The phenomena known as mukbang, has dominated the YouTube community in recent years. But have they started to take over the host’s body too?
So, what is a mukbang?
Originating from South Korea, the word mukbang is a combination of Korean words “muk-ja” meaning “let’s eat” and “bang-song”, standing for broadcast. In front of a camera broadcast to an audience, a host will eat ample amounts of food. Mukbang initially began airing on AfreecaTV, a South Korean-based live-streaming service. Today, the world of mukbangs is not unheard of. In fact, many take pleasure in viewing these videos and the ASMR that comes along with it.
ASMR, an “autonomous sensory meridian response”, triggered by particular sounds, help people experience a certain pleasurable sensations. Sounds like slurping, crunching and chewing reel many fans into the mukbang community.
Streaming and extreme eating in front of an audience, where social interaction can occur can give the host company. Canadian blogger Simon Stawski, who became known for doing mukbangs in 2014, told Today Food:
“In Korea, it’s not common for people to go out to eat by themselves. Dining is a social activity, and you don’t sit and eat alone. For those that can’t eat with others, they’ll more likely stay home to eat alone, but they’ll still have the urge to socialise while eating, which is what I think mukbangers replicate.”
It wasn’t until 2015, when Fine Brothers Entertainment uploaded their video titled YouTubers Reacting to Mukbang that gave mukbang international recognition.
However, American and Korean mukbang differ. As both involve people eating in front of a camera, most American mukbangers like to talk while they eat, something Korean hosts mostly do not do. Furthermore, Korean eating shows are usually streamed live during dinner hours so viewers can eat alongside their favourite online personalities.
Kim Thai, a 25-year-old YouTuber part of the mukbang community, quit her social-media job to focus on YouTube full-time. According to Business Insider, within eight months of her Eat with Kim channel launch, Thai had made a six-figure salary from ads and sponsorships.
Despite attracting millions of views and earning a lot more than you’d expect, there are behind-the-scenes detrimental health effects of filming these videos.
It takes common sense for one to know that eating fast food and large quantities of food is not good for your body. Mukbangers pride themselves on how much they can consume in these sittings.
Nicholas Perry, an American online personality who goes by Nikocado Avocado, said to Mens Health:
“It’s very powerful to have millions of people following your every move to the point where they want to know what you’re doing.”
Adding on, Perry said weight gain and frequent diarrhoea adds on to the list of cons, where:
“I can’t fall asleep because I feel like my digestive tract is on fire. And then I’m running to the bathroom. I’m sitting on the toilet crying.”
However, he said he wasn’t worried about his health, because outside of filming, he eats plenty of greens.
Eating in front of a camera doesn’t sound difficult, but the after effects are unpredictable. After all, mukbang, ASMR and the enjoyment that comes with it are subjective.
Subscribe to FIB’s Weekly Alchemy Report for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!
