One of the most-watched Korean dating reality shows on Netflix, Single's Inferno, has just launched its fourth season on January 14, 2025. One of the new cast members, Yuk Jun Seo, an ex-soldier-turned-visual artist, is winning hearts quickly with his roguish charms and unique background.
Artist
Yuk Jun Seo is 28, and not only is he a contestant, but he is also a very skilled artist — drawing and painting. This was recently featured at his first solo show, 'Cranium,' at the Geumho Albert cultural space in Seoul.
His work included on-the-spot paintings as well as a stunning 12-meter installation investigating the tension points between discipline and freedom. The project exemplifies Yuk's well-founded familiarity with the medium and the personal experience shaping it.
The Iron Squad
Yuk rose to stardom from his time as a cast member in the military survival show The Iron Squad, where he appeared alongside Korean soldiers and veterans from different military branches. He rose on television through impressive skills and grit in the Navy's Underwater Demolition Team (UDT).
The Iron Squad not only showed his physical abilities but also gave him a voice through which he reached a wider audience, and he was able to collect fans. It featured many talented military soldiers, including those of the past, such as Hwang Choong-won and Kim Dong-hyun.
UDT Soldier
Yuk followed a tradition of casting military personnel on Single's Inferno, which has seen previous contestants like Park Min-kyu and panelist Dex, another UDT soldier. On the show launch night, Dex stated that he and Yuk fought at the same time but were on different devices, which created a connection for visitors who recognized the two guys in the armed forces.
Single's Inferno is traditionally about genuine connection and romance, and Yuk's complexity brings another layer to the show.
His artistic history could also lead to some interesting conversations about creativity and emotions between him and other contestants, which would be quite different than any other contestant thus far.
But as you see this play out on screen, viewers will be waiting with bated breath to see how Yuk juggles being an artist with dating in reality TV.
Sweet Home
Yuk classed it up on Netflix before hitting Single's Inferno, landing a part in the K-thriller Sweet Home. He played Bang Jin-ho, a soldier who helps other survivors shelter in a decrepit stadium during a dystopian horror scenario.
He had the opportunity to put his acting skills to even more work in this role, demonstrating a directorial prowess with his physicality.
Yuk, created real-life models for some of the monstrous creatures that appear in the series, working on the visual effects as well as an actor. Fans appreciate his ability to combine animation with artistry and storytelling to provide a unique perspective.
With Single's Inferno well underway, fans are keeping a close eye to see if Yuk Jun Seo follows in Dex's footsteps to become the show's next breakout star.
With undeniable charisma, creativity, and some military experience, he makes for an interesting character in this season's narrative.