Lee Sung-hun, production team denies ties to former President Lee Myung-bak

February 13, 2026

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Netflix’s “Single’s Inferno 5” cast member Lee Sung-hun was the subject of rumors claiming he is the grandson of former President Lee Myung-bak. The production team stated, “After confirming with the individual, we were accurately informed that this is not true.”

During an interview held at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 13th, PD Kim Jeong-hyun revealed this when asked about the relationship between Lee Sung-hun and the former president. PD Kim Jeong-hyun said, “We also heard that Lee Sung-hun and the former president look similar and have similar voices, so we wondered if it was true,” adding, “When we asked directly, the response was ‘not at all.'” In response to the question of whether they are even distant relatives, he said, “That’s correct.”

It became a topic of discussion that Lee Sung-hun graduated from UC Berkeley in the U.S., worked as a Google engineer, and is currently a quant trader in New York. When asked whether they consider candidates’ qualifications when selecting cast members, PD Kim Jae-won honestly replied, “Lee Sung-hun stood out because he has exceptionally good qualifications,” adding, “Compared to other dating programs, we strictly select based on appearance.”

Among this season’s cast members, Mina Sue Choi’s story could not be ignored. PD Kim Jae-won said, “A few days ago during a company dinner, I bowed deeply to Mina Sue Choi to express my gratitude,” adding, “We promised to treat her to a truly expensive restaurant later.”

The production team found it interesting to edit scenes of Mina Sue Choi conversing with other cast members. PD Park Su-ji explained, “Internally, there was the most discussion about the scene in Episode 7 where Mina Sue Choi and Lim Soo-bin are talking,” adding, “Lim Soo-bin was getting along well with Park Hee-sun, but suddenly showed a spark when talking to Mina Sue Choi.” She continued, “The production team was divided into factions supporting Mina and Soo-bin versus Hee-sun and Soo-bin, leading to heated debates.”

The double date in Heaven for the couples Lim Soo-bin & Park Hee-sun and Song Seung-il & Mina Sue Choi was also arranged by the production team. PD Kim Jeong-hyun said, “We had always prepared for a double date,” adding, “When Mina Sue Choi mentioned that it would be difficult to be next to Lim Soo-bin before going to Heaven, we immediately proceeded with the double date.” PD Kim Jae-won stated, “I believe true love must overcome all obstacles to succeed,” adding, “Lim Soo-bin & Park Hee-sun overcame trials and obstacles like the double date well, which is why their relationship improved, don’t you think?”

The pool scene featuring Jo I-geon and Kim Go-eun was also highlighted by the production team as a standout moment. PD Park Su-ji said, “Even though we go to the pool every time, it’s not for playing in the water, so the tension needs to be high. Jo I-geon and Kim Go-eun displayed a level of tension we hadn’t seen before, like a male and female deity,” adding, “I consider that scene to be the essence of ‘Solo Inferno,’ and I was completely drawn in as it happened in real time.” PD Kim Jeong-hyun also cited the same scene as a highlight. He said, “I was one of the people who insisted on casting Jo I-geon,” adding, “Seeing their chemistry in the pool was fantastic. Personally, I thought it was better than the pool scene of Dex and Seulgi in ‘Solo Inferno 2’.”

Although Jo I-geon, the “male catfish” inserted midway, left memorable scenes, the “female catfish” Lee Ha-eun did not show significant activity. PD Kim Jae-won said, “I wish the term ‘catfish’ could be discarded,” adding, “It places an unavoidable burden on the cast members.” He continued, “We don’t expect mid-season cast members to completely change the dynamics,” explaining, “They are inserted to diversify the love lines by potentially matching well with those excluded from existing relationships.” He added, “We mainly select people who are confident in their own world, don’t worry about others’ opinions, and speak their minds, even when inserted midway.”

Inside “Inferno,” the cast members cannot use mobile phones and have to prepare their own outfits. PD Kim Jeong-hyun said, “We collect all mobile phones,” adding, “If a call is necessary, they make it in the presence of the production team and immediately return the phone.” This is to ensure the cast’s “immersion.” He continued, “In fact, the cast members are so immersed that they don’t even know the time, thinking it’s time for dinner when the sunset appears.”

Regarding the cast’s outfits, it was stated, “Since the cast members have such a sense of fashion, even if we prepare clothes, they don’t wear them that way. They prepare 90% of their own outfits,” adding, “We only advise them on what kind of clothes are needed before filming. They choose everything from hairstyle and makeup to the clothes they wear that day.” PD Kim Jae-won said, “Don’t we also dress nicely on days when we take photos?” adding, “Since it’s a lifelong memory on Netflix, everyone seems to prepare ambitiously.”

Regarding the controversy where Lee Kwan-hee, a cast member from “Single’s Inferno 3,” made inappropriate remarks toward panelist Hong Jin-kyung, PD Kim Jae-won said, “Lee Kwan-hee did make a mistake.” He explained, “There was no bad intention; I think he overstepped while trying too hard to be funny,” adding, “Later, Lee Kwan-hee contacted us to apologize, saying, ‘I’m sorry for causing trouble.'” He continued, “I told him, ‘I’m actually grateful because it increased the show’s topic value,'” adding, “I believe Lee Kwan-hee has grown from this incident.”

Did a “real-life couple” emerge this season? PD Kim Jae-won said, “There are rumors that there are no real-life couples in ‘Solo Inferno’,” adding, “I want to clarify that there are quite a few, including this season.” However, he noted, “It’s regrettable that they hesitate to publicly date,” explaining, “During this season’s meetings, we persistently asked, ‘Are you willing to publicly date?’ and mainly selected those who responded positively.” He continued, “We asked all final couples about their current relationship status, and they honestly answered,” adding, “You can confirm this in tomorrow’s ‘Solo Inferno Reunion’ episode.”

The production team requested viewers’ support for the cast members. PD Kim Jae-won said, “There seemed to be many critical opinions toward Mina Sue Choi,” adding, “I am deeply grateful to Mina Sue Choi for providing an interesting story to our repetitive, dull daily lives. Viewers may have criticized during the broadcast, but now that the program has ended, I hope you will support her a lot. I sincerely request this.”