Learning Journal #4 (105)

[Timaj Yusuf]

One of the most interesting presentations was Korean Muk-bang. I've always heard about this phenomenon, but found it entertaining yet interesting that it's such a prominent aspect of Korean culture. It was pointed out that one of the reasons it's so popular is because a lot of young Korean people are single and feel as though they are having a meal with the person they are watching, which I began to reflect upon. There are a wide variety of people who participate in Muk-bang ranging from really thin to chubbier men and women. Since Korea is a country so focused on appearance, it makes me wonder if the appearance of the person doing Muk-bang makes a difference in its popularity, or if it's solely based on the entertainment aspect (or maybe both?).