MUKBANG : A SOCIAL EATING TREND
Do you know what a Mukbang is? If you’ve only heard about the food-based video trend now, t’s you probably have a lot of questions. What is mukbang? Why do people enjoy watching Mukbang videos? Where did the trend start? Let’s find out what makes millions of people around the world tune in to mukbang videos, and why the trend shows no signs of slowing.
What is mukbang??
Mukbang is a Korean term that combines two words: "mukja" meaning "to eat" and "bang" meaning "broadcasting room." It refers to the practice of broadcasting oneself eating large quantities of food while interacting with an audience in real-time through an online streaming platform. While the practice originated in South Korea, it has now gained a global following, with people around the world tuning in to watch their favorite mukbangers.
The origin of the viral social eating trend
The mukbang trend started in South Korea in the early 2010s and quickly became popular among young adults. In South Korea, people often eat alone due to long working hours and the culture of not wanting to burden others, so mukbang provided a way for people to eat with others virtually. Mukbangers would broadcast themselves eating large quantities of food while engaging with their audience, answering questions, and often sharing stories and personal experiences. Viewers would send virtual gifts or donations to their favorite mukbangers, which became a significant source of income for some.
Types of mukbang around the world
Since the mukbang trend has been going in South Korea since the early 2010s, there are now all kinds of live eating shows available for people to watch online, including:
- ASMR mukbang (autonomous sensory meridian response), which taps into the trend of streamers recording noises and sounds that make us “feel” something as we watch – think slurps, loud chewing, crunching, and all those sounds that come hand-in-hand with enjoying a good meal.
- Storytime mukbang, where the streamer introduces a completely separate topic as they eat, telling an engaging story, from real life events to YouTube gossip, and even (controversially) true crime.
- Interviews and collaboration mukbangs, where the streamer or YouTuber invites a guest onto their channel to join in on the mukbang. Even rapper Megan Thee Stallion recorded her own mukbang for YouTube, using the trend as promo for her new hot sauce.
Why has mukbang become a global phenomenon??
Mukbang has become a global phenomenon, with mukbangers from all over the world gaining popularity. Some mukbangers focus on eating massive amounts of food, while others focus on the social aspect of the practice, sharing stories and interacting with their audience. Mukbang videos can last from a few minutes to several hours, with some videos going on for as long as eight hours.
Is mukbang dangerous??
While mukbang has gained a significant following, it has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that mukbang promotes unhealthy eating habits and glorifies overeating. Others argue that it is wasteful, as mukbangers often order more food than they can consume, leading to excess food waste. Additionally, some people argue that it is a form of fetishization and objectification of the body, particularly the female body.
Positive impacts of mukbang in our societyMukbang brings people together from around the world.Those who watch feel involved in a large social connection. They also start building connections with their favorite channels and broadcast junkies. While viewers are miles apart, tuning in forms a unique unity from the comfort of personal social media accounts.Besides,it make a new way of earning for many people which is making them self dependent and financially stable.It also helps people enjoy attractive food they can't eat at that moment.So ,mukbang has some positive impacts on our society.

In conclusion, mukbang is a cultural phenomenon that originated in South Korea and has now gained global popularity. It has both positive and negative aspects, and it is up to individuals to decide whether or not they want to participate in the trend. While it is important to be mindful of the potential negative effects of mukbang, it can also be a way for people to connect and share experiences with others.
Happy reading to all of you.Give your precious comment below.😊😊😊. References:
mukbang Meaning | Pop Culture by Dictionary.com
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