Viral TikTok Trend Sparks Real-World Injuries
A surge in popularity of the instant noodle cups featured in the hit K-pop fantasy film Demon Hunters has led to a spike in scald burns among children, prompting urgent warnings from pediatric emergency departments—including Boston Children’s Hospital.
From Screen to Kitchen: How a Movie Prop Became a Must-Have
The South Korean blockbuster Demon Hunters, which blends supernatural action with K-pop idol cameos, features a now-iconic scene where the lead character slurps noodles from a bright red cup labeled “Spicy Ghost Pepper Ramen.” Within days of the film’s global release on streaming platforms, the real-life product—manufactured by Seoul-based Samjin Foods—sold out worldwide.
TikTok challenges like #DemonNoodleChallenge and #GhostPepperSlurp have gone viral, with teens filming themselves eating the noodles while mimicking movie poses. But health experts warn that the preparation method poses serious risks.
Why These Noodles Are Especially Dangerous
- The cups require boiling water (212°F / 100°C) to be poured directly into thin plastic containers.
- Many children as young as 6–10 are preparing them unsupervised.
- The cups lack heat-resistant sleeves or secure lids, increasing spill risk.
- The “extra spicy” variant encourages rapid consumption, raising burn severity.
Hospital Data Shows Alarming Trend
According to Dr. Lena Cho, Chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital, the ER has treated 14 noodle-related scald burns in the past three weeks alone—up from just 2 during the same period last year.
| Age Group | Reported Burns (Past 3 Weeks) | Common Injury Site |
|---|---|---|
| 5–8 years | 5 | Hands, arms |
| 9–12 years | 6 | Chest, face |
| 13–16 years | 3 | Hands, legs |
Infographic: Safe Instant Noodle Prep vs. Risky TikTok Trend
✅ Safe Practice:
– Adult pours boiling water
– Use ceramic bowl, not cup
– Wait 5 minutes before handling
❌ TikTok Trend:
– Kids pour water themselves
– Hold cup while filling
– Eat immediately for “challenge”
What Parents and Regulators Can Do
Pediatric burn specialists recommend:
- Keep electric kettles and stovetops off-limits to children under 12.
- Choose noodle brands with heat-resistant packaging or microwave-safe options.
- Discuss social media trends openly—many kids don’t realize the danger.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is now reviewing whether to issue safety guidelines for instant noodle cup design, though no recall is currently planned.
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