Netflix’s Single’s Inferno series has become more than just a dating show it’s a springboard for instant fame and, for some, a total life transformation. This phenomenon is now playing out once again with Single’s Inferno 5 contestant and track athlete Kim Min Ji, whose social media following is experiencing a meteoric rise.

Since the show’s premiere, Kim Min Ji has captivated both male contestants and global viewers with her standout visuals and magnetic presence. Her sudden spike in popularity is evident in her social media numbers: her Instagram followers jumped from approximately 450,000 pre-show to over 700,000 as of January 28 a gain of more than 250,000 in just a few weeks.

This dramatic growth has reignited discussions online about the impact of appearing on dating shows, particularly Single’s Inferno, which many netizens now regard as more powerful than winning the lottery. Viewers are recalling the viral success stories of past cast members most notably Lee Si An from Single’s Inferno 4, who previously revealed her post-show earnings skyrocketed to around 100 million KRW per month.

In an October 2025 interview on the YouTube channel The Roots Channel, Lee Si An shared with host Shindong that after appearing on the show, her monthly income saw a dramatic increase jumping from about 10 million KRW to 100 million KRW. “There’s another zero now,” she said, confirming the rumors about her financial boom and stunning viewers with the confession.

Now, with Kim Min Ji’s own follower count rapidly climbing and her global fanbase expanding, many are wondering if she’ll follow in the footsteps of breakout stars like Dex from Single’s Inferno 2 or Lee Si An. As her popularity grows, she’s already becoming a top “dating show influencer,” showing once again how Single’s Inferno has become a modern-day launchpad for fame, fortune, and social stardom.

Sources: Nate