Lee Sung-hoon, a contestant on Netflix’s popular dating show Single’s Inferno 5, has publicly dismissed rumors suggesting he is the grandson of former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. The speculation arose due to physical resemblances and voice similarities, sparking widespread online chatter.
Addressing the Rumor on HAHA Podcast
During a January 17 appearance on the YouTube channel HAHA Podcast, Lee directly confronted the claims. When questioned if he was “the grandson of former President Lee Myung-bak,” he responded, “No,” adding that he had already clarified publicly, “It’s not true.”
The hosts noted how such rumors spread easily online, with one remarking, “How does a rumor like this get so big? Even if it matches the grandson’s features, it’s still hitting too close.” Lee replied, “The internet is a scary place.” A host agreed, stating, “You can’t believe everything you read online.”
Show Appearance and Initial Buzz
Lee first appeared on Single’s Inferno 5 on January 10. Viewers quickly drew comparisons based on his looks and voice to the former president’s grandson, leading to doubts about his background. The show’s producer, Kim Jung-hyun, shared during a January 13 interview that the team was taken aback, saying, “His appearance matched, and his voice seemed off too, so we wondered, ‘Is he really related?’ But when we asked directly, he replied, ‘No, I’m not.'”
Kim added, “Even if it seemed obvious from the looks,” confirming Lee’s denial.
Lee’s Background and Casting Story
A UC Berkeley computer science graduate student and content trainer, Lee explained how he landed on the show. “There are Korean-Chinese people in Korea. One connected me with the program’s PD through acquaintances. I didn’t seek out the interview,” he said.
Impact of Online Backlash
Following his debut, Lee reported receiving harsh comments. “People started staring at me, which never happened before. While in Korea for about a week before the show, I first felt that kind of experience,” he revealed.
