The final episodes of Single’s Inferno Season 5 dropped on Netflix on February 10, 2026, and viewers are still processing the results. The season concluded with five couples leaving the island together, the highest number of pairings since the show began. However, the dramatic love triangle involving Kim Go-eun and her three suitors has become the most talked-about topic, leaving the fanbase deeply divided over her final choice.
Go-eun had to decide between Shin Hyeon-woo, who showed steady devotion; Jo I-geon, a late-arriving “game changer” with electric chemistry; and Woo Sung-min, her original and most comfortable connection. In a move that shocked the show’s panelists and many viewers, Go-eun walked out of Inferno hand-in-hand with Woo Sung-min. This decision, following last-minute stumbles from her other potential partners, has ignited a firestorm of online discussion, with a large portion of the audience believing “she deserved better”.
The Build-Up to the Final Decision
For much of the season’s later episodes, Kim Go-eun’s love life was the central storyline. Her journey was a rollercoaster that kept fans guessing until the very end.
Her connection with Jo I-geon was particularly intense. As a new participant entering the show later, I-geon swept in and immediately captivated Go-eun. Their Paradise date was filled with deep conversations about life and careers, leading many to believe their natural chemistry was unbeatable. However, cracks began to show. During their date, I-geon repeatedly mentioned how cute another contestant, Lee Ha-eun, was, which made Go-eun visibly uncomfortable. Back on Inferno, he continued this behavior, even bringing Ha-eun along when Go-eun was trying to have a serious conversation with him. Fans noted that Go-eun values clear communication, which became a problem with I-geon.
“Go-eun needs communication, and that’s a thing I-geon is pretty bad at,” one recap noted, pointing out a fundamental mismatch in their personalities.
Meanwhile, Shin Hyeon-woo was the picture of unwavering focus. From early on, he set his sights only on Go-eun. His dedication reached a peak in a now-famous moment during a competition. After I-geon won a challenge and chose Go-eun for Paradise, Hyeon-woo made a stunning choice: he decided not to go to Paradise at all, even though he had the right to pick another date. This act of quiet sacrifice deeply moved Go-eun and many viewers, making him a strong sentimental favorite.
Woo Sung-min’s path was quieter. He was Go-eun’s first mutual match, and she consistently cited the ease and comfort she felt with him. While their screen time together sometimes seemed less than her more dramatic connections, Go-eun appreciated his thoughtful, subtle gestures. In the final campfire before decisions, she shared a long, serious conversation with Sung-min, which seemed to signal her shifting focus.
Fan Reactions to the Final Pairs
The online reaction to the Single’s Inferno 5 finale has been passionate and split into clear camps. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), fans have been fiercely debating Go-eun’s choice.
Supporters of Team I-geon expressed disappointment, feeling their undeniable physical chemistry and deep talks should have won the day. They argued that his last-minute behavior, while immature, wasn’t enough to erase their strong bond.
“Kim Go-eun stays being my favorite. Her chemistry with I-geon>>> The best chemistry for me this season,” one fan wrote, capturing the sentiment of those who believed the spark was the most important factor.
Team Hyeon-woo fans were heartbroken, believing his consistent loyalty and profound sacrifice made him the most deserving. They felt Go-eun was affected by his decision to not go to Paradise and that his respectful approach was overlooked.
Team Sung-min advocates defended the choice, arguing that long-term compatibility built on comfort and understanding trumps short-term drama. They pointed out that Sung-min’s steady presence provided a safe space for Go-eun.
“Idk why Sungmin has been getting unnecessary hate. Like his edge is obviously that they’re both on the same wavelength… he’s subtle but consistent,” a viewer tweeted, highlighting why the choice made logical sense to some.
The phrase “She deserved better” trended online following the finale, encapsulating the belief among a significant number of viewers that none of the three men were the ideal match, or that her final pick was underwhelming.
Other Couples and Finale Feedback
While Go-eun’s storyline dominated discussion, four other couples found love on the island. Kim Min-gee and Song Seung-il, after a rocky journey involving other interests, ended up together. Park Hee-sun and Lim Su-been also paired up, as did Lee Joo-young and Kim Jae-jin, and Choi Mina Sue and Lee Sung-hun.
Despite the record number of couples, many viewers expressed broader dissatisfaction with the finale’s editing. Common criticisms included the season feeling too focused on Go-eun’s narrative at the expense of other pairings, and the disappointing absence of the traditional campfire scene where all contestants reveal their ages and jobs. This season, only Mina Sue and Sung-hun shared those details on camera. Fans also felt robbed of sweet moments, like a hinted-at flower ring exchange between Min-gee and Seung-il that was shown in trailers but cut from the final episodes.
Also Read:
Where to Watch and What’s Next
All episodes of Single’s Inferno Season 5, including the finale, are available to stream globally on Netflix. Fans looking for a bit more closure won’t have to wait long. A special post-finale meetup episode featuring the participants is scheduled for release on February 14, 2026—just in time for Valentine’s Day. This episode often shows how the couples interact after leaving the island and may offer hints about which relationships have continued off-screen.
Also Read: 5 Must-Watch Dramas Like Apple TV’s Drops of God: Top Adaptation Picks
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on your favorite reality shows and whether these island romances can survive in the real world.
