Valentine’s Day has never really appealed to me.
Even as a young girl, the cacophony of pink packaging and red ribbons was a bit too “girly” for my tomboyish self. That, coupled with my naturally introverted personality, has led me to where I am today: single since birth. So, it doesn’t seem to surprise people when I say that Valentine’s Day is my least favorite holiday. In fact, I am one of those people who will lecture you about the commercial beginnings of the holiday and how it is used to keep the big conglomerates behind the chocolate industry fat and happy.
But my article about love and Valentine’s Day doesn’t come after a whirlwind romance with the cocky boy next door. It comes after binge-watching my favorite reality dating show.
If you’ve surfed the Netflix catalogue for over 30 minutes before, you’ve probably seen the title Single’s Inferno pop up on your screen. Since January of 2021, Netflix has produced this Korean reality dating show where beautiful people are put on the deserted island “Inferno” and can only “escape” to “Paradise” if they decide to go on a date with another participant. They are told to keep their ages and occupations a secret until they get to Paradise, so as to prevent biased interactions based on socio-economic status.
Compared to most reality dating shows, this one is rather tame. Physical intimacy is the last thing you will see on this show as it relies on the established expectation of light and cute romance from Korean content to keep its audience engaged. Most of its highlighted moments come from quiet conversations between contestants and stolen glances across sandy beaches. The farthest I’ve seen couples go on this show is a rather hesitant holding of hands. Ironically, it’s more of a heart-fluttering haven than a heated Inferno.
But the romance portrayed in Single’s Inferno feels no less exhilarating than its current Western counterparts. In fact, I think it is the lack of expectation for intimacy that makes this show so fascinating. The contestants really take the time to get to know their potential partners on a personal level, focusing on shared values and helping each other navigate the whole concept of the show. The love displayed on this show is one based more on compatibility than attraction.
On a day dedicated to love and romance, watching fifteen shy and cautious singles test the waters of relationships on a remote island comes as a welcome break from the oversexualized entertainment sphere we often see in the West. With shows like Heated Rivalry and The Summer I Was Pretty dominating the conversations around romance content, a show like Single’s Inferno reminds us of the little things that make a romance so exhilarating. A kind gesture and extended eye contact can deepen the connection between two people as much as a hug or a kiss.
For an introverted singleton like myself, shows like Single’s Inferno give me a sense of comfort in the distance I choose to maintain between prospective romantic partners and me. There’s no need to rush things. It reminds me that love doesn’t have to be the uncomfortable, sweaty, and overstimulating experience the media often paints love to be.
I may not enjoy Valentine’s Day, but I also feel as if my belief in love and romance has been reaffirmed through a show like Single’s Inferno. Maybe one day I’ll be able to binge-watch Single’s Inferno with a special someone. But, for now, I will simply enjoy it on my own, with no rush for anything else.
Priscilla Chang (’25) majored in English literature and minored in linguistics at Calvin. She now works as a missionary teacher in Thailand, teaching language arts at Chiang Rai International Christian School. Apart from her love of reading and writing, she is also obsessed with learning languages, dancing, and watching the latest Korean dramas.
