A mukbang (먹방), also translated into an eating show/ eating broadcast in English, is an internet-based audio and visual broadcast where a host consumes a variety of food items while engaging with viewers. The term "mukbang" is a combination of two Korean words: "muk" (먹), meaning "to eat," and "bang" (방), meaning "room" or "broadcast." In essence, mukbang involves hosts broadcasting themselves consuming large amounts of food while engaging with their viewers through live streaming platforms. Mukbang originated in South Korea in the early 2010s, and it quickly gained worldwide popularity by the late 2010s worldwide. Mukbang first got introduced on South Korea’s TV service, AfreecaTV in 2009. It has now become a trend in cable channels, along with social media platforms. Early mukbang videos often featured individuals showcasing their ability to eat large portions of food, ranging from traditional Korean dishes to fast food and exotic cuisines. As viewers tuned in to watch these eating broadcasts, the trend quickly spread across social media platforms like YouTube and Twitch, garnering millions of views and followers.In addition to entertainment, mukbang content sometimes serves an educational purpose, showcasing regional delicacies or highlighting gourmet dining experiences to the audience.
Although mukbangs have gotten popular worldwide, mukbangs have faced criticism about its potential promotion of unhealthy eating habits and food waste. The content's nature can potentially exacerbate disordered eating behaviors in vulnerable individuals. Additionally, mukbang creators themselves face numerous health risks as well. There have been instances of Korean mukbang youtubers that got canceled for faking their content. The most well-known incident was when a popular youtuber, Eat with Boki’s Moon Book he, got exposed for editing her videos to cut the moments where she spits out her food after chewing. She reportedly used a secret signal to make editing clips easier for herself where she subtly held up a finger to indicate a stopping point for the transition. Before this incident, she had about four million subscribers in a little over a year and this incident, along with accepting under the table food sponsorship deals has gotten her canceled from the mukbang scene.
Viewers find mukbang appealing because of the visual spectacle of watching someone consume vast quantities of food but also in the sense of connection it fosters among viewers. Mukbang hosts often interact with their audience in real-time, responding to comments, answering questions, and even taking food requests. This interactive element creates a sense of intimacy and community, as viewers feel like they're sharing a meal with a friend or loved one, despite being miles apart. As mukbang gained traction globally, it evolved beyond mere eating broadcasts to encompass various themes and formats. Some mukbang creators focus on ASMR elements, which stands for autonomous sensory meridian response, enhancing the auditory experience with sounds of chewing and slurping, while others incorporate storytelling, cooking tutorials, or food challenges into their videos. Mukbang has become not just a form of entertainment but also a platform for exploring cultural cuisines, culinary trends, and personal narratives. In conclusion, Korea's mukbang phenomenon exemplifies the intersection of entertainment, cultural exploration, and digital connectivity through shared experiences of food consumption.
Comments
That is actually so cool on how the trend of Mukbangs started. I did not know that this concept originated from South Korea so that was nice to know. It was also interesting to learn about the Eat with Boki’s Moon Book he incident.
It was really interesting to read about the trend of Mukbangs. I didn't know about the word origins, nor its history and rise to popularity. I do see Mukbangs everywhere these days, it was very informative to read about where they've come from
As a fan of mukbang, I think it is quite impressive to see a term that started on social media platforms in Korea and ended up being a worldwide type of show or broadcast. Even though there are some people who deceives their viewers, I think Mukbang brings a positivie influence of introducing new food and culture to the entire world.