‘Single's Inferno’ star Oh Jin-taek on fashion, acting and Cebu adventures

Cebu is a popular getaway destination for locals and foreigners. One of its recent visitors is South Korean reality star Oh Jin-taek. His name rings a bell among fans of Asian content on Netflix. Jin-taek was featured as one of the attractive and available (meaning ready to mingle) personalities in season one of the reality dating show, “Single’s Inferno.”

On it, a group of male and female contestants arrive on a remote island named “Inferno” and live there for several days. (In the first season, Jin-taek and the rest stayed there for nine days.) Within that time frame, they will discover their possible allies and competitors in finding that special someone.

Acclimatizing to island living, one might think that it’s impossible for one to fully get to know another person and date someone. Winning a game, however, allows a pair to make a short escape from the island and get rewarded on another island called “Paradise.” It’s a luxurious place conducive to creating a friendship or a romantic affair. Individuals can also ask each other about their age, interests and occupations, which are forbidden in “Inferno.” “Paradise” provides a couple with a relaxed atmosphere to figure out what traits they have in common.

“I’m on vacation,” said Jin-taek, through an interpreter, of his visit to the Queen City of the South, in a recent brief chat with The STAR. “I’m just enjoying it.”

Prior to it, Jin-taek went to Cebu three times and experienced its sights and sounds. He has also been to Boracay and Manila. “Koreans love Cebu for summer vacations,” added he. “Cebu has nice beaches, good food, and specifically, Fili is a very nice hotel.”

Jin-taek was referring to Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu (www.nustar.ph.), his home away from home.

“It’s very nice and perfect. This hotel actually has everything. I don’t have to go out anymore.”

According to the information given to this paper, Jin-taek stayed “in the expansive Villa 2,” with its “luxurious amenities and attentive service.” He can attest to the “hotel’s commitment to providing a blend of luxury and cultural immersion, appealing to guests from around the world.” Fili Hotel also offers an “authentic Korean culinary experience, with expertly prepared dishes ranging from traditional favorites like kimchi and bibimbap to special soju cocktails.”

But if one is in Cebu and other Philippine tourist destinations, one should dine and wine, dive and relax, immerse oneself in the local culture and community, and go on tours.

On a social media post of a regional media outlet, Jin-taek graced the event, “It’s a Match: K-Cupid Night: Finding Love With Jin-Taek.” There, he shared that he liked local treats chorizo and danggit, and knowing one’s self first is important before meeting new people.

Asked about his experience being part of “Single’s Inferno,” Jin-taek said, “It was so much fun. I went there ‘coz I really wanted to meet someone.”

At the end of his participation, he had this realization: “It’s very hard, I realized. In life, there is really someone you need. There’s really someone you need in your life, and it’s hard to find (that person) on a dating show.”

And who knows, Jin-taek might find the one for him in beautiful places like Cebu.

The “Single’s Inferno” star said he believes in “the right time.” Yes, two people are in the right place and at the right time.

As to what he’s looking for in a woman, he just gave this description: someone with a “healthy vibe and a healthy mind.”

“Right now, I’m still developing the brand, I’m still with my brand, and I’m actually preparing for acting,” said Jin-taek, who co-founded a menswear brand, about his future plans.

Is Jin-taek open to the idea of acting in the country?

“I really want to, but I have to study first,” said he, who shows interest in genres such as drama and action.

“I love drama and action,” shared the celeb. “For drama, I like movies that make you cry. I want to do that. For action, I keep watching them, and it (an action-packed content) keeps you focused. So, I want to do that, too.”

With that, fans now have an idea of what roles Jin-taek would like to essay either in a TV series or film. He is one Korean talent who has the potential to touch your heart and keep you on the edge of your seat.