As the temperatures drop, there’s only one thing you can count on to bring the heat: a new season of Single’s Inferno. Season 3 of the Korean dating competition show is officially coming on Dec. 12, and it promises a few new twists and surprises. “What used to be ‘Paradise’ and ‘Inferno’ will change completely,” Yoo Ki Hwan, Netflix’s unscripted lead for Korea, told Tudum earlier this year. “Especially when it comes to ‘Paradise’ — it won’t just be a luxurious resort, but more of a special and intimate place where the couples have a chance to dive deeper into each other’s emotions, elevating the romance.” The production team also noted that there will be new rules, which will be substantially different from Seasons 1 and 2.

Another element spicing up the season is the addition of a familiar face among the handful of ever-watching MCs —  Kim Jin-young, aka Dex, who made a splash in Season 2 as the brooding and amusingly forthcoming object of many singles’ desires. Since then, he’s been a rising star in Korea, and even returned to Netflix in the 2023 Korean reality series Zombieverse. In anticipation of the return of Single’s Inferno, Dex tells Tudum about his whirlwind year and gives his advice to the newest crop of singles navigating romantic heaven and hell.

This interview was conducted in Korean and translated into English.

How have things been since Single’s Inferno Season 2?
It feels like I started a new chapter of my life after Single’s Inferno 2. I received a lot of love from the viewers and that immediately opened up opportunities to be cast on other great shows. It’s been such a precious year for me, but I would say the highlight is definitely being a part of Single’s Inferno 2.

Have you been dating since the season?
I think the first question should be: Do you have anyone to go on a date with? To be honest, I don’t think I’ll change my dating patterns much even after going on the show. I think I’ll still take my time getting to know my potential partner. One thing is for sure — I definitely learned that the opposite party won’t know anything if I don’t express myself. If there is someone I want to hold onto, I will try to be more proactive in expressing my interest compared to when I was on the show. 

What’s a fond memory you have about the season?
I can still vividly recall the smell of Single’s Inferno. It was such a hot summer and we all tried our best to win love on the small island. The entire journey is such a good memory for me. 

What are you looking forward to most as an MC for Season 3? 
I think the most important thing and what I’m looking forward to seeing the most is the level of genuine-ness the cast of Single’s Inferno 3 will bring. I hope we will feel like we are on the island alongside the cast and relate to the cast because of how well immersed they are on the island.

What advice do you have for the new cast of singles as they look for love and navigate Inferno?
The most important thing would be to not lose yourself. I hope everyone is true to themselves, which is the most confident and cool way to appeal to their love interest rather than being someone you’re not. I wish everyone the best of luck!