Netflix’s Single’s Inferno 5 has introduced its most divisive contestant yet: Choi Mina Sue. While the show is known for its dramatic flings and romantic tension, Choi has become the center of a much larger firestorm.
On February 6, 2026, scathing criticism against her reached a fever pitch as a controversial clip from her past resurfaced online, leading many netizens to label her the “real-life villain” of the season.
The backlash centers on a perceived lack of social consideration and a blatant disregard for communal rules, sparking intense debate across social media platforms.
The Bibimbap Incident: Reckless Spending and Shared Funds
The catalyst for the current wave of outrage is a clip from the 2022 Channel A reality show Penthouse: War of Tenants, in which Choi was a participant.
In the footage, Choi is seen refusing the standard meals provided to the contestants, claiming they did not meet her refined tastes.
She subsequently ordered a luxury bibimbap priced at a staggering ₩5.00 million KRW (approximately $3,400 USD).
The controversy lies in the source of the payment. In Penthouse: War of Tenants, contestants were competing for a shared prize pool, and any personal spending by a participant directly reduced the final amount available to the eventual winner.
Despite a collective agreement among contestants to limit spending, Choi’s unilateral decision to purchase an exorbitant meal significantly slashed the prize fund.
Her explanation—that she did it to create a “secret bond” with another contestant, Lim Hyun Seo—only fueled further irritation, with viewers and fellow participants like rapper Seo Chul Gu calling her actions “stressful” and self-centered.
From Beauty Queen to “Pick-Me” Girl
Choi Mina Sue entered Single’s Inferno 5 with an impressive pedigree as South Korea’s first-ever Miss Earth winner and a US-based model.
Initially, her presence was welcomed by fans who felt her “dramatic flair” made the show more engaging.
However, as the episodes progressed, public sentiment shifted. Her behavior on the island led some viewers to label her a “pick-me girl,” a term used to describe someone who goes to extreme lengths to gain male attention or validation.
This, combined with the resurfaced clip of her previous reality show antics, has solidified her reputation as a polarizing figure who many believe “thinks the world belongs to her alone.”
Visual Transformation: The “Masculine” Pre-Show Photos
Adding another layer to the discourse is the viral spread of pre-show photos from Choi’s Facebook page.
While she maintains a traditionally feminine image on Single’s Inferno and during her pageant days, these 2023 photos show her with short hair and more masculine-leaning, comfortable attire.
While her behavior remains a point of contention, her physical versatility has become a secondary viral topic, highlighting the complex way public perception is shaped by both personality and aesthetics in the digital age.
A Family Legacy of Affluence
The backlash has also brought Choi’s personal background into the spotlight. Reports recently emerged via her aunt detailing her family’s extreme wealth, which some netizens have used to contextualize her “bibimbap incident” as a symptom of a privileged upbringing.
This narrative of a “spoiled heiress” has only made it harder for her to regain the public’s favor.
A Season Defined by Controversy
As Single’s Inferno 5 continues its run, Choi Mina Sue remains the most talked-about participant. Whether she can redeem her image or will forever be remembered as the “villain” of the series remains to be seen.
For now, the combination of her past reality show behavior, her family background, and her polarising actions on the island has created a storm of controversy that has transcended the show itself, making her a case study in the rapid rise and fall of reality TV stardom.
In a week filled with major K-entertainment announcements, the music world is celebrating the upcoming nuptials of two industry powerhouses.
Korean-American singer-songwriter EJAE (Kim Eun-jae) and her long-time partner, music producer Sam Kim, have officially confirmed they will be getting married in November 2026.
The news marks a beautiful personal milestone for EJAE, who is currently experiencing a historic career peak following her contributions to the Netflix global hit KPop Demon Hunters.
A Decade-Long Love Story Rooted in Music
The relationship between EJAE and Sam Kim is one of deep companionship and professional respect. The two first met in 2017 during a professional songwriting session. Over the next eight years, their bond evolved from colleagues to romantic partners.
While they kept their relationship largely private for many years, they have been pillars of support for each other as they navigated the complexities of the music industry.
In late January 2026, EJAE finally delighted fans by sharing a “memory dump” on Instagram that included photos of Sam Kim’s romantic proposal in a flower-filled garden, where he presented a Harry Potter-themed cake that playfully read “HAPPEE ENGAJMINT SAM + EJAY.”
A Ceremony in the City of Angels
The couple is set to tie the knot on November 7, 2026, in Los Angeles. Reports indicate that the wedding will be held at a scenic golf course owned by EJAE’s mother, Shin Hye-jin, who is a prominent figure as the vice chairwoman of Se-young Enterprises.
The choice of venue highlights EJAE’s deep family roots; she is also the maternal granddaughter of the legendary veteran Korean actor Shin Young-kyun.
The ceremony is expected to be an intimate but star-studded affair, likely attended by the many K-pop artists and producers the couple has collaborated with over the years.
Balancing the Wedding Aisle with the Award Season
The announcement comes at a time when EJAE’s professional life is busier than ever. She has recently dominated the awards circuit with “Golden,” the breakout track from KPop Demon Hunters.
Having already won Best Original Song at the Golden Globes, she is currently a frontrunner for the 2026 Oscars and has earned five Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year.
In a recent interview with LA radio station 104.3 MYfm, EJAE joked about her priorities, admitting that she hadn’t even started looking for a wedding dress because she was too focused on her outfits for the Grammys and the Oscars.
“I’m thinking about the Oscars and the Grammys dress… maybe that will help for my wedding dress,” she remarked, showcasing the “all-rounder” spirit that has made her a favorite among fans.
From Trainee Struggles to Global Recognition
EJAE’s journey to this moment is particularly inspiring to many in the industry. Before her success as a producer for top acts like Red Velvet, TWICE, aespa, and NMIXX, she spent nearly a decade as an idol trainee (including a stint at SM Entertainment) but never officially debuted as a singer in a group.
Her “redirection” into songwriting eventually led her to become the first K-pop composer to win a Grammy.
As she prepares to walk down the aisle, her story stands as a testament to the idea that personal happiness and professional success often bloom together when the timing is right.
Friends and collaborators, including her KPop Demon Hunters co-stars Arden Cho, Ken Jeong, and Kevin Woo, have flooded her social media with congratulations.
As the “Spring of 2026” turns into a “Fall Wedding,” fans are eager to see the union of this musical power couple who have helped shape the sound of modern K-pop.
