Netflix's reality show 'Single's Inferno 5' stars Song Seung-il and Kim Min-ji are facing backlash from viewers due to their on-air behavior.
In the episode released on the 10th, Kim Min-ji was shown after her 'Paradise Date' with fellow contestant Lim Soo-bin. During the date, Kim asked Lim about any changes in his feelings, but Lim hesitated, saying he needed more time to think. Later, during a drinking session, Kim fell asleep first, and Lim, citing the cold and alcohol, ended up sleeping in the same bed.
The controversy arose the next day during a communal meal. With the cast gathered, Song Seung-il asked Kim Min-ji, "Can I talk about us sleeping in the same bed?" When Park Hee-sun, who had a budding relationship with Lim, questioned this, Song laughed it off.
Kim Min-ji then loudly added, "No, you can't. I was trying to be honest with you, but not here." Park Hee-sun appeared confused, and Lim Soo-bin seemed uneasy.
Studio panelists also criticized the scene. Singer Kyuhyun commented, "You said it loud enough for everyone to hear, and now you're trying to cover it up. They seem too excited about their relationship." Broadcaster Dex analyzed it as "a way of interfering with others' relationships." Singer Hanhae remarked, "The way they communicated was highly inappropriate." Kyuhyun reiterated, "It was the worst communication method and amplified misunderstandings."
Song Seung-il later told Park Hee-sun, "We fell asleep talking, so keep it to yourself." When Park's expression hardened, Song added, "If you can't control your expression, I'll get in trouble."
Kim Min-ji's close behavior with Lim Soo-bin, referencing his previous comments, left Park Hee-sun feeling conflicted. In an interview with the production team, Park confessed, "I thought sharing a bed implied mutual interest. I'm now questioning if Lim's feelings have shifted towards Kim Min-ji and what his true feelings for me are."
Back at the accommodation, Park Hee-sun, seeking solace, confided in fellow contestant Lee Sung-hoon, "I'm still not sure about Lim Soo-bin's true feelings," and broke into tears. Park admitted, "Today was too hard to handle alone."
Following the broadcast, netizens criticized Song Seung-il and Kim Min-ji's behavior as inappropriate and lacking consideration for others, posting negative comments about their actions.
Min-kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr