Choi Mina Sue revealed a new side of herself Singles Hell 5, going beyond her beauty pageant image to present a more candid and multi-dimensional appeal. In a recent interview, she reflected on her journey, her relationships with other cast members and how the show has changed her.
Choi Mina Sue shared that she previously received an offer to appear on a previous season of Singles Hell but he refused at the time. So what has changed Season 5?
“Dating is part of my personal life,” she explained. “I felt shy and hesitant to show that side of myself to the public. But this time I found the courage. I wanted to show something more than just the image I had from beauty pageants. Even though I received criticism, I still wanted to try.”
When asked about her ideal type and real-life dating philosophy, she thoughtfully responded, “I like relationships where we grow together. Dating means being together for a long time, so I prefer someone who is progressive, challenges himself, and strives to improve. I want a relationship that helps both of us grow.”
On the show, Choi Mina Sue and Lee Sung Hoon became an ultimate couple, generating a lot of excitement among viewers. However, they did not continue as a couple in real life after filming ended. Regarding their current relationship, she clarified, “Lee Sung Hoon and I keep in touch and exchange greetings. We are friends who support each other. Even if we had become a real couple, I think we would have been cautious about making it public. In the setting of the show, you are aware of the cameras and the broadcast, but in reality there are a lot more practical considerations.”
During the broadcast, his conversations with contestant Kim Min Ji sparked mixed reactions and debates among viewers. Choi Mina Sue shared that they are actually on good terms now. “I’m very close to Kim Min Ji. We also plan to go eat chicken feet together and are making a date. The female cast members are also planning a group dinner. Some of them even contacted me afterwards to ask if I was okay, which I’m very grateful for.”
Having lived in several countries, including the United States, Choi Mina Sue believes her multicultural background has influenced her direct and honest communication style on the show. “I think there’s definitely a connection. I often found myself in situations where I had to introduce myself to new people, so self-promotion became natural. It takes time to build deep, meaningful relationships, but maybe I felt the need to approach them more quickly, which made me more direct.”
Despite her busy schedule after the show, she also focused on her studies. “I got absolutely A’s this semester. It’s hard to graduate from an American university, but this time I completed my degree successfully. My parents want to attend my graduation ceremony, although I’m not sure my schedule will allow it.”
She also reflected on her decision to pursue beauty pageants such as Miss Korea and Miss Earth during a period of academic leave following COVID-19. “I was taking a break and wondering if the major was right for me. I wanted to challenge myself with something new. Miss Korea crossed my mind and that eventually led me to Singles Hell. Competing in Miss Korea helped me a lot. I learned how to communicate with the public and even improved my Korean language skills.”
Looking back, Choi Mina Sue described Singles Hell 5 as a transformative experience. “The show helped me in many ways. It was like mirror therapy. By observing myself, I realized that what I say can be interpreted differently than what I mean. I learned that people can perceive things differently and I think this will help me in my future relationships.”
He concluded with a heartfelt message: “Thank you to everyone who enjoyed it Singles Hell 5. I hope you will love future seasons too. Now that I’ve boarded the ‘ Singles Hell ‘ship, I hope Season 6 introduces new and exciting personalities and achieves great success. I wish all the cast members happiness and success.”
Sources: Daum
