The world of K-pop and animation has collided with the culinary world in a way fans didn’t expect. Netflix’s animated hit K-Pop Demon Hunters has inspired a unique partnership with Korean instant noodle giant Nongshim, famous for its Shin Ramyun. The collaboration has brought limited-edition Shin Ramyun packs and Shrimp Crackers featuring the movie’s characters, including the popular K-pop group HUNTR/X, to shelves worldwide. Fans can now enjoy the same ramen snacks their favorite animated characters slurp on-screen, making the experience feel more interactive and immersive.
The launch has been supported by an impressive global marketing campaign, including eye-catching digital billboards in New York’s Times Square, which have amplified the hype. Social media has been buzzing with posts of fans recreating scenes from the film, sharing pictures and videos of their noodle experiences, and celebrating the quirky crossover between K-pop, animation, and instant noodles.
However, the craze has taken an unexpected turn. A viral trend inspired by the movie’s ramen-slurping scenes—sometimes tagged as #KPopNoodleChallenge—has seen children and teens attempting to eat the noodles in dramatic fashion, just like the characters. While the trend may seem fun, it has raised serious safety concerns. Doctors and burn specialists are reporting a rise in scald injuries among young fans, often caused when hot noodle cups spill or topple, sending boiling water and sticky noodles onto the skin. Pediatric burn injuries linked to instant noodles have become a growing concern, highlighting the need for caution even in seemingly harmless trends.
Nongshim and the movie’s promotional team have emphasized the joy of the collaboration while reminding fans to handle hot noodles safely. The phenomenon illustrates how pop culture can influence real-world behavior in surprising ways, combining fandom, food, and social media trends. While fans eagerly embrace this limited-edition release, experts urge mindfulness, proving that even the smallest cultural moments can have a big impact.
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