At a press conference in Seoul on Jan. 14, the fan-favorite alum-turned-MC said, “I competed on Season 2, but personally, Season 5 is even more entertaining. It’s next level.”
Netflix’s "Single’s Inferno" strands singles on a remote island―“Inferno”―where only couples earn a ticket to “Paradise.” Since its 2021 debut, the dating reality hit has become a global buzzy staple, and it’s back for a fifth season with even bolder personalities and hotter match-ups.
This time, the cast is bigger than ever, setting the stage for more tangled love lines and standout characters. Viewers are already wondering who’ll become the next breakout star in the vein of Freezia, DEX, Shin Seul-ki, Lee Gwan-hee, Lee Si-an, and Yuk Jun-seo. In the studio, Hong Jin-kyung, Lee Da-hee, KyuHyun, Hanhae, and DEX return as MCs.
DEX first made waves in Season 2 as the so-called “chaos agent” who shook up the dynamics, then joined the panel from Season 3 onward. He teased that Season 5 features a pool scene poised to eclipse his own viral moment from Season 2.
“My Season 2 pool scene was a big talking point, but I think Season 5 tops it,” he said. “When people think ‘Single’s Inferno pool scene,’ they might not think of Season 2 DEX anymore―they’ll think of Season 5.” He added with a laugh, “It’s not just passing the torch―it’s clearing the bar. I’m happy to hand it over.”
And if the newcomers blow up the way he did, could his MC seat be in danger? “I hadn’t thought about that,” DEX admitted. “But if someone really catches fire this season, my spot could definitely feel threatened. That’s how hot this season is―there are several major standouts.”
He continued, “I thought I was pretty popular in Season 2, but if Season 2 DEX landed in Season 5, I’m not sure I’d stand out. That’s how forward, bold, and compelling the Season 5 cast is.”
DEX also praised the producers for consistently finding fresh personalities. “By Season 5, casting types could feel locked in, but every year I’m like, ‘How did they find someone like this again?’ You can see the show evolving.”
Watching the new episodes gave him confidence about the franchise’s future. “After seeing Season 5, I’m sure Season 6 will go straight into gear,” he said. “Let’s take it to Seasons 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.”
"Single’s Inferno 5" premieres Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. with four episodes, followed by additional episodes every Tuesday.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)