“Over time, we became puzzle pieces, and our puzzle pieces just don't fit.”
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Netflix’s hit Korean dating series Single’s Inferno has captivated audiences worldwide since its debut in 2021, serving up sun-soaked romance, sizzling chemistry, and dramatic coupling ceremonies that leave viewers shocked. The show’s premise is simple — attractive singles stranded on a deserted island must compete for romantic connections, with successful couples earning overnight escapes to a luxurious “paradise” resort.
Yet despite all the passionate confessions and tearful goodbyes, the show has developed a rather unfortunate track record when it comes to lasting love. After four seasons of beach-side romance, not a single couple from Single’s Inferno has managed to maintain a long-term relationship. Here’s a look at every couple that left the island together — and why none of them made it work in the real world.
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Season 1
Song Ji-a and Kim Hyeon-Joong
Perhaps the most talked-about pairing from Season 1, Song Ji-a and Kim Hyeon-Joong generated significant buzz among fans. However, observant viewers noticed trouble brewing when Hyeon-Joong unfollowed Ji-a on Instagram, according to Koreaboo.
Hyeon-Joong later addressed the situation publicly, clarifying that there was no bad blood between them. “Because of the ongoing situation, I had an even harder time reaching out to her. Even right now, in this moment as I talk about it, it’s really hard. However, what I can say is that the Ji A I got to know is a kind and bright friend who works extremely hard,” he said. “We have remained on friendly terms and even in the middle of the airing of the show, we contacted each other here and there.”
Kang So-Yeon and Oh Jin-Taek
Jin-Taek initially seemed committed to pursuing a relationship with So-Yeon after the show wrapped. “So many people ask me the same question. Kang So Yeon is someone I always wanted to meet,” he said.
However, any hopes for a lasting romance were dashed when Jin-Taek was later linked to another woman, effectively ending speculation about the couple’s future.
Moon Se-hoon and Shin Je-yoon
This pairing sparked breakup rumors early on when Se-hoon publicly admitted he couldn’t “define” their relationship — never a promising sign for fans hoping for a love story. Je-yoon later put all speculation to rest when she confirmed she was single during a vlog appearance.
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Kim Jun-sik and An Yea-won
Yea-won provided a candid explanation for why things didn’t progress with Jun-sik. “The situation wasn’t like where I could meet him after my work and stuff. We did meet up a few times and kept each other updated, so we decided to stay good friends,” she explained. Their story highlights a common challenge for reality TV couples: the demanding schedules and professional commitments that make maintaining new relationships incredibly difficult.
Season 2
Jo Yoong-jae and Choi Seo-eun
Of all the Season 2 couples, Jo Yoong-jae and Choi Seo-eun initially appeared the most promising. The pair even hosted joint fan events after the show aired, suggesting a genuine connection that extended beyond the cameras. However, eagle-eyed fans have noticed that the couple hasn’t posted together in recent years, leaving their current relationship status a mystery.
Kim Se-Jun and Lee So-e
Though this pair left the island together, their romantic connection apparently fizzled quickly. Reports later suggested that Se-Jun viewed So-e more as a younger sibling than a romantic partner — a revelation that likely disappointed fans who had rooted for them during the show.
Shin Seul Ki and Choi Jong Woo
Seul Ki and Jong Woo gave fans a glimmer of hope when they shared photos together shortly after the season premiere. However, they never officially confirmed an off-screen relationship, and updates about their connection eventually stopped altogether.
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Season 3
Lee Gwan-hee and Choi Hye-seon
Gwan-hee addressed fan speculation directly, leaving no room for ambiguity about his relationship status with Hye-seon. “First of all, I want to tell you that we are not a couple,” he stated publicly. His reasoning was practical rather than dramatic: he explained he wanted to be “in a relationship where I can meet the person every day.” Long-distance relationships, it seems, were not something he was willing to pursue.
Lee Jin-seok and An Min-young
Jin-seok offered a thoughtful update on his connection with Min-young that reflected the realities many young professionals face. “We had good feelings for each other, but since Min-young and I are doing our own business, we are not currently seeing each other because we are focusing on our own work. We are doing well with good feelings,” he shared. Their story illustrates how career ambitions can take precedence over budding romances, even when genuine affection exists.
Other Season 3 pairings never confirmed continuing relationships after filming concluded.
Season 4
Yuk Jun-seo and Lee Si-an
Jun-seo was honest about why things didn’t work out with Si-an, revealing they felt more like “brother and sister” than a real couple.
Kim Tae-hwan and Bae Ji-yeon
Ji-yeon dropped a significant hint that she had moved on from her Single’s Inferno romance. When host Dex expressed interest in her, she responded flirtatiously: “Thank you for liking me. I’m waiting here.” The comment suggested she was very much available.
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An Jong-hoon and Kim Hye-jin
Jong-hoon took a philosophical approach when reflecting on his experience in a recap post. “I appeared in a program called Single’s Inferno and I got to do it a little bit. There are some unfortunate points, but looking back, it seems like it was a good experience,” he shared. His measured words suggest acceptance of how things turned out, even if the romance didn’t blossom as viewers might have hoped.
The Bigger Picture: Why Reality TV Romance Rarely Lasts
So far, Single’s Inferno hasn’t produced a long-term success story. While this might disappoint fans who tune in hoping to witness the beginning of a beautiful love story, it reflects a broader trend in reality dating shows worldwide. The artificial environment of television production, compressed timelines for forming connections, and the pressures of sudden public attention create significant obstacles for couples trying to build genuine relationships.
For now, viewers can continue enjoying the drama, the gorgeous contestants, and the tropical scenery — just perhaps with tempered expectations about what happens after the cameras stop rolling.
