Before Becoming an Actor, ‘Singles Inferno 5’ Star Igeon Was Actually a Cook — Why He Says the Netflix Show Changed His Life

Before appearing on Netflix’s Singles Inferno 5, Igeon had a very different career path. Long before he entered the entertainment industry, he actually worked as a cook, a detail that surprised many viewers after his appearance on the popular dating reality series.

Now the rising actor is opening up about why he ultimately decided to join the show and how it became a turning point in his life.

Igeon Once Worked as a Chef Before Acting

Before stepping into acting and television, Igeon spent time working as a cook, building his professional experience in kitchens rather than on film sets.

The job required discipline, long hours, and patience; qualities that later helped him when he transitioned into the competitive entertainment industry.

Although audiences may now recognize him from television, his journey into acting was not straightforward.

Igeon / Official SNS

Turning Down Singles Inferno More Than Once

In a recent interview with DongA ilbo, Igeon revealed that he had actually received offers to appear on Singles Inferno during Seasons 3 and 4.

However, he declined those opportunities.

At the time, he was busy filming drama projects and the program simply did not fit into his schedule. He also admitted that he was not particularly interested in joining a dating reality show back then.

Looking back now, he believes joining Season 5 happened at the right time.

Igeon / Official SNS

“I Needed Something That Would Push Me”

Igeon explained that when he finally accepted the offer, he was going through a period where he felt frustrated with himself.

He felt stuck and wanted an opportunity to challenge himself in a new environment.

According to him, Singles Inferno felt like a stage where he could test himself and confront his own doubts.

He said the show allowed him to step away from worrying about other people’s opinions and instead focus on showing his true personality.

Igeon / Official SNS

Taking a Risk to Grow as an Actor

Appearing on a dating reality program can sometimes affect an actor’s image, and Igeon acknowledged that risk.

Still, he believed that avoiding challenges would only hold him back.

In the end, he described his time on Singles Inferno 5 as an experience that helped him grow and gain confidence.

A New Chapter After the Show

Following the program, Igeon has continued focusing on his acting career. He recently signed an exclusive contract with Spring ENT, an agency that represents several respected actors.

With a background that includes working as a cook, transitioning into acting, and now appearing on a global Netflix reality show, Igeon’s journey is quickly becoming one of the more unexpected stories among rising Korean entertainers.