Comedian and broadcaster Hong Jin-kyung drew attention after sharing a lighthearted but symbolic moment with Single’s Inferno 5 cast member Choi Mina-sue, appearing to publicly “apologize” following her blunt on-air remarks during the show’s run.

On February 12, Hong posted photos from the Netflix dating show’s wrap-up dinner on Instagram. The images quickly circulated online, sparking discussion among viewers who had closely followed the season’s controversies.
In the photos, Choi Mina-sue is seen seated with her arms folded, while Hong stands in front of her in a mock formal stance, bowing her head. In another shot, Hong clasps her hands together in a gesture resembling an exaggerated apology. Other cast members can be seen filming the moment, creating a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere.
The playful exchange stood in contrast to Hong’s sharp commentary during the season, when she openly challenged Mina-sue’s behavior in several episodes.
Throughout Single’s Inferno 5, Mina-sue became one of the show’s most talked-about contestants due to her candid remarks and shifting romantic choices. At one point, when Mina-soo asked whether she could leave the island with two men, Hong responded directly, saying, “Please stop.”
In another episode, Hong advised her to “know when to stay still when things feel overwhelming,” a comment many viewers described as refreshingly honest. Those moments were widely shared online, with audiences praising Hong for voicing what some felt needed to be said. Others debated whether the tone was too direct.
The recent Instagram post appears to signal closure rather than conflict. While some netizens speculated that Hong may have been acknowledging public backlash or attempting to soften past criticism, the overall mood at the gathering suggested mutual understanding among cast members.
Neither Hong nor Mina-sue has indicated lingering tension. Instead, the interaction seems to reflect the often playful dynamic that develops after filming wraps.
As Single’s Inferno 5 continues to generate buzz, this final off-screen moment adds another layer to one of the season’s most discussed storylines showing that reality TV debates don’t always end in real-life division.