The drama on the island heated up immediately in Singles Inferno Season 5 Episode 2, which premiered on January 20, 2026. Following the first night’s pairings, this episode welcomed a new wave of contestants to the island, completely reshaping the existing dynamics and forcing the original singles to reconsider their initial connections. With the arrival of these fresh faces, the competition for a ticket to Paradise became more intense, setting the stage for unexpected attractions and new romantic possibilities.
Who Joined the Inferno in Episode 2?
The second episode of the season introduced four new singles to the existing group, marking the largest cast in the show’s history. Their arrivals immediately captured the attention of both the established contestants and the show’s panel of hosts.
The first to walk in after the initial Paradise dates was Lim Su Been. Described as a model and former baseball player with a mature demeanor, he joined the show in search of love at first sight. He has a very specific ideal type, stating he is drawn to tall, alluring women and even referenced host Lee Da-hee as an example.
Next came Lee Sung Hun, also known as Samuel Lee. He is bilingual, currently based in New York, and shared that people tell him he sounds cute when speaking Korean but more serious in English. He described his ideal partner as someone with a “cat-like” appearance who is genuine and kind.
The third new arrival was the bubbly and confident Lee Joo Young. She introduced herself by saying she’s been “popular since the day I was born” and that people have told her she is like “a ray of sunshine”. She is a craft artist who specializes in making resin vases and pressed-flower pieces.
The final new contestant was one of the most anticipated before the season even began: Choi Mina Sue. A former Miss Earth 2022 winner and the first Korean to win one of the Big Four international beauty pageants, she brought significant public recognition to the island. In her introduction, she emphasized self-worth, stating, “knowing your worth is important,” even in relationships.
How New Arrivals Changed the Existing Dynamics
The entrance of these four new singles immediately disrupted the connections formed on the first day. The original contestants, who had started to get comfortable, were suddenly faced with new options and potential rivals.
For the men already on the island, the arrival of Mina Sue and Joo Young presented intriguing new possibilities. Mina Sue, in particular, became a central figure in the episode’s social interactions. Viewers noted that she expressed interest in multiple male contestants, including Lim Su Bin, Lee Sung Hun, and Song Seung Il. This led to some early controversy, with online discussions questioning her approach. During a date with Su Bin, she stated her ideal type is someone who “sticks with one person,” a comment some viewers felt contrasted with her own behavior on the show.
The new male contestants also wasted no time in making their interests known. Lim Su Been and Lee Sung Hun began observing and interacting with the women, evaluating their options and looking for a potential spark. Their presence added pressure for the original male contestants like Kim Jae Jin, who had received the most votes in the first round, and Song Seung Il, who is known for his competitive nature.
“I believe in fate, so I look forward to meeting someone I’m meant to be with here on Single’s Inferno,” said Shin Hyeon Woo, one of the original male contestants, reflecting the renewed sense of possibility that the new arrivals brought to the island.
Key Interactions and Dates in Episode 2
With a larger group, the social game became more complex. Episode 2 featured several key interactions that began to map out the new romantic landscape of the season.
A significant moment involved Choi Mina Sue and her close friend on the island, Kim Min Ji. Viewers noted tension when Mina Sue showed interest in Song Seung Il, despite Kim Min Ji having previously indicated he was her top choice. This dynamic became a talking point among fans, with some criticizing Mina Sue for not being a “girls girl” and prioritizing male attention over friendship.
Meanwhile, other contestants began exploring new connections. The playful and affectionate Kim Jae Jin, who had already been to Paradise, now had to consider whether to stay loyal to his initial connection or explore the potential with a new arrival. Similarly, the confident Park Hee Sun, who described herself as a proactive dater, had more options to pursue her philosophy of going after what she wants.
The episode also set the stage for the next challenge to win a trip to Paradise. With more contestants vying for a limited number of spots, the competition was expected to be fiercer. The athletic backgrounds of several contestants, like track star Kim Min Ji and martial arts practitioner Youn Hyun Jae, promised a physical and strategic contest.
Fan Reactions and Online Buzz
The release of the first four episodes, including Episode 2, immediately sparked lively discussions online. The larger cast and the early drama provided plenty of material for fans to debate.
Much of the early online conversation focused on Choi Mina Sue. While she was a fan favorite before the premiere, her actions in Episode 2 and subsequent episodes led to a mix of criticism and defense. The backlash grew intense enough that she briefly turned off the comments on her Instagram account, a move fans connected directly to the show’s premiere. Supporters argued that she was simply playing the game and exploring different connections, which is the core premise of the show.
Other contestants also garnered attention. Kim Min Ji was recognized by the show’s hosts as a famous track athlete, adding a different kind of celebrity to the mix. The humble profession of optician Woo Sung Min, who runs a family business, was seen as a refreshing change from the many models and influencers.
The show’s producers had promised a more balanced cast after feedback that Season 4 featured too many well-known faces. In casting for Season 5, producer Kim Jae-won mentioned a change in strategy, moving away from social media and instead posting flyers in gyms, hair salons, and restaurants to find a diverse group.
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What Happens Next After Episode 2?
The events of Episode 2 established clear narrative threads for the rest of the season. The new connections and rivalries formed in this episode will drive the action in the upcoming challenges and Paradise date selections.
The friendship dynamic between Mina Sue and Kim Min Ji, and their shared interest in Song Seung Il, is likely to develop further. How the men navigate the increased competition, especially confident personalities like Song Seung Il who claimed, “I always seem to get whoever I want,” will also be a focal point.
The next step for all the singles is the upcoming challenge to win a chance to go to Paradise. With physical contestants like Shin Hyeon Woo, who is confident in his physique, and Kim Min Ji, who hinted she might be “better than most male contestants” in athletics, the competition will be a major test.
The full scope of the new arrivals’ impact will be seen in the next set of episodes. Viewers are left wondering which of the early connections will strengthen and which will fade as more time is spent on the island. The second part of Single’s Inferno Season 5 is scheduled to arrive on January 27, 2026, continuing the story that Episode 2 set in motion.
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For more on the cast of Single’s Inferno Season 5 and their stories, keep reading VvipTimes for daily updates and exclusive insights.
