Medical professionals at a renowned Boston hospital are voicing serious concerns after noticing a surge in children admitted with severe burns. These injuries stem from a dangerous online trend, where kids attempt to imitate scenes from the popular movie “Kpop Demon Hunters” involving instant cup noodles.
Shriners Children’s Hospital in Boston recently issued a public statement, alerting parents and guardians to the potential dangers. The trend involves children mimicking their favorite characters from the animated film, consuming instant noodle cups that are distinctively tall and narrow, and frequently sharing their attempts online using hashtags like #KPopNoodleChallenge and #DemonHuntersRamen.
Dr. Colleen Ryan, a physician at Shriners Children’s Hospital, highlighted the severity of the situation, reporting that she treats children for instant noodle-related burns multiple times each week. This isn’t a new problem; research indicates that even prior to the film’s release, instant noodle incidents accounted for nearly one-third of all pediatric scald burn admissions.
The widespread success of “Kpop Demon Hunters,” a Netflix summer blockbuster, has unfortunately amplified this existing concern. The movie prominently features its main characters enjoying instant cup noodles, specifically those produced by Nongshim. These particular cups are notable for their height and slender design, differing from the more common shorter, wider bowls.
Dr. Ryan emphasized that young children are especially susceptible to burns. Their skin is considerably thinner than an adult’s, meaning a much lower temperature can cause serious injury.
Preparing instant noodles seems straightforward: simply add the sauce packet, pour in boiling water, then cover and wait a few minutes for the noodles to cook.
However, many of these noodle cups are made from thin materials like Styrofoam or cardboard. These provide minimal insulation, making the cups incredibly hot and difficult to handle once filled with boiling water.
Dr. Zach Zhang, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, pointed out that these cup noodles often have a narrow base and are filled almost to the brim, making them inherently unstable and prone to tipping. For very young children, this instability poses an even greater risk, as hot water spills could directly impact their faces.
Water at boiling temperature, 212 degrees Fahrenheit, can cause severe scalding and, in extreme instances, permanent nerve damage. Additionally, certain instant noodle products require microwave preparation, and spills frequently occur during their removal from the appliance.
“We don’t want to discourage children from engaging in popular trends, but it’s crucial that these activities are performed safely and under adult supervision,” Dr. Ryan stated. She warned that “even a single spill can result in a deep, painful burn, potentially leaving a lifelong scar.”
It’s important to remember that instant noodles were a known burn risk for children long before this movie trend. A comprehensive study spanning over a decade by University of Chicago researchers revealed that instant noodles were responsible for a staggering 31 percent of all pediatric scald burn admissions at their medical centers. These burns can be quite serious, often requiring hospitalization or even surgery.
To minimize the risk of injury, medical professionals strongly recommend that parents always supervise children when hot water is involved. In the event of a burn, immediately run cool tap water over the affected area and seek emergency medical attention for any injured child.