Choi Mina Sue and Lee Sung-hun left Single’s Inferno 5 together, holding hands at the final selection on February 10, 2026. This result followed weeks of intense online controversy and backlash directed at Mina Sue for her indecisive dating style. While other fan-favorite couples also made their matches, the unexpected pairing of Mina Sue and Sung-hun has ignited a unique reaction on social media. Many viewers now argue that despite the harsh criticism she faced, Mina Sue navigated the show exactly as intended and came out on top, making her what they call “the real winner” of the season.
The Rollercoaster Journey to the Final Match
Mina Sue’s path on the show was marked by constant change. She initially connected with Lim Su-been, sharing an early Paradise date with him. However, during a truth-or-dare game in episode four, she surprised everyone by naming Song Seung-il as her top choice, despite his growing connection with another contestant, Kim Min-gee. As the season progressed, she was also seen showing interest in Lee Sung-hun and Shin Hyeon-woo. This frequent shifting of attention became a central point of discussion and criticism.
Her behavior frustrated not only viewers but also the show’s panel of hosts. Commentator Hong Jin-kyung openly expressed disapproval, at one point saying, “Enough is enough,” in response to Mina Sue joking about leaving with two men. The production staff even asked the panel to tone down their critical comments during breaks. This perception of indecisiveness led to a wave of negative comments on her social media, with some users leaving harsh remarks about her attitude and appearance. At one point, she turned off the comments on her Instagram posts to shield herself from the harassment.
Understanding the Intense Fan Backlash
The criticism against Mina Sue was multifaceted and severe. A primary complaint was that she was not a “girls’ girl,” prioritizing male attention over friendships with the other women. Viewers were particularly upset when she pursued Seung-il after her close friend Kim Min-gee had expressed strong interest in him. Many accused her of having poor “nunchi,” a Korean term for the ability to read a social situation and act appropriately. An often-cited example was when Seung-il called her out for a private chat while she was in a room with Min-gee; Mina Sue’s excited reaction upon leaving was seen as inconsiderate of her roommate’s feelings.
Her actions were also seen as contradictory. On a date with Su-been, she stated her ideal type was someone who “sticks with one person,” a quality viewers felt she did not herself demonstrate. Forgetting the names of fellow contestants during selection rounds further painted her as disrespectful in the eyes of some fans. This combination of factors led to her being labeled the season’s “villain” and “pick me girl,” with her name trending alongside intense scrutiny on online forums like Reddit.
The Unexpected Final Choice and Fan Reactions
The finale delivered a surprising yet fitting conclusion to Mina Sue’s story. In the end, she chose Lee Sung-hun, also known as Samuel Lee, an entrepreneur who had also shown interest in other participants like Park Hee-sun. During their final statements, Mina Sue said Sung-hun brought out the best version of herself, while he said she holds a special place in his heart.
This final decision has dramatically shifted the online conversation. While criticism still exists, a significant wave of support has emerged, reframing her entire journey. Many fans now argue that Single’s Inferno is a dating show designed for contestants to explore connections, and Mina Sue did just that more openly than anyone else. They point out that her exploration created the drama and conversation that made the season compelling to watch. Comments defending her have become more common, with fans stating, “It’s a dating game… She is playing the game” and “Don’t care what they say, you are the entertainment, Mina Sue”.
The sentiment that she is “the real winner” stems from this perspective. Supporters believe she fully utilized the show’s format to understand her own feelings, ultimately made a genuine connection with Sung-hun, and endured public scrutiny without letting it break her resolve. Posts analyzing their social media activity suggest they may still be connected, with Sung-hun liking her posts and both sharing pictures from similar locations. This has fueled further positive discussion about their post-show potential.
Who Else Found Love on Single’s Inferno 5?
Mina Sue and Sung-hun were one of five couples who matched in the largest final pairing in the show’s history. The other couples who chose each other are:
- Kim Min-ji and Song Seung-il: Despite ups and downs with other connections, this fan-favorite pair reaffirmed their bond. Seung-il said he felt most like himself with Min-ji.
- Park Hee-sun and Lim Su-been: After a rocky journey that included a complicated double date and Hee-sun’s date with Sung-hun, they overcame misunderstandings to leave together.
- Lee Joo-young and Kim Jae-jin: Joo-young had to choose between Jae-jin and another contestant, Youn Hyun-jae. She selected Jae-jin, stating that being with him felt natural and easy.
- Kim Go-eun and Woo Sung-min: In one of the most shocking twists, Go-eun chose Sung-min from among three suitors, surprising the show’s hosts. She explained he made her feel comfortable and cared for in subtle ways.
Also Read: Singles Inferno 5 Finale: Kim Go-eun’s Surprising Choice Sparks Major Fan Debate
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