Choi Mina Sue revealed a new side of herself through Single’s Inferno 5, stepping beyond her beauty pageant image to present a more candid and multidimensional charm. In a recent interview, she reflected on her journey, her relationships with fellow cast members, and how the show changed her.
Choi Mina Sue shared that she had previously received an offer to appear on an earlier season of Single’s Inferno but declined at the time. So what changed for Season 5?
“Dating is part of my personal life,” she explained. “I felt shy and hesitant about showing that side of myself to the public. But this time, I found the courage. I wanted to show more than just the image I had from beauty pageants. Even if I received criticism, I still wanted to try.”
When asked about her ideal type and dating philosophy in real life, she answered thoughtfully, “I like relationships where we grow together. Dating is about being together for a long time, so I prefer someone who is progressive, challenges themselves, and strives to improve. I want a relationship that helps both of us grow.”
On the show, Choi Mina Sue and Lee Sung Hoon became a final couple, sparking much buzz among viewers. However, they did not continue as a real-life couple after filming ended. Addressing their current relationship, she clarified, “Lee Sung Hoon and I keep in touch and exchange greetings. We’re friends who support each other. Even if we had become a real couple, I think we would have been cautious about going public. In the show’s setting, you’re aware of the cameras and the broadcast, but in reality, there are many more practical considerations.”
During the broadcast, her conversations with fellow contestant Kim Min Ji sparked mixed reactions and debate among viewers. Choi Mina Sue shared that they are actually on good terms now. “I’m really close with Kim Min Ji. We even plan to go eat chicken feet together and are setting a date. The female cast members are also planning a group dinner. Some of them even contacted me afterward to ask if I was okay, which I was very grateful for.”
Having lived in several countries, including the United States, Choi Mina Sue believes her multicultural background influenced her direct and honest communication style on the show. “I think there’s definitely a connection. I’ve often been in situations where I had to introduce myself to new people, so self-promotion became natural. Deep, meaningful relationships take time to build, but I may have felt the need to become close more quickly, which made me more straightforward.”
Despite her busy schedule after the show, she also focused on her studies. “I got straight A’s this semester. It’s difficult to graduate from a U.S. university, but I successfully completed my degree this time. My parents want to attend my graduation ceremony, though I’m not sure if my schedule will allow it.”
She also reflected on her decision to pursue beauty pageants such as Miss Korea and Miss Earth during a period of academic leave following COVID-19. “I was taking time off and questioning whether my major was right for me. I wanted to challenge myself with something new. Miss Korea crossed my mind, and that eventually led me to Single’s Inferno. Competing in Miss Korea helped me tremendously. I learned how to communicate with the public and even improved my Korean language skills.”
Looking back, Choi Mina Sue described Single’s Inferno 5 as a transformative experience. “The show helped me in many ways. It was like mirror therapy. Watching myself, I realized that what I say can be interpreted differently than I intend. I learned that people may perceive things differently, and I think that will help me in my relationships going forward.”
She concluded with a heartfelt message: “Thank you to everyone who enjoyed Single’s Inferno 5. I hope you’ll also love future seasons. Now that I’ve boarded the ‘ Single’s Inferno ’ ship, I hope Season 6 introduces new, exciting personalities and achieves great success. I wish all the cast members happiness and success.”
Sources: Daum