By Honorary Reporter Mohammad Aksol Muntaha from Indonesia

Photos = Shin Dong-woo 

"Single's Inferno" is a Korean reality series airing on Netflix that combines the goal of survival with the pursuit of love. The 12 single contestants are put on an island under the mission of leaving as a couple through challenges that allow them to get to know each other. 

One standout competitor who appeared in the show's second season is Dr. Shin Dong-woo. In addition to his attractive appearance and athletic body, he is a plastic surgeon who graduated from the College of Medicine at Yonsei University and completed his residency at his alma mater's Severance Hospital. 

The following are excerpts from a March 3 email interview with Shin.

Shin Dong-woo is a plastic surgeon who says he grew interested in personal grooming as a child.

Describe your experience on "Single's Inferno."

When I was selected, I was overwhelmed because I'd never been on a TV show where cameras followed the cast 24 hours a day but I considered it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The first few days were fine but when I was stuck in the inferno for few days, the island literally turned into an inferno. Unlike the real world where one can alleviate stress by doing other things, being on the island meant focusing only on one's emotions. Yet I consider my time of self-reflection an unforgettable moment. I also made good friends on the show whom I'm still in touch with.

Why did you choose plastic surgery as your medical specialization?

Unlike other types of surgery, plastic surgery requires not only medical knowledge and skills but also artistic sense. I grew interested in personal grooming as a youth so it was natural for me to grow interested in this field. I also want to bring positive change to people's lives through surgery and consider this field very promising.

What are the most popular beauty and plastic surgery procedures in Korea?
Botox and filler injections have the highest demand in Korea due to their affordability and small downtime. Skin booster injections in the face have also grown popular among Koreans for skin rejuvenation. Among surgeries, liposuction, breast or eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty and facial contouring are commonly done here, but demand is also increasing for lifting procedures from the aging population.

Why should people visit Korea for medical tourism?
Korea has both advanced medical service and attractive tourism resources that draw many here for medical tourism. The country has highly skilled doctors and a safe and convenient medical environment but also offers sightseeing, shopping and cultural experiences. Medical tourism was halted due to COVID-19 but is recovering, with Seoul, Busan and Incheon being the most popular cities for it.

As a plastic surgeon, why do you enter men's beauty pageants and model?
I don't see myself as a professional model; I just had a couple of opportunities to do photo shoots. Competing in men's beauty pageants like Mister Global 2021 in Thailand was an honor to represent Korea on the world stage.

What are your plans in plastic surgery and modeling?
I want to focus on my career as a plastic surgeon and hope I can help all my patients lead a happier life.

From left to right are "Single's Inferno" Season 2 cast members Choi Jong-woo, Kim Han-bin, Jo Yong-jae and Shin Dong-woo.

Shin Dong-woo wore hanbok as his national costume when he participated in Mister Global 2021.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.