Lee Sung Hoon, widely recognized as Samuel Lee, has emerged as one of the most intriguing and discussed participants on the fifth season of Netflix’s hit dating reality show, Single’s Inferno.
Known for his “brainy” persona, Samuel captured the audience’s attention with his elite academic background, having majored in computer science and applied mathematics at UC Berkeley.
Currently residing in New York and working as a quantitative trader, his professional life in the high-stakes world of finance initially set him apart as a top-tier contestant.
His tall stature, fit physique, and calm demeanor quickly made him a favorite among female contestants, particularly after his credentials were revealed during his first date in “Paradise.”
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The Cheating Allegations: A Fierce Denial
However, Samuel Lee’s rapid rise to fame was quickly met with significant controversy. Rumors regarding his past romantic life began to circulate through Chinese-language media outlets, including reports from Taiwan’s Liberty Times.
These reports alleged that Samuel had been unfaithful in previous relationships with various influencers, specifically naming Kevin Ninh and Hena Yng.
The allegations suggested a pattern of infidelity that stood in stark contrast to his reserved on-screen image.
Samuel responded with a firm and public denial. On January 21, 2026, he posted a statement on his personal social media account, asserting,
“I have never committed adultery or cheated, not even once.”
He further clarified that the claims were entirely fabricated and announced that he was pursuing legal action for defamation against those spreading the rumors.
Shortly after this statement, he deleted his social media presence, choosing to retreat from the direct public eye as the legal process began.
New Speculations: Presidential Lineage?
Just as the cheating controversy appeared to be fading, Samuel found himself the subject of a bizarre new set of rumors.
Netizens across various online communities began speculating about his family background, with some claiming that Samuel Lee is actually the maternal grandson of former South Korean President Lee Myung Bak.
These unverified claims gained traction based on Samuel’s elite education, his residence in New York, and a perceived physical resemblance to the former president.
Some posts even went so far as to detail his family tree, alleging his mother is the president’s eldest daughter and his father is a high-ranking executive in a major conglomerate’s legal division.
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Despite the lack of evidence, these rumors have spread rapidly, fueled by the public’s fascination with his “mysterious aura.”
Official Response and Ongoing On-Screen Presence
The production team behind Single’s Inferno 5 has been forced to intervene. On February 2, a representative for the show stated that they had confirmed with Samuel that the initial cheating allegations were untrue.
Regarding the more recent rumors about his presidential heritage, the producers have drawn a clear line, dismissing them as unsubstantiated personal background speculation.
Despite the whirlwind of off-screen drama, Samuel Lee remains a central figure in the series. As the season progressed toward its February 10 finale, his romantic arc shifted from a straightforward pursuit of Mina Sue Choi to a burgeoning interest in Park Hee Sun.
This evolution in his “love line” has kept viewers engaged, even as the artist himself navigates a complex legal and social landscape.
Whether these rumors will impact his future career in the entertainment industry remains to be seen, but for now, Samuel Lee continues to be the season’s most polarizing figure.
