Go-eunโs decision to pick Sung-min in the final selection of Singleโs Inferno 5 has ignited passionate reactions online. Viewers are calling contestant I-geonโs strategy a major misstep after he repeatedly praised another woman, Ha-eun, in front of her.
The final episodes of Netflixโs hit dating reality show landed on February 10, bringing a dramatic end to the season’s complex love triangles. Among the five couples that left the island together, the pairing of Kim Go-eun and Woo Sung-min caught many by surprise, especially following I-geon’s intense pursuit. Fan discussion has centered on the moments that may have cost I-geon his connection with Go-eun, turning his journey into a cautionary tale for viewers.
The Final Choice That Shocked Viewers
In the decisive final selection, contestants stood before the “Hell Gate” to see who had chosen them and to make their own final decision. For Kim Go-eun, three men stepped forward: Woo Sung-min, Jo I-geon, and Shin Hyun-woo. Despite I-geon’s confident pursuit in the later episodes, Go-eun ultimately chose Woo Sung-min, a pairing that the show’s panelists found unexpected.
This moment confirmed the final couple, leading them to walk off the island together. The other successful pairs were Min Gee and Seung Il, Su Been and Hee Sun, Mina Sue and Sung Hun, and Joo Young and Jae Jin. Not every story had a mutual ending; Ha-eun was not chosen by anyone and subsequently selected Kim Jae-jin, while Ye-jin decided not to make a final choice at all.
I-Geon’s Pursuit and The “Ha-eun Praise” Strategy
I-geon entered the season as a “male wildcard” contestant, an actor who joined the show later to shake up existing connections. He quickly set his sights on Go-eun, a model and former Miss Korea finalist. His approach, however, became a central point of discussion among fans.
A key part of his strategy involved repeatedly and openly praising another contestant, Lee Ha-eun, in conversations with Go-eun. He complimented Ha-eun’s appearance and demeanor, seemingly in an attempt to make Go-eun jealous or to appear more desirable. This tactic, documented in episodes leading to the finale, is what viewers have now labeled his critical error.
Fans online have dubbed this move the “biggest fumble of the season,” arguing that instead of sparking jealousy, it likely confused Go-eun and undermined I-geon’s sincerity in pursuing her.
This backfired strategy became a major talking point on social media following the finale’s release.
The Quiet Consistency of Sung-min
While I-geon employed dramatic tactics, Woo Sung-min pursued Go-eun with quiet consistency. An optician and actor, Sung-min secured the first paradise date with Go-eun early in the season and worked to maintain their connection.
Fans began to notice subtle signs of their bond. Observant viewers posted online about spotting Go-eun wearing Sung-min’s clothing multiple times after their dates, a quiet but significant gesture on the island. Despite facing competition from I-geon and others, Sung-min made sure to talk to Go-eun every time she returned from a paradise date with someone else. His steady presence, contrasted with I-geon’s unpredictable approach, ultimately resonated with Go-eun in the final decision.
Fan Reactions to The Dramatic Outcome
The fan reaction to the finale has been swift and filled with analysis. On social media platforms and online forums, viewers are dissecting I-geon’s actions.
Many express a mix of frustration and sympathy, calling his loss a “self-inflicted” outcome. Memes and video clips comparing his confident interviews to the moment Go-eun chose Sung-min have spread quickly. The phrase “biggest fumble of the season” has been widely used to summarize his entire arc.
Other fans are celebrating the victory of steady dedication over flashy games. They point to Sung-min’s patience and the couple’s shared, quieter moments as a more relatable foundation for a real connection. The pairing of Mina Sue and Sung Hun also drew significant positive attention for its compelling narrative shift during the season.
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What Comes Next for the Inferno Couples
With the main season concluded, fans will get one more glimpse of the contestants. A reunion special is scheduled to air on February 14, where the participants will likely address the finale’s outcomes and discuss their experiences after leaving the island.
This reunion may provide further context for the decisions made, including Go-eun’s choice and how the couples have navigated their relationships since filming ended. Season 5 of Single’s Inferno will be remembered for its strong personalities, unpredictable love triangles, and the intense emotional journeys that kept audiences engaged until the final selection.
Also Read: Singleโs Inferno 5 Finale: Why Fans Are Calling Choi Mina Sue the โReal Winnerโ
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