At the 98th Academy Awards, director Chris Appelhans was photographed eating Shin Ramyeon with chopsticks, drawing widespread attention and internet reactions.
During the 98th Academy Awards held on March 15, a photo of Chris Appelhans, co-director of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' (Kedahan), eating a bag of Shin Ramyeon with chopsticks became a viral sensation. This moment was captured and shared by his Korean artist wife, Morin Gu, on her Instagram, where she posted behind-the-scenes photos of the Oscars, including one featuring the Shin Ramyeon alongside an Oscar ticket. This special edition ramen was produced by Nongshim in collaboration with Netflix and features the character Mira from the animated film.
The sighting of Shin Ramyeon at such a prestigious event ignited a flurry of comments from netizens, ranging from surprise to amusement, with reactions highlighting the cultural significance of having such a popular Korean noodle brand represented at the Oscars. Comments like, "Is that AI?" and "We’re really seeing Shin Ramyeon at the Academy Awards" reflect a blend of humor and appreciation for Korean culture’s growing visibility on the international stage.
On that evening, 'Kedahan' not only showcased Shin Ramyeon but also won awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. The ceremony featured diverse representations of Korean culture, with performances integrating K-pop, traditional pansori, and samulnori, exemplifying a celebration of the richness of Korean traditions alongside modern entertainment. This blend further solidifies the impact of Korean pop culture globally, particularly in films and music.
