Why 'Single's Inferno' is the dating show I'll be sticking with
Now where can I go glamping? Because that looks like a lot of fun...
Some people swear by reality TV dating shows, but I have never really understood them.
No one ever stays together longer than a few months after a season of The Bachelorette or The Bachelor ends (except Trish and Ryan Sutter, the only people I remember). I also never truly got behind Love is Blind, because I’m not convinced getting engaged without seeing the other person will lead to a happily ever after.
While it may be true that many of the contestants on these shows are in search of love, the majority are very much looking for quick fame in the process. The same can be said with the contestants on Single’s Inferno. But oddly enough, I’ve become hooked to the show.
Single’s Inferno’s second season officially ended yesterday and I am now in withdrawal.
Stranded and ready to mingle, Single’s Inferno follows young flirty Korean singles in search for love on a deserted island. Each day they pick who they want to go on a date with in “paradise”. If they end up matching, couples get sent to a fancy five-star hotel room with a swimming pool and room service. If they don’t find a match, they stay on the island (known as Inferno) and have to cook, fetch water, sleep in tents and wait with others who were left behind. Contestants have nine days to spend on the island to get to know each other. But during their stay, new contestants will trickle in, adding to the drama.
Unlike American reality dating shows, Single’s Inferno happens at a much slower pace. But it’s not the eye candy or romance that draws me to Single’s Inferno in the first place. It’s actually the mundanity of courtship that I find so interesting, from small talk, hand holding and hang outs by the beach.
While North American shows will focus on heavy drama, steamy kisses and frustrating arguments between contestants, Single’s Inferno is more understated and focused on people’s individual conversations and getting to know each person’s personalities, passions and ambitions in life. Rejection is handled without dramatic music and consequence. It’s human and realistic. It’s also refreshing that couples aren’t forced to get engaged by the end of nine days (IMAGINE THAT!). They leave Inferno with an opportunity to get to know each other better in the outside world.
What’s more, the show stands out to me because you find yourself rooting for individuals instead of couples. The bonus of the show is IF they find a relationship in the process. In fact, I liken it more to lifestyle variety shows like Terrace House, with SOME romance and competitive games mixed in. And for that reason, I’m digging a little deeper into four reasons why I’m so drawn to Single’s Inferno.
Warning, some spoilers below!
It’s like adult summer camp
While many contestants who want to get to know each other will end up in a fancy five star hotel known as “Paradise”, the unlucky ones who don’t find matches will end up staying the night in Inferno. Personally, I would love to stay in Inferno because it’s essentially glamping on a beach. You make your own food, sleep in tents and bond with the other contestants by the water. I’m always more interested in what the contestants in Inferno are eating and cooking, versus what those in Paradise are. Inferno forces you to get creative!
One night you might be eating kimchi fried rice or kimchi stew. Another night, you might be having ramen or pork belly. Yes, it may be demoralizing not to go on a date with the person you have an eye on…but with no internet or cellphones, Inferno is a nice escape from reality and allows you to bond with others stuck there with you.
The friendships
One of my favourite characters from season 2 is Kim Han-bin, who is both lovable and hilarious. While many of the male contestants on the show can be evasive about their feelings, Han-bin is someone who wears his heart on his sleeve and is protective of people’s feelings. For instance, when Lee So-e was heartbroken over her unrequited feelings for Jo Yoong-jae, Han-bin pulls her aside and tells her Yoon-jae has eyes on someone else. He really is for the girls!
Han-bin can see toxicity from a mile away. And while Hanbin nor So-e may not find a long-term relationship on the show, it’s comforting to see them develop a wholesome friendship that will last much longer. That being said, I am SO rooting for So-e and Kim Se-jun. That man is a mood and is a complete sweetheart. He is so much better for So-e! And I am happy she’s giving him a chance!
People watching
Watching Single’s Inferno is like studying the human condition in real time. You see girls talking politely with one another, and yet they’re both after the same man. In other moments, you see how whipped some of the contestants are for one person, and you can’t help but cringe watching it all unfold. A lot of this is not unlike other dating shows, but I love being a fly on the wall on people’s conversations. You see jealousy and competitiveness happening in real time. Except, there’s no hair pulling or cat fights. For that reason, I’ll take this version of reality any day.
While it’s true that I love looking at the eye-candy on the show, I also find myself rooting for the ladies more when I watch Single’s Inferno. Women like Lee Nadine, So-e and Park Se jeong are smart, beautiful and kind. But men don’t choose them for dates as much as the other contestants. Nadine for example, is a Harvard pre-med student! So-e, was nothing but upfront about her feelings and is instead given mixed signals by Jo Yoong-jae. Se jeong is basically relegated to a side character role for never going to Paradise, even though she is a total babe and sweetheart! You can’t help but scream at your TV and ask the men “WHAT ARE THEY DOING???” Men really aren’t here for the girl crush types, and that’s a damn shame.
Slow burn chemistry
I know I said earlier that I am not really here for the dating aspect of the show, but I would be lying if I said there weren’t any parts that made me swoon. I’m a big fan of Asian entertainment because the romances are often built on very slowly, from subtle flirty conversations to small gestures. The stories often build towards a romantic kiss, nothing more.
This is why I, like so many others, were so taken by Kim Jin-young. There is a particular scene where he decides to hold hands with contestant Shin Seul-ki as they are swimming in the pool together. It’s all pretty innocent, but it’s also full of chemistry. Yes, how can finger holding be so hot??? Single’s Inferno has the audience asking for more, and that’s what makes it addictive.
In conclusion:
If not for the romance, Single’s Inferno is a great show because it is a good escape from the cold winters many of us are experiencing now. While I have no desire to ever go on a dating show myself, I certainly want to go glamping on a deserted island and wear cute clothes. Watching a little drama unfold doesn’t hurt either. And if you’re in need of something to watch in the background, Single’s Inferno is for you.
bunni pop is now on Instagram!
While I am keeping posts here on a weekly basis, I am posting more newsy content on Instagram. Happy to say I am continuing to work on my dismal graphic design skills. I also have a ton of fancams from past concerts that I’d like to share. So if you’re into all that, give me a follow at @bunnipopletter.
Check out one of my recent posts below:
You’ve got me hooked!! I will have to come back to read the rest after I finish the season!