Netflix‘s Korean dating series Single’s Inferno has showcased cast members with impressive educational backgrounds, prestigious families, and jaw-dropping resumes, but not every cast member comes from privilege.
Dex (Kim Jin Young) started out as a Single’s Inferno 2 cast member before joining the hosts in Single’s Inferno 3 and Single’s Inferno 4. He is a former UDT soldier who began working in online content creation before he joined Single’s Inferno 2. Dex’s entertainment career is on the rise, but he went through difficult times to get where he is today.
The happiest moment is when I completed UDT training. The most difficult time was when I left UDU. My life was in despair back then.
— Dex
In an interview with his friend, Physical: 100 contestant Agent H, Dex opened up about his hardships. The trouble began after he left the military and began working as a swim coach. Someone offered him a job as a swim coach, supposedly at a pool in Seoul, but the job ended up being in the countryside near the frontlines.
After running from that scam, Dex began working at a new pool, but he couldn’t afford rent. Instead, he lived in a boiler room. He described the experience as “the darkest time” in his life.
I was broke. I didn’t even have money for a deposit. I can’t afford any deposit or rent. But there’s a boiler room. Every facility has a boiler room. The pool had a maintenance room underground. There was a little space in the corner of that room. I used to sleep there everyday.
The machines were too loud. I would have 2 bottles of soju, then pass out and sleep. Work the next day, and drink again…I really drank 2 bottles a day. Everyday. That was the hardest…I think that was the darkest time in my life. I was lost.
— Dex
At the time, Dex didn’t have friends, and he didn’t want to depend on his parents financially. Eventually, he returned to military life, where he faced more adversity. The training was tough, and his superiors were too, but he emerged victorious.
Thanks to Single’s Inferno 2 and his newfound fame, doors are opening for the once-struggling Dex. Check out the full interview here:
