Even Hyun Bin & Son Ye-jin Can’t Resist This Classic Korean Snack Combo

Actress Son Ye-jin recently shared a rare update on social media, capturing a surprisingly relatable moment: a photo of herself indulging in cup ramen and a cold beer. The actress, who welcomed a baby with husband Hyun Bin in 2022, is often seen enjoying low-key date nights.

Most recently, the couple was spotted dining at the restaurant of Michelin-starred chef and Culinary Class Wars celebrity Ahn Sung-jae, which BTS' V and IU, as well as Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung have also visited. Despite her famously slim figure, Son Ye-jin couldn’t resist the classic combo of salty noodles and fizzy beer—a comfort food ritual that’s hard for anyone to turn down.

The combo is undeniably satisfying: savory, oily broth paired with the refreshing kick of beer makes for an instant stress reliever. But from a health standpoint, it’s a pairing worth thinking twice about.

Why This Combo Is Problematic

Cup ramen is a classic instant food—high in sodium and fat, low in protein. One cup contains over 1,500 mg of sodium, nearly 75% of the World Health Organization’s recommended daily limit. Add in fried noodles and MSG-laden soup powder, and you’ve got a recipe for elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular strain, and digestive discomfort.

Beer only adds to the issue. As a diuretic, alcohol flushes out water from the body. Meanwhile, salty ramen increases your need for hydration. Together, they disrupt fluid balance and may lead to dehydration or swelling.

The risks don’t end there. Ramen’s refined carbs spike blood sugar rapidly. When paired with beer, the effect is amplified, potentially causing fatigue, poor concentration, or increased insulin resistance over time—raising the risk of metabolic syndrome.

So Do We Have to Give It Up Entirely? Not Quite.

Luckily, there are ways to indulge without doing too much damage. Here’s how:

Skip the Broth: Most of the sodium lives in the soup. Eat just the noodles and you could cut your sodium intake nearly in half.

Add Veggies and Protein: Toss in blanched spinach, bean sprouts, or cabbage for extra fiber, potassium, and vitamins that help flush out sodium. A boiled egg or lean chicken can also provide much-needed protein.

Choose Smarter Beer Options: Opt for low-alcohol, low-calorie beers, and stick to one can (355ml or less). Drink plenty of water before and after to avoid dehydration.

DIY with Better Noodles: Consider using whole wheat or rice noodles instead of instant ramen. Cooking your own version lets you control the fat and additives.

When cravings hit, remember: the foods you reach for to relieve stress might actually wear you down more. If this becomes a regular habit rather than an occasional treat, the comforting combo might end up costing your health in the long run.

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