Fans of the South Korean reality dating show Single’s Inferno have spotted a familiar face making a transition to scripted television. Im Subeen, a contestant from the fifth season of the Netflix hit, recently appeared in the Korean drama A Head Coach’s Turnover, according to reports surfacing online.
The discovery, initially noted by Korean netizens and shared widely on social media, highlights Subeen’s unexpected foray into acting. Clips from the drama quickly circulated, confirming his presence in multiple scenes. One Twitter user posted on , questioning if the individual on screen was indeed Im Subeen from Single’s Inferno.
Subeen took on the role of the main character’s older brother, a part that afforded him a notable amount of screen time. However, he appeared under the stage name Cha Bin, a detail that initially led to some confusion among viewers.
Single’s Inferno, which premiered on Netflix in December 2021, has become a popular franchise, known for its unique premise of singles attempting to find love while isolated on a deserted island – dubbed “Inferno” – with the opportunity to escape to “Paradise” as couples form. The show, currently in its fifth season, is produced by JTBC (seasons 1 & 2) and Sijak Company (seasons 2-4). The fifth season was announced by Netflix in September 2025 and is scheduled to debut in January 2026.
The show’s format blends the survival show concept with the dynamics of a dating competition, capturing both the awkwardness and the genuine connections formed between participants. Hosts of the series include model Hong Jin-kyung, actress Lee Da-hee, singer Kyuhyun (of Super Junior), rapper Hanhae, and YouTuber Dex, who initially appeared as a contestant in season 2.
The reaction to Subeen’s acting debut has been largely positive, with fans expressing surprise and curiosity about his future career plans. While his appearance in A Head Coach’s Turnover appears to be a cameo, it has sparked speculation about whether he intends to pursue acting more seriously.
This isn’t the first instance of a Single’s Inferno contestant gaining attention outside of the reality show. Just last year, a star from the series quietly debuted in two new K-dramas, as reported on .
The success of Single’s Inferno has made its contestants recognizable figures in South Korea, opening doors to opportunities in various entertainment fields. The show’s fifth season, set to launch in January 2026, is already generating buzz, and the cast includes Korean model Kim Go-eun.
The show’s popularity reflects a broader trend of reality television stars transitioning into acting or other entertainment ventures. While the path isn’t always straightforward, the exposure gained from shows like Single’s Inferno can provide a valuable platform for launching new careers.
As of today, , it remains unclear whether Im Subeen will continue to pursue acting opportunities. However, his appearance in A Head Coach’s Turnover demonstrates the potential for Single’s Inferno contestants to expand their horizons beyond the realm of reality television. The show has run for five seasons, with a total of 53 episodes released since its initial debut on December 18, 2021.
