SEOUL – The producers of South Korean reality dating show Single’s Inferno said its third season is its most successful.
The last episode of Single’s Inferno 3 aired on Jan 9, amid much excitement over the cast’s actions and their decisions on their final partners.
According to Single’s Inferno 3 producer Kim Jae-won, its first two seasons each garnered around six million viewing hours.
The third season has logged more than seven million viewing hours since its premiere on Dec 12, he said in an interview with reporters in Seoul on Jan 11.
He added that one of the main reasons for its popularity could be the show unfolding in a different way.
“In the early stages of the third season, viewers were quite surprised by the revelation of there being two ‘heavens’ and two ‘hells’. The 12 contestants were also taken aback,” said Kim Jung-hyun, co-producer of the show.
Single’s Inferno is set against the backdrop of Hell Island and Heaven Island. Contestants who succeed in connecting with their desired partner get to spend a night on Heaven Island, which is usually a luxurious hotel. If they fail to find a partner, they spend a night on Hell Island, which consists of container boxes or tents.
“I think the tactic to have the programme proceed differently from the previous seasons, which consisted of one hell and one heaven, right from the beginning, made a clear impact on viewers,” added Kim Jae-won.
But Single’s Inferno 3 also attracted some criticism.
Cast member Lee Gwan-hee expressed his preferences rudely by pointing to the female cast members and saying “that one” and “this one”. And contestant Kim Gyu-ri was called out for saying she “would not have him even if he was given to me”.
Producer Kim Jae-won said in response: “During the show, cameras are almost always turned on 24/7.
“Relationships can turn competitive and conflicts may arise. If we edit out the controversial scenes, would the show have any meaning? The key to reality shows is authenticity.”
Despite the show’s buzz, the producers said a fourth season has not been confirmed.
“But I think Netflix is thinking positively about producing the fourth season,” said Kim.
“The main feedback for the third season was that ‘there are no heart-warming scenes, but there is entertainment’. If there is a next season, I want to make it both heart-warming and enjoyable,” he added.
He also mentioned possible spin-off shows featuring cast members from different seasons.
“Just imagining (Season 2 fan favourite) Dex and (Season 3’s) Lee Gwan-hee appearing together is already interesting. We are considering various options,” Kim said.
The 10-part Single’s Inferno 3 is streaming on Netflix. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
