Why young Koreans are meeting strangers to eat French fries
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A new meetup trend is spreading among young Koreans and it revolves around one thing: French fries.
The gatherings have emerged as the latest social fad, following the brief popularity of “cops and robbers” meetups inspired by the childhood playground game. This time, people of all ages and backgrounds are coming together for a shared love of French fries.
In online communities, invitation posts for meetups centered on eating fries are on the rise. On Karrot, a local marketplace and community app, 99 French fry meetup groups have been created, including 11 in Seoul alone.
A “fry club” in Mapo District attracted 731 members within just two weeks of its launch, while a Gangnam-based group dedicated to McDonald's fries drew 491 members.
Online French fry meetup posts / Captured from Karrot and X
While the trend is largely benign, health experts urge moderation. Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber, but that nutritional value diminishes once they are deep-fried, heavily salted and paired with ketchup.
High-heat frying and chemical risks
When carbohydrate-rich, low-protein plant foods such as potatoes or grains are cooked at temperatures above 120 degrees Celsius, a chemical called acrylamide forms. Research has linked acrylamide exposure to nerve-cell damage and inflammation.
Long-term dietary exposure — including from frequent consumption of French fries — has been associated with higher risks of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Pregnant women face additional concerns, as acrylamide readily crosses the placenta and may affect fetal development.
Blood sugar regulation is another issue. A study published in The British Medical Journal found that French fries increased the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while other preparations like baked, boiled or mashed potatoes did not show the same association.
Frequency matters
Frequent consumption of fries is also linked to obesity, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease — outcomes that collectively raise the risk of premature death. According to research in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who consumed fried potatoes two to three times a week faced a higher risk of early mortality than those who ate potatoes prepared in other ways.
For those unwilling to cut fries out entirely, moderation and substitution can help. One option is to bake or air fry potatoes and then lightly pan fry them with minimal oil to approximate the flavor and texture of deep frying.
Beyond health considerations, the rise of anonymous, interest-based offline meetups such as fry groups and other novelty gatherings warrants caution.
With participants spanning a wide age range, experts warn that such meetups can drift from their original intent and expose attendees to safety risks. As these casual communities proliferate, personal vigilance remains essential.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.