Who Is Kim Min-Ji? All About The National Sprinter Turned 'Single's Inferno Season 5' Contestant

A few hours after the premiere of Single's Inferno Season 5 on Netflix, athlete, Kim Min-Ji was expected to be just another contestant on the show. But within hours of the show's release, Kim Min-ji, a national track champion, has already become a breakout sensation of the season. From earning the nickname of 'track world's Karina' to becoming one of the most sought-after contestants on the island, Min-ji's arrival has reshaped the competition. Here's everything you might want to know about her.

Who is Kim Min-Ji? 

Kim Min-Ji is a South Korean national sprinter. She has spent nearly two decades competing at the highest level of track and field. Years before she decided to step into reality TV, Kim had built herself a prestigious athletic career. Eventually, she became the country's pride before turning towards the entertainment world. Kim trained at Chungbuk Sports High School before completing a degree in Physical Education at Changwon National University. 

Kim Min-ji first rose to fame in 2014 when she won first place in the 400-meter hurdles at the 43rd Spring National Middle and High School Athletics Championships. Needless to say, the victory established her as one of Korea's most promising track talents. Later, she went on to dominate the National Sports Festival and won the college 400-meter flat race thrice in 2014, 2017, and 2018. Later, she added another major victory by finishing first in the women's general 400-meter flat event. 

During her stint on Single's Inferno, Kim revealed that she had trained as a 400-meter sprinter for 17 years, which set her apart from the other contestants. Before entering the dating show, Kim Min-Ji had already built a TV presence through her sports and variety programs. She appeared on Shooting Stars across multiple seasons, Baseball Queen, Back to the Classic GIFA Cup 2025, Back to the Classic G League, and King of Survival Tribal War. She even made her guest appearances on popular variety shows such as Knowing Bros and King of Mask Singer, eventually making her way to Single's Inferno Season 5.

Kim Min-Ji's Journey on Single's Inferno Season 5

Since the selection round itself, Kim Min-ji emerged as the season's top pick. She has received the most votes and secured not one but two Paradise dates. Her first date was with Seung-il and later with Sung-min. Amid her stay, she opened up about her life as a professional athlete, sharing stories of years spent training, competing, and pushing her body to the limit. Eventually, online fans praised her balancing elegance with athletic strength and called her "the most complete contestant" of the season so far. 

More about Single's Inferno Season 5

Single's Inferno Season 5 premiered on Netflix on January 20, 2026. It has become the first Korean unscripted series to reach a fifth season. The show follows a group of attractive singles stranded on a remote island called Inferno. On the island, they must form mutual connections to escape for a luxury date in Paradise. This season introduces harsher island conditions and a new rule for the popular "Truth or Drink" game, requiring contestants to answer every question. It marks the return of Hong Jin-kyung, Lee Da-hee, Kyuhyun, Hanhae, and Dex. 

What do you think about Kim Min-Ji's stint on Single's Inferno Season 5?

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