REVIEW: ‘Single’s Inferno’ Season 4 Episodes 7–8

A significant downside to Reality TV favoritism is apparent in Single’s Inferno Season 4 Episodes 7–8. Since the start of the season, Sian has been the IT girl, catching the eye of Junseo, Theo, Jeongsu, and recent addition, Jong-hoon. As of Episode 7, she’s been to paradise with each of them as well. Unsurprisingly, Sian is a favorite, considering how well she fits traditional Korean beauty standards. However, just because all of the men are head-over-heels doesn’t mean that the production has to dedicate so much time to their dates. Especially when, in this case, they’re largely dull and lack chemistry.

Single’s Inferno Season 4 Episodes 7–8 waste a lot of time on the Sian and Junseo date. A fact made more frustrating when you remember one’s a former Idol and the other an actor. They’re tailor-made for these types of highlight reels. However, despite how much Sian mentions her confusion over where her affections lay, it can’t build chemistry out of nothing. And despite both being attractive, there’s no heat between Sian and Junseo, at least not onscreen.

Junseo spends much of their date pushing Sian to be more open with her emotions, leading to whiskey-induced tears. She’s been to paradise each time; it’s been an option, and it has been with a different contestant each time, making it harder for her to decide. We all have biases (Theo remains the best choice bar none, though.) But it’s still frustrating to watch Sian grow closer to Junseo in a way that feels fabricated.

Single’s Inferno Season 4 Episodes 7–8 make Sian and Junseo the main characters.

It leads to one of the more intense moments of the show as they spend the night sharing the same bed. Since this is Single’s Inferno and not, say, Love Island, some cuddling is about as steamy as the moment gets. However, from the reactions of our couch of commentators, you’d assume they were watching moments from the latter instead.

The frustration of how much screen time Sian and Junseo get in Single’s Inferno Episodes 7–8 is compounded by the absolute charm of the other two paradise-bound couples. First, there’s Arin and Dongho. We learn that, of course, Arin is 25 and has been a brand model for the past three years. The two enjoy dinner and swim in the pool — two series staples.

The truth of reality TV is that it makes us all active spectators. Even though we know these series are heavily edited, the glimpses of personality are enough to make us assume we know the person. All of which is to say that, compared to his date with Hae-lin, Dongho’s demeanor is much more relaxed with Arin, making for a more fun, engaging sequence. It’s also refreshing to see the contestants truly seemingly enjoy themselves amidst all of the luxury they enjoy.

The other contestants deserve their own time to shine.

The best revelation, though, is the fact that the two live in the same town and have for a couple of years. It’s one of those small magic moments, possibly on a reality TV series. It’s unlikely many of these couples (if any) will survive past the finale. They’ve hardly known each other for a whole week. But these little instances where two people meet after living nearby for so long? They sell a good story.

Jiyeon and Taehwan are another example of a couple who aren’t given their due despite some playful chemistry and back and forth. Both are newcomers to paradise, and while the commentators assumed that Taehwan would be one of the younger contestants, he’s instead one of the eldest at 32. Even more shocking is his profession, sharing that he’s a DJ and club-owner in Itaewon looking to introduce house music to Korean clubs better. Jiyeon, meanwhile, is, of course, 25. She works as a spatial designer, which helps separate her from the female contestants, who all seemingly work in entertainment or entertainment-adjacent fields.

Their ice-skating date is adorable and allows their personalities to shine naturally. So, of course, we only get five minutes with them. The editing of Single’s Inferno Season 4 Episode 7 hinders the quality as we desperately beg the scenes to get a move on. Sian and Junseo aren’t interesting enough to dominate such a considerable portion of the episode.

As always, Single’s Inferno delivers a high-intensity physical challenge for the men. 

As always, Single’s Inferno Season 4 finds greater strength on the island. It’s there where Jeongsu’s baffling indecisiveness catches up with him, as both Hyejin and Haejin realize he isn’t worth the effort. We also get another charming scene between Theo and Youjin as the former tries to bolster the latter’s confidence. Some of the great moments in the series are the unexpected, platonic camaraderie between the cast. Theo and Youjin are endlessly watchable and, importantly, likable too.

Youjin and Haejin are both seeking Dongho’s attention now. Youjin has a wonderfully honest conversation with Dongho about wanting to have her chance to change his mind while also understanding if his affections lay elsewhere. Often, so many of these contestants feel too aware of the camera and media trained, so it’s nice to see some genuine fumbling and human emotions.

Episode 8 also has our requisite wrestling match between the men, though it’s not nearly as intense as former seasons. Junseo, Jeongsu, and Taehwan are the winners, meaning they’ll get to choose who they take to paradise. We only learn of Junseo’s choice by the episode’s end, though the previous suggests some greater drama in the upcoming episodes. If only Junseo didn’t seem so tied to most of it.

Single’s Inferno Season 4 Episodes 7–8 is more of an endurance test than earlier installments. Clearly, Sian and Junseo are production favorites, but they don’t make for exciting television. The fun and charisma are found in the other pairings and unlikely friendships.

Single’s Inferno Season 4 Episodes 7–8 are now on Netflix.