"Annoying? But It Makes Me Smile!"…GS25's Viral 'Merong Bar', an Honest Review of its Unlikely Charm
Have you all seen the green 'tongue-sticker' (낼름이) that's been taking over SNS feeds lately? Whenever you click on 'What on earth is that?!', #MerongBar inevitably appears. From its name to its playful appearance, honestly, at first, I just chuckled and dismissed it as 'some new toy for kids these days'.
However, seeing continuous reviews like 'SNS craze item' and 'annoying but can't stop looking' filling my feed, even my curiosity – having explored all sorts of 'novelties' for over a decade – couldn't resist. I found myself heading to the nearest GS25 as if possessed. Can this 'annoying' ice cream truly win over our hearts?
First Impression: Like Melona, but Not Quite You
I met the 'Merong Bar' for less than the price of a cup of coffee, at 1,500 KRW. The moment I peeled off the wrapper, its all-too-familiar appearance made me burst into laughter. It's unmistakably green, much like a 'Melona'. But upon closer inspection, its vivid fluorescent hue and subtly translucent texture seemed to declare, "I am no ordinary ice cream!"
What was most welcoming was its kind 64kcal calorie count. It offered peace of mind, being light enough to enjoy as a late-night dessert. But the true charm of the Merong Bar is just beginning.
The Art of Waiting: 15 Minutes for the Perfect 'Merong'
The secret to enjoying the Merong Bar to its fullest is 'waiting'. If you take a bite when it's still rock-hard, you might be disappointed with a generic apple-flavored sorbet. This fellow's true magic is revealed when you let it slowly melt at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
As time passes, the ice crystals on its surface melt away, transforming it into a transparent treat. It starts to soften and become flexible from both ends of the stick. This is the golden moment for 'Merong Time'! Just a slight wiggle of the stick and it playfully pokes out its tongue in a way that's utterly absurd, yet irresistibly amusing, making you laugh involuntarily.
🚨 Tip: Be careful, as you might get green 'tears' (melted ice cream) on your hands if you're not! The perfect 'merong timing' is when the tip slightly droops downwards when held sideways.
Why 'Annoying' Things Attract, the Inner Child's Delight
Honestly, I confess that seeing myself giggling while wiggling an ice cream stick felt a bit 'cringe' (현타). But on reflection, I wondered if this isn't the 'small comfort' we need in today's tough world. It's that little bit of sloppiness discovered amidst the pressure to be perfect and serious, the B-grade humor that defies expectation. The phrase 'kingbatneunda' (annoying but endearing) actually hides affection like 'it's absurd but cute' or 'it's childish but I'm drawn to it'. Sometimes, just such an 'annoying' item can bring the biggest laughs to an otherwise rigid day.
Taste Review: A Reversal of Charm That Evokes Memories
What about the most important aspect, the taste? The moment I took a bite, it was as if I'd ridden a time machine. The sweet, crisp apple flavor of fruit jelly I used to enjoy at my grandmother's house during childhood holidays filled my mouth. It's a familiar taste that evokes nods of agreement with reviews calling it 'Picnic Apple flavor', and all the more welcome for its familiarity.
Its texture is, in a word, a 'fresh shock'. The unique mouthfeel, oscillating between crunchy slush and chewy jelly, adds to the joy of eating. The fact that it's 'not domestically produced' remains the only slight regret, but you'll find yourself finishing one in an instant, starting for fun and falling for the taste.
Conclusion: A Cheerful Experience for 1,500 KRW
The GS25 Merong Bar was not just a simple ice cream. It was a delightful 'experience' for 1,500 KRW, momentarily transporting me back to childhood, relieving stress with the excitement of anticipation, the humor of its unexpected appearance, and its welcome, nostalgic taste.
Why not fill your day with a small dose of happiness with a 'Merong Bar', a cheerful toy for us 'adults'? If you have any fun tips for enjoying the 'Merong Bar' that you've discovered, please share them in the comments!
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