Netflix‘s hit dating show returns with bold cast, spicier scenes

From left: Hanhae, Dex, Hong Jin-kyung, producers Park Suji, Kim Jung-hyun, Kim Jae-won, Lee Da-hee and Kyuhyun pose for a photo at a press event at Hotel Naru Seoul on Wednesday. (PRJ company)
From left: Hanhae, Dex, Hong Jin-kyung, producers Park Suji, Kim Jung-hyun, Kim Jae-won, Lee Da-hee and Kyuhyun pose for a photo at a press event at Hotel Naru Seoul on Wednesday. (PRJ company)

The production team of Netflix's hit dating show "Single's Inferno" gathered at Hotel Naru Seoul in Mapo-gu Wednesday for a preview of its fourth season, with the producers and panels touting their hottest iteration yet.

"This season zeroes in on the essence of dating," producer Kim Jae-won said, promising a rollercoaster of romance. "What happens in Paradise will have viewers questioning if this is the same show." Fellow producer Park Suji noted the romantic nights – and mornings – in Paradise deliver "eye-pleasers around the clock," drawing knowing chuckles from the panel.

The show's signature MC panels expressed gratitude for the show's continued success. "It's become less like work and more like being a viewer myself," Hanhae shared, praising the cast's authentic interactions. Hong Jin-kyung shared how a fan approached her while she was traveling abroad recognizing her as the MC from the show – leading to a small argument, since Hong didn't recognize the show's English title and kept denying it was her.

The conversation gravitated back to this season's unprecedented steaminess. "There's a female version of Kwan-hee this season," Kim teased, referencing last season's breakout bad-boy star. "Some of these Paradise scenes had the panels in disbelief."

Lee Da-hee described this season's contestants as "shockingly forthright," adding that some episodes will leave viewers fuming. Hanhae noted watching contestants act on their impulses created "a dopamine rush unlike anything we've seen before."

Dubbing this season "the GOAT," Dex praised how "everyone gets their moment to shine." The MC also revealed his former UDT special forces squadmate Yook Joon-seo is among this season's male contestants. "He turned heads even back in our military days with his good looks," Dex recalled.

The season introduces several new elements including a pool setting for physical challenges and an unexpected twist on the midseason newcomer format, the producers said. "The double dates on the island create situations we've never seen before," Park added.

Kim acknowledged that the previous season left many viewers wanting more. "Last season lacked emotional depth despite the entertainment value," he said.

"This time, we've evolved. The raw honesty these contestants bring – it feels less like a show and more like watching real relationships unfold, conflicts and all."

The first four episodes of "Single's Inferno 4" will be released Jan. 14 on Netflix.