to the island as they are familiarized with the rules of their new home for the next nine days. They then split into teams of three to explore the deserted island.
22December 18, 2021 (2021-12-18)
A game for the male contestants commences to win a date with two women. The first voting for matching couples happens to see who gets to escape to Paradise.
33December 25, 2021 (2021-12-25)
Once the couples come back from Paradise, it is time to choose a new interest for the next trip. This time, women are challenged to a game to choose two men to go on a lunch date with. Women are then asked to choose who they want to go to Paradise with.
44December 25, 2021 (2021-12-25)
Ji-a and Si-hun become closer. Se-hoon is disappointed that he didn't get to go to Paradise. The contestants are given free time to talk to whomever they choose.
55January 1, 2022 (2022-01-01)
Newcomers, Kim Su-min, Seong Min-ji, and Cha Hyun-seung, arrives at the Inferno. They are given the chance to choose who they want to take on a yacht date. So-yeon and Se-hoon talk, but it ends in a large disagreement.
66January 1, 2022 (2022-01-01)
The newcomers go on a yacht date with their chosen interest.
77January 8, 2022 (2022-01-08)
Se-hoon and Ji-yeon have a long talk and become closer during their date in Paradise. When the matched pairs come back to Singles Inferno, a new game for women commences. The top three women can choose their dates to Paradise.
88January 8, 2022 (2022-01-08)
Contestants go on a date with a partner of their choice for the last time before the last matching of who leaves the Inferno together.
Season 2
91December 13, 2022 (2022-12-13)
The second season begins with brand new contestants. After a day of getting to know one another by cooking together, the contestants are instructed to send a postcard to the person they are the most interested in.
102December 13, 2022 (2022-12-13)
The female contestants are instructed to play a game to win the opportunity to go on a lunch date with two men of their choice. Before the vote to go to Paradise, Nadine speaks to Dong-woo to get to know him better.
113December 20, 2022 (2022-12-20)
When the couples come back from Paradise, it is time to choose new partners for the next Paradise trip. It is the men's turn to play a game to win a lunch date with two women of their choice. A newcomer, Kim Jin-young, comes in to further complicate the blossoming relationships in the show.
124December 20, 2022 (2022-12-20)
Contestants are given free time to talk to a person of their choosing. So-e and Yoong-jae have a long talk about her unrequited feelings for him.
135December 27, 2022 (2022-12-27)
Couples that went to Paradise have different outcomes during their dates. During their trip to Paradise, Dong-woo and Nadine discover things about each other that can potentially change their future possibilities of a relationship. Jin-young and Seul-ki become closer.
146December 27, 2022 (2022-12-27)
More newcomers, Kim Se-jun and Lee Min-su, arrives to spice up the Inferno island. Yoong-jae and So-e have a private discussion where Yoong-jae was able to properly reject her.
157January 3, 2023 (2023-01-03)
Female contestants are challenged to a game to win a date in Paradise.
168January 3, 2023 (2023-01-03)
So-e ends up choosing Han-bin to go to Paradise as friends. Jong-woo and Seul-ki have time to become closer. It is the men's turn to play a game to be able to choose who to go to Paradise with.
179January 10, 2023 (2023-01-10)
During their time in Paradise, Jong-woo and Seul-ki are able to discuss her conflicting feelings between him and Jin-young. So-e and Se-jun have the chance to become closer on the Inferno island.
1810January 10, 2023 (2023-01-10)
Contestants go on a date with a partner of their choosing before making the final decision of who they want to leave the Inferno with. The results are unexpected.
Season 3
191December 12, 2023 (2023-12-12)
The third season begins with three men and three women yearning for love arriving on the Inferno island, with the opportunity to leave for Paradise right away. The contestants instructed to write down the name of the individual they want on the ticket and give it to them. Two couples are able to go to Paradise. The day after knowing more about each other, a twist shocks the couples.
202December 12, 2023 (2023-12-12)
The twist is that there are two Inferno islands. The second Inferno island was shown, and the show goes back to Day 1. Newcomers to the show introduce themselves, and the first couple matching session commences. Only one couple able to go to Paradise. Couples are back to each Inferno island, but with a different pair, and contestants who stay are surprised after knowing that there's two Inferno islands. The second couple matching session with the same instructions commenct, but this time they put the ticket in a mailbox.
213December 12, 2023 (2023-12-12)
Three couples are match and go to Paradise. Couples ingnites new energy and enjoy their day on Paradise, especially for one couple, who can't get enough of each other.
224December 19, 2023 (2023-12-19)
The three couples' conversation in Paradise continues. The two Infernos merge, and all the contestants meet and get to know each other. The first couple game begins with a special meal date as a reward. Couples pair up by choosing the same colored ball from a box. One man cannot participate if he draws the black ball. Won-ik and Ha-jeong wins the game and receive their reward. The other three couples go on a one-on-one lunch date. Singles gather together for a night's drink and have an honest conversation.
235December 19, 2023 (2023-12-19)
246December 26, 2023 (2023-12-26)
257December 26, 2023 (2023-12-26)
268January 2, 2024 (2024-01-02)
279January 2, 2024 (2024-01-02)
2810January 9, 2024 (2024-01-09)
2911January 9, 2024 (2024-01-09)

Release

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Netflix has confirmed the release date of season one which would be on December 18, 2021, with eight episodes.[12] The season two was confirmed and released on December 13, 2022, with ten episodes.[13][14] The production of season three was confirmed with changes in rules and location,[15][16] which was released on December 12, 2023.[17][18] Season four production was confirmed.[19][20]

Reception

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It has been described as a Korean version of Bachelor in Paradise.[21] Single's Inferno has been ranked among Netflix's Global Top 10 list, becoming the first Korean reality show to reach the list.[22][23] It became popular in many regions, and the hashtag #singlesinferno was trending on social media throughout its run.[24]

Controversies

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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.[25]

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.[26][27]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ A season 2 contestant known by his Korean name: Kim Jin-young.

References

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  1. ^ Hong, Se-young (November 26, 2021). 홍진경·이다희·규현·한해 '솔로지옥' 12월 18일 공개 [공식] [Jinkyung Hong, Dahee Lee, Kyuhyun, and Hanhae 'Solo Hell' released on December 18th [Official]] (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Retrieved November 26, 2021 – via Naver.
  2. ^ 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] (in Korean). My Daily. Retrieved November 24, 2022 – via Naver.
  3. ^ Jeon, Ye-seul (November 15, 2023). '솔로지옥3', 12월 12일 공개...덱스 MC 합류 ['Solo Hell 3' will be released on December 12th...Dex Joins as MC]. Celuv Media (in Korean). Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Szelinski, Cailyn (January 24, 2023). "Single's Inferno: 10 Facts You Need To Know About The Reality Show". ScreenRant. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Clark, Nicole (January 10, 2023). "Single's Inferno filled the Bachelor-sized hole in my heart". Polygon. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d "Watch Single's Inferno| Netflix Official Site". www.netflix.com. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  7. ^ official competition and awards YT clip.
  8. ^ "Singer Ailee's Husband to Be FINALLY Revealed, K-pop Star To Marry Single's Inferno Star Choi Si Hun". News18. May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  9. ^ "Nimo Fam's channel on Youtube". Youtube.
  10. ^ "Park Se-jeong's official profile on YG KPlus' website". YG KPlus.
  11. ^ a b Ha Su-jeong (January 4, 2023). "[단독] '더 글로리' 학폭 피해자='솔로지옥2' 이소이..사람엔터 전속계약(종합)" [[Exclusive] Victim of school violence in drama 'The Glory'='Single's Inferno' Lee So-e... Exclusive contract signed with Saram Entertainment] (in Korean). Osen. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  12. ^ Hong, Se-young (November 29, 2021). 천국vs지옥...넷플릭스 '솔로지옥' 12월 18일 첫 공개 [공식] [Heaven vs. Hell... Netflix's 'Single's Inferno' premieres on December 18 [Official]] (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Retrieved January 24, 2024 – via Naver.
  13. ^ Yeo, Gladys (April 12, 2022). "Netflix officially confirms a second season of 'Single's Inferno'". NME. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  14. ^ Morin, Natalie (November 15, 2022). "'Single's Inferno' Is Back for Season 2 to Heat Up Your Winter". Tudum. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  15. ^ Yoo, Ki-hwan (February 10, 2023). "From Finding Love to Fighting Zombies — Netflix Brings Korean Unscripted Shows to the World" (Press release). Netflix Media Center. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
  16. ^ Morin, Natalie (February 10, 2023). "'Single's Inferno' Season 3 is Coming — with a Devilish Twist". Tudum. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  17. ^ Morin, Natalie (November 15, 2023). "Dex Is Back for 'Single's Inferno' 3 — And Has Some Advice for the Contestants". Tudum). Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  18. ^ Ziwei, Puah (November 27, 2023). "Here's a first look at 'Single's Inferno' season 3". NME. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  19. ^ Kim, Elsa (January 24, 2024). "Landmark Korean Reality Dating Series 'Single's Inferno' Confirmed for Season 4" (Press release). Netflix Media Center. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  20. ^ Ziwei, Puah (January 24, 2024). "'Single's Inferno' renewed for season four by Netflix". NME. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  21. ^ LeGardye, Quinci (December 21, 2022). "The Cast of 'Single's Inferno' Season 2: Your Guide". Marie Claire.
  22. ^ Si-jin, Lee (January 4, 2022). "Can 'Single's Inferno' repeat Korean drama series' success on Netflix?". The Korea Herald. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  23. ^ Kim, YeEun (January 3, 2022). "Reality Dating Show 'Single's Inferno' Joins Netflix's Global Top 10 List". Hypebae.
  24. ^ "Hit K-reality show Single's Inferno draws anger over 'white skin' comments". South China Morning Post. December 23, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  25. ^ "Hit K-reality show Single's Inferno draws anger over 'white skin' comments". South China Morning Post. December 23, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  26. ^ Ye-eun, Jie (January 18, 2022). "Song Ji-ah from Netflix's 'Single's Inferno' under fire for wearing fake luxury goods". The Korea Herald. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  27. ^ "Song Ji-a Apologizes For Wearing Fake Designer Goods on 'Single's Inferno'". Hypebae. January 18, 2022. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
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