Lim Subeen, the former baseball player who became a fan favorite on Netflix’s dating reality show “Single’s Inferno 5,” is now ready to make his official acting debut. The 23-year-old model and aspiring actor is in talks to join the cast of the upcoming tvN drama “Gift,” which will star top actor Kim Woo Bin in the lead role.
Multiple South Korean media outlets reported on February 13, 2026, that Lim Subeen has received a casting offer for the baseball-themed drama and has already attended a script reading with the production team. If confirmed, this project will mark Lim’s first major role in a television series after years of working as a model and appearing in short-form content under the stage name Chabin .
A Natural Fit for a Baseball Drama
What makes this potential casting particularly interesting is Lim Subeen’s personal background. Before entering the entertainment industry, Lim spent a decade training and competing as a baseball pitcher. A career-ending injury eventually forced him to step away from the sport he loved, leading him to pursue modeling and acting instead .
The drama “Gift” is based on a popular Kakao webtoon of the same name. The story follows a professional baseball team coach who gains extraordinary abilities after a sudden accident and ends up managing an amateur team that consistently finishes last in the league. Given Lim’s firsthand experience as a baseball athlete, the role feels like a natural extension of his own life story .
Fans of “Single’s Inferno 5” may remember Lim sharing details about his athletic past during his time on the show. His knowledge of the sport could bring an extra layer of authenticity to the drama, something that has viewers even more excited about his possible involvement.
From Reality Star to Scripted Drama
Lim Subeen first gained public attention through his appearance on Netflix’s “Single’s Inferno 5,” which aired its finale in early 2026. On the show, he stood out not only for his visuals, which drew comparisons to actor Song Joong Ki, but also for his calm and sincere personality . He formed a final couple with fellow cast member Park Hee Sun, and the two left the show together, saying, “It must be fate” .
However, Lim was not new to the entertainment world. He had been working as a model and had taken on small acting roles under the name Chabin. In 2025, he appeared in a supporting role in MBC’s short-form drama “A Head Coach’s Turnover,” giving him a taste of scripted performance before his reality TV breakthrough .
If the deal for “Gift” goes through, this will be his first time sharing screen space with a major Hallyu star like Kim Woo Bin, known for his roles in hit dramas such as “The Heirs” and “Our Blues,” as well as films like “Alienoid.”
What We Know About “Gift” So Far
“Gift” is currently in pre-production and is scheduled to begin filming within the first half of 2026 . The drama has generated significant buzz simply because of Kim Woo Bin’s involvement, as this marks his return to the small screen following his previous projects.
The series will air on tvN, one of South Korea’s leading cable networks known for producing high-quality dramas with global appeal. While a specific release date has not yet been announced, production timelines suggest the drama could air later in 2026 or early 2027.
According to reports, Lim Subeen plans to focus more seriously on his acting career following this project, signaling a long-term commitment to his new professional path .
Agency Silence and Fan Reactions
As of now, Lim Subeen’s representatives have not issued any official statement confirming the casting. The lack of comment is common in the Korean entertainment industry while negotiations are still underway, but it has not stopped fans from expressing their excitement online .
Many viewers who watched Lim on “Single’s Inferno 5” have taken to social media to share their support. Some pointed out how fitting it is for a former baseball player to appear in a baseball drama, calling it “destiny.” Others expressed curiosity about how he will hold his own opposite an experienced actor like Kim Woo Bin.
“He was so genuine on the show, and knowing he used to be a baseball player makes this role perfect for him. I really want to see how he does as an actor,” one fan wrote on social media.
Another commented, “From the Inferno to the baseball field. This is such a big opportunity. Hope he does well.”
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The “Single’s Inferno 5” Connection Continues
Lim Subeen’s potential casting comes at a busy time for the “Single’s Inferno 5” cast. On February 14, 2026, Netflix released a special “Single’s Inferno Reunion” episode, bringing all the season 5 cast members back together to reflect on their time on the show and address lingering questions about their relationships .
The 62-minute reunion special, which premiered on Netflix globally, gave fans a chance to see which couples remained close after filming ended. In the trailer for the reunion, Lim was seen having a private conversation with Park Hee Sun, telling her, “I want to get to know you better. Seems like I’m still interested in you” .
This fueled ongoing speculation about whether the two are dating in real life. While neither has confirmed the nature of their relationship, Park Hee Sun previously posted a photo on social media wearing a hoodie that fans recognized as one Lim had gifted her during the show . Lim also shared a heartfelt message on social media, thanking fans for their support and posting a photo with Park Hee Sun, which only added to the dating rumors .
During a recent interview, “Single’s Inferno 5” PD Kim Jaewon hinted that multiple couples from the season are dating in real life, though he stopped short of naming names to protect their privacy. He confirmed that the reunion episode would address these questions directly .
What This Means for Lim Subeen’s Career
For Lim Subeen, the transition from reality TV participant to scripted drama actor represents a major step forward. Reality show contestants often struggle to break into the more competitive world of acting, but landing a role in a high-profile production like “Gift” could give him a solid foundation.
His background as a model means he is comfortable in front of the camera, and his previous experience in short-form dramas, though limited, has given him some acting practice. Working alongside someone like Kim Woo Bin, who is known for his professionalism and mentorship of younger actors, could also help Lim grow quickly in his new craft.
The drama’s baseball theme also removes the usual skepticism that follows reality stars trying to act. Instead of forcing himself into an unrelated role, Lim gets to play a character that aligns with his actual life experience, making the transition feel more organic.
Fans are now waiting for official confirmation from his agency. If confirmed, Lim Subeen will join the growing list of reality TV personalities who have successfully pivoted to acting, proving that “Single’s Inferno” can be more than just a dating show, it can also be a launchpad for serious entertainment careers.
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