Kim Go-eun, a contestant on the new season of Netflix’s hit Korean dating show Single’s Inferno, has drawn attention for a personal confession. The model and former beauty queen stated she is not used to being single and hopes to find someone to end that chapter of her life.
The fifth season of the popular reality series launched on January 20, 2026, featuring its largest cast yet. In her introduction for the show, Kim Go-eun shared her immediate thoughts on joining the search for love on a remote island.
Who Is Kim Go-eun from Single’s Inferno?
Kim Go-eun is a 26-year-old model known for her work with beauty and fashion brands. Viewers of Korean pageants might recognize her, as she won the prestigious 66th Miss Korea pageant in 2022.
It is important to note she is not the famous actress of the same name who stars in “You and Everything Else.” This Kim Go-eun is a public figure in her own right, partly due to her family background. She is the daughter of former national-team soccer player Kim Hyun-soo. She has also been the subject of past dating rumors involving BIGBANG member G-Dragon, which contributed to her public profile before joining the show.
In her introductory video, she described her physical appearance and personality. She counts her cat-like eyes, nose, and mouth as her favorite features. However, she says her true nature is more puppy-like.
“I may look cold on the outside, but once you get to know me, you’ll see that I’m cute and warm-hearted,” she explained about her personality.
Her Direct Statement About Dating and Being Single
The comment that sparked conversation was Kim Go-eun’s straightforward admission about her romantic life. She explicitly connected her decision to join Single’s Inferno to her relationship history.
She explained that she is “not used to being single,” and expressed a clear desire for that to change. Her goal for being on the show was to find someone who could “steal her heart” and finally “end this single life”.
This open declaration sets her apart on a show where contestants often have varied reasons for seeking love, from wanting excitement to believing in fate. Her statement suggests a specific longing for partnership after a history of being in relationships.
Kim Go-eun’s Path on the Show So Far
Single’s Inferno follows a group of singles stranded on a deserted island called “Inferno.” The only way to leave is to form a mutual romantic connection with another contestant. Successful pairs get to escape to “Paradise,” a luxury hotel where they can enjoy private dates and reveal personal details like their ages and professions.
During her first Paradise date, Kim Go-eun confirmed she was born in the year 2000 and works as a model for beauty and fashion campaigns. On the show, she has been on a Paradise date with contestant Woo Sung-min, a 30-year-old optician who runs his family’s optical shop.
Woo Sung-min described his own approach to romance as preferring “relaxed, easygoing relationships, like those between good friends”. It remains to be seen how their different perspectives on relationships will play out as the season continues.
The Popularity and Format of Single’s Inferno
Single’s Inferno has become a global sensation for Netflix since its first season in 2021. The show’s fifth season is a significant milestone, making it the first Korean Netflix variety show to reach a fifth season. The series has consistently performed well, with past seasons appearing in Netflix’s Global Top 10 charts across dozens of countries.
The show is hosted by a panel featuring comedian Hong Jin-kyung, actress Lee Da-hee, Super Junior member Kyuhyun, rapper Hanhae, and YouTuber Dex. They provide commentary and reactions to the romantic developments happening on the island.
The producer of the show, Kim Na-hyun, has shared that the intense experience often leads to lasting bonds. “Because they spent eight nights and nine days on an island together, where they not only built relationships but also friendships, they are probably still close,” she said. This has proven true for some past couples, though many do not last romantically after the cameras stop rolling.
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A Look at Love Outcomes from Past Seasons
While the show creates a pressure cooker for romance, long-term success is mixed. The most notable exception is Jo Yoong-jae and Choi Seo-eun from Season 2, who are reportedly still dating. In a live broadcast, when asked about marriage, Yoong-jae responded, “I hope so”.
Other couples have remained friends, like Kim Se-Jun and Lee So-e from Season 2, who refer to each other warmly on social media. However, most pairs from earlier seasons, including all the final couples from Season 1, are no longer together. This context makes Kim Go-eun’s hopeful search for a lasting connection particularly relatable to audiences who understand the challenges of finding real love.
New episodes of Single’s Inferno Season 5 are now available for streaming globally on Netflix. The season features twelve singles competing for love, including other notable contestants like former Miss Earth 2022 winner Choi Mina Sue and professional track athlete Kim Min-gee.
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