Actress Kim Hye-soo (55) recently surprised fans by sharing a rare glimpse into her dietary habits. On the 18th, the star posted a photo to her social media account with the simple caption, “Lodging ramyeon.”
The image depicts three people sharing a meal of instant noodles. While they had clearly finished one round and moved on to a second, the broth in the bowls remained almost entirely untouched—the group appeared to have strictly picked out only the noodles.
Kim has previously revealed on television that she consumes ramyeon only once a year. This level of self-discipline, which includes avoiding fast food and snacks in favor of consistent swimming and running, has allowed her to maintain the "coke-bottle" figure she has been famous for since her 20s. Currently filming the Coupang Play series Right Now, It’s Not an Affair That’s the Problem, Kim’s "annual ritual" offers a masterclass in mindful eating.
Why Ramyeon Challenges Weight Management
From a nutritional standpoint, ramyeon presents a trifecta of hurdles: high calories, high fat, and excessive sodium. While a single serving won't cause overnight weight gain, frequent consumption can lead to increased body fat, persistent bloating, and blood pressure issues.
A typical pack contains between 400 and 500 calories. Because the noodles are deep-fried during manufacturing, the fat content is significantly higher than that of plain rice or boiled grains. Furthermore, the noodles are refined carbohydrates, and the seasoning packets contain massive amounts of sodium. This combination triggers edema (water retention) and sharp spikes in blood sugar. Lacking protein and dietary fiber, ramyeon often leads to a "fullness gap," where one feels satiated quickly but becomes hungry again shortly after.
The Benefit of Leaving the Broth
For those focused on fitness, salty broths are often considered "public enemy number one." Ramyeon broth is essentially a concentrated mixture of sodium and the oils that leach out from the fried noodles during the boiling process.
By following Kim Hye-soo’s example and leaving the broth behind, consumers can significantly reduce their intake of the 2,000 mg daily sodium limit recommended for the general public. Minimizing broth consumption helps manage blood pressure, reduces facial and body swelling, and slows the rate of weight gain while still allowing for the occasional enjoyment of the flavor.
5 Ways to Enjoy Ramyeon More Healthfully
Use half the seasoning: Reducing the soup base sharply cuts sodium and calorie counts, which in turn decreases post-meal thirst and bloating.
Rinse or blanch the noodles: Since the noodles are fried, boiling them separately and rinsing them in fresh water—or blanching them a second time—can remove excess surface oil and reduce calories by approximately 30%.
Substitute volume with vegetables: Use only half a pack of noodles and fill the bowl with bean sprouts, mushrooms, or green onions. This maintains the meal's volume and increases satiety through fiber without adding heavy calories.
Incorporate lean protein: Adding eggs, tofu, or chicken breast compensates for the lack of protein in the noodles. This slows the rise of blood sugar and prevents the rapid return of hunger.
Treat it as an occasional indulgence: Rather than a dietary staple, view ramyeon as a weekly or monthly treat. Adjusting carbohydrate intake in other meals on the day you indulge can help maintain weight balance without total deprivation.
