Why Netflix 'Single's Inferno' Star Choi Hye-seon Faced Backlash for Her Tribute Post on South Korea Plane Crash (+Apology)

Influencer and TV personality Choi Hye-seon(Hazel Choi) came under fire after sharing a video of the recent South Korea Jeju Air plane crash on her Instagram account. On December 31, Choi posted the video alongside a caption that read, "May the victims rest in peace."

The video graphically depicted the tragic accident, prompting criticism from netizens who deemed the post insensitive. Facing mounting backlash, Choi deleted the video and issued an apology, stating, "I was thoughtless. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt."

Choi Hye-seon is known for her appearances on Netflix’s 'Single’s Inferno' and Wavve’s 'Bloody Game 3'. 'Single’s Inferno', a reality dating show, strands singles on a deserted island where they play games to win dates in "Paradise" while others remain in "Inferno." The first season, which aired in 2021, became the first Korean variety show to enter Netflix’s Global TOP 10 Non-English TV Shows and held its position for weeks. The second season followed suit, staying in the same category for four consecutive weeks.

Choi gained attention for her appearance on 'Single’s Inferno' Season 3, where she was paired with professional basketball player Lee Kwan-hee in the final couple matching. This pairing sparked rumors of a real-life relationship, which Lee later denied on his YouTube channel, Basketball Player Kwan-hee, stating, "I am not in a relationship with Choi Hye-seon. I don’t want further speculation to cause controversy."

Meanwhile, 'Single’s Inferno' Season 4 is set to premiere on January 14. The upcoming season will feature hosts Hong Jin-kyung, Lee Da-hee, Kyuhyun, Hanhae, and Dex, who are expected to deliver engaging reactions and entertaining commentary. Hong Jin-kyung expressed her pride in the show’s global success, sharing that international fans often recognize her as the 'Single’s Inferno' MC. She said, "I’m grateful not only for the global love for Korean content but also for the series’ ability to establish itself as a long-running show."