Kids Are Getting Burned—Literally—Over This K-Pop Anime Scene
What do you get when you mix steaming hot ramen, impressionable young fans, and a hit Netflix anime? A recipe for disaster—according to doctors at a leading U.S. children’s hospital.
Boston’s Shriners Children’s Hospital sounded the alarm after a sharp rise in burn-related injuries tied to a viral trend dubbed the “K-pop noodle challenge.” It all started with a scene in KPOP Girls! Demon Hunters, where characters slurp piping hot cup ramen at breakneck speed. Now, kids are recreating the intense scene… with scalding results.
From Screen to Scald: The Rise of a Risky Trend
The anime’s popularity has exploded on TikTok, with hashtags like #KpopNoodleChallenge and #DemonHuntersRamen racking up thousands of videos. In these clips, children mimic beloved characters by wolfing down instant noodles right after pouring in boiling water.
While the scene might look cool on screen, doctors are seeing the harsh reality offline.
“We’re seeing a spike in serious burns—especially among younger children,” said Dr. Colin Ryan, an associate professor of surgery at the hospital. “These noodle cups are tall, easy to tip over, and when they spill, they cause devastating injuries.”
Why Ramen Burns Hurt More Than You Think
Sure, most people know boiling water burns. But instant ramen poses extra dangers.
Dr. Ryan explained: “Even hot water at 60°C (140°F) can burn adult skin in just five seconds. Kids’ skin is thinner, making it even more vulnerable.” Plus, ramen noodles retain heat and stick to the skin, intensifying burns.
Translation: a quick video for clout could mean weeks (or months) of recovery.
A Word of Warning to Parents and Fans
Hospitals are urging both parents and platforms to intervene. “Art imitates life, but real life isn’t an anime,” one parent commented under a viral video. Others are calling for content warnings or better education to prevent copycat injuries.
Experts aren’t blaming the show—but they are highlighting how easily fantasy can morph into real-world harm. “These challenges aren’t worth the likes,” said Dr. Ryan. “Let’s keep fandom safe and smart.”
The Bigger Picture: When Pop Culture Goes Viral (Too Literally)
As Hallyu continues to go global, expect more moments where fandom meets real-world consequences. Whether it’s dance trends or food stunts, one thing’s clear: not everything that goes viral is meant to be replicated.
What’s next—K-toast taste tests or jjajangmyeon speed runs? Just remember: slurping should be fun, not flammable.
