Mukbang, a South Korean phenomenon, is now well-known worldwide. The word “mukbang” is derived from the Korean words “mukja,” which means “to eat,” and “bangsong,” which means “broadcast.” It is, in essence, a live stream video of someone eating a lot of food and interacting with their online audience. This trend has a sizable following, with millions tuning in to watch others eat everything from burgers and pizza to seafood and spicy dishes. 

Mukbang arose from the Korean tradition of sharing meals with friends and family, as well as the rise of social media. However, the reasons why people are drawn to mukbang videos are debatable. One of the main reasons for mukbang’s popularity is the comfort it provides to lonely or isolated people.  In many cases, watching someone eat can provide a sense of companionship. As social media has become more integrated into people’s daily lives, and mukbang has provided people with a sense of virtual connectivity, feelings of loneliness have become more prevalent.  

Watching mukbang videos can also be a stress reliever for some people. Because the videos are frequently shot in a relaxed setting, viewers can watch someone enjoy their food without feeling pressured to cook or clean up after themselves. This allows the audience to disconnect from their hectic lives and concentrate on something more passive and soothing. Another factor to consider is mukbang’s entertainment value. Many people find it fascinating and even humorous to watch someone consume a massive amount of food. Seeing someone eat larger portions of foods they normally wouldn’t consume in a single sitting is an intriguing and entertaining spectacle.  

The accessibility that mukbang “provides to those with eating disorders is among its most significant features. People who previously avoided food can now watch others eat without getting upset. Additionally, it can help people feel more normal and less isolated in their struggles. Additionally, mukbang videos now have a social component. Through their shared interest in watching mukbang’s, viewers are now able to interact with one another, giving the trend a sense of community.   

Mukbang has benefits, but there are also drawbacks to the fashion. The potential promotion of unhealthy eating practices is one of the main criticisms of mukbang’s. It normalizes excessive eating habits to see someone consume a lot of food, especially unhealthy food. Another thing to think about is the possibility of exploitation, as some mukbang streamers might feel pressured to consume more food than they can physically handle to appease their audience. In turn, this may result in health issues like weight gain, digestive issues, or even eating disorders. Streamers must establish personal boundaries in order to protect themselves from potential harm.  

 Mukbang may appear to be an odd trend, but it has given its viewers a new sense of entertainment and community. It’s important to keep in mind that there may be drawbacks to this phenomenon. The effects of excessive eating on one’s health as well as the normalization of unhealthy eating practices should be understood by streamers and viewers. In light of this, mukbang’s can be a fun experience and a special means of socializing through food.