SEOUL, June 28 -- Samyang Foods, the company behind the wildly viral Buldak spicy ramyeon, has officially joined the big leagues - crossing 10 trillion won (RM30.9 billion) in market capitalisation for the first time, powered by fiery noodles and a global cult following.

According to Yonhap, the Korean Exchange (KRX) said the stock closed Friday at 1,334,000 won a share, putting Samyang in 54th place among listed firms by market value.

That's more than double where it stood a year ago - and nearly 33 times what it was worth back in 2016, when shares traded at just 40,000 won.

What's fuelling the rocket ride? A potent mix of overseas demand, viral "fire noodle" challenges, and an appetite for pain - all of which have turned Buldak into ...