‘Single’s Inferno’ Was Inspired by ‘Too Hot to Handle’ Causing Candidates to Be Concerned

For Netflix‘s Single’s Inferno, the producers needed to look for the right participants that fit their vision. This involved sending Instagram DM’s, handing out flyers, and auditioning possible candidates. When it came to convincing the candidates, the producers of Single’s Inferno used Too Hot to Handle as a reference. The Netflix dating show did not convince candidates right away.

‘Too Hot to Handle’ Meets South Korean ‘Single’s Inferno’

Single’s Inferno is Netflix’s first-ever Korean-based dating show. While American TV is notorious for its dating shows like The Bachelor, Korea’s dating and social customs have never been explored in a show. The function and layout of Single’s Inferno paralleled Love Island, but the show’s producers explain that they used Too Hot to Handle as a reference.

In an interview with Netflix Tudum, Kim Na-Hyun explained, “Too Hot to Handle was a reference in our recruitment video, so a lot of the candidates thought that’s what it would be like. However, since Single’s Inferno is a completely different show, we needed to explain this during the interviews.”

Too Hot to Handle is an American-British reality television dating game show that debuted on Netflix in 2020. A group of 10 contestants are guided by a virtual assistant while stuck in a house for four weeks.

All the contestants have had experience in flings and relationships but were unsuccessful. While together, the contestants are forbidden from intercourse, kissing, and self-gratification. When the Single’s Inferno producers used the dating show as an example to the contenders, they were skeptical about joining.

Possible ‘Single’s Inferno’ contestants needed convincing

When pitching the idea of the dating show to Koreans, the producers had to explain Single’s Inferno was not going to be an exact copy of Too Hot to Handle. This was largely due to the dating culture in South Korea. Too Hot to Handle is much more scandalous and erotica-driven.

“A lot of candidates were wary that our show would be too much like Too Hot to Handle. Though it’s a very interesting and great show, the pace of the relationships came as a culture shock for a lot of Korean viewers,” explained Kim Jae-won.

For Single’s Inferno, the contestants spent only nine days on the island, and there were no sexually driven moments or scenarios. The most fans saw was Kang So-yeon kissing Oh Jin-taek on the cheek and a massage. South Korean relationships are about maintaining a courteous image in public.

“Koreans tend to spend a lot of time building a relationship with a girlfriend or a boyfriend, and so a lot of time was invested in explaining to concerned participants that our show was not going to be exactly the same,” said Kim. Despite not conforming to drama-filled dating show expectations, Single’s Inferno became popular.

Who can apply to be in ‘Single’s Inferno’?

As the producers have explained, they were willing to look at anyone interested in joining the dating show. They did their own research looking for candidates that fit an ideal image. As a backup, they also had a public application.

“There were also a lot of people who applied after seeing our recruitment posters. We received recommendations from friends of friends and reached out to PR teams in colleges and companies as well,” said Kim.

In a Q&A video, So-yeon explains she was pushed to audition by friends and later learned many people applied. She said fans can apply for the next season. Jin-taek also said in a video the contestants had to go through psychological tests and training during each interview stage.

The producers wanted to know their MBTI to check compatibility. They also went through survival training in case of an emergency on the island.