Single’s Inferno 5 ended with a bang — and one of the season’s most controversial contestants is now breaking her silence. Choi Mina Sue, who became the show’s “legendary villain” for her indecisive love triangle (or square), has revealed exactly what happened behind the scenes with panelist Hong Jin Kyung’s viral apology. Spoiler: it was more lighthearted than the internet thought, and Mina Sue herself admits she deserved every bit of criticism she got.
Single’s Inferno 5 Controversy Timeline: What Actually Happened
| Event | What Went Down |
|---|---|
| Episode 8 | Mina Sue asks if she can leave with TWO men → Hong Jin Kyung snaps: “That’s enough” |
| Production intervenes | Staff warns panelists their comments about Mina Sue are “too harsh” |
| On-air apology (Episode 9) | Hong Jin Kyung says: “I wonder how angry she must be because of us MCs. I’m sorry, Mina Sue.” |
| Wrap party (Feb 12, 2026) | Hong Jin Kyung personally apologizes to Mina Sue with hands clasped, photos go viral |
| Mina Sue’s response | “It was my first wrap party. Senior Hong Jin Kyung cheerfully approached me, apologized, and suggested taking a photo together.” |
| Final outcome | Mina Sue left the island with Lee Sung Hun (they didn’t date after the show) |
| Public reaction | Mina Sue issued her own apology on Feb 13, saying “watching my immature sides on screen, I reflected a lot” |
Mina Sue’s Side of the Story: “I Deserved It”
In a recent interview with Star News, Choi Mina Sue revealed the full context behind Hong Jin Kyung’s now-famous apology photo. “It was my first time attending such a wrap party,” she explained. “While eating, senior Hong Jin Kyung cheerfully approached me, apologized on the spot, and suggested taking a photo together.”
But here’s the twist: Mina Sue doesn’t think Hong Jin Kyung owed her an apology. “The panelists’ honest reactions helped viewers relate. Even I acted strangely at times,” she admitted with a laugh. “I think their comments were justified.”
According to Wikipedia’s entry on Single’s Inferno, the Korean dating reality show is known for its unfiltered panelist commentary, which has become a signature element of the series’ format. Mina Sue acknowledges this: “The panelists need to react honestly for viewers to relate.”
She also confirmed that Hong Jin Kyung handled the situation with professionalism and warmth — and that the apology extended to all contestants, not just her. “We actually felt more thankful. It was a very warm gathering.”
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Why Mina Sue Became Season 5’s Villain
Mina Sue’s behavior on Single’s Inferno 5 sparked intense debate. She bounced between three men — Lim Soo Bin, Song Seung Il, and Lee Sung Hun — often expressing interest in multiple contestants simultaneously. In one infamous moment, she asked if it was possible to choose two men at once, prompting Hong Jin Kyung’s blunt response: “That’s enough.”
Viewers accused her of “keeping the male contestants on the hook” and playing mind games. Even fellow contestant Song Seung Il called her out during their Paradise date, saying he was too busy focusing on one person to entertain her indecision.
But here’s the thing: Mina Sue knows she was messy. She publicly apologized on February 13, writing: “Watching my immature sides on screen, I reflected a lot, learned, realized, and grew. It was a time for me to deeply understand that my actions and words could make others uncomfortable.”
She also admitted she tried to avoid reading public reactions. “I wasn’t hurt even if the panelists spoke harshly. Of course, if I saw it constantly and it was ingrained in my head, it would hurt more.”
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Where Are They Now?
Mina Sue chose Lee Sung Hun in the finale, but the two decided not to pursue a relationship outside the show due to conflicting schedules and living arrangements. Two other couples — Lim Subeen & Park Heesun and Kim Jaejin & Lee Jooyoung — have hinted at real-life romances.
As for Mina Sue? She’s moving forward with grace, humor, and self-awareness. “Rather than being the second Dex, I want to be the first Choi Mina Sue,” she said, referencing the show’s beloved panelist and former contestant.
