By Ayesha Begum, Senior Editor
Being seen as a form of sexual content by some, and only found on the ‘dark side’ of YouTube, the recent exponential growth in popularity of mukbangs can be defined by the many ‘commentary’ channels and the monopolisation of the concept by big names such as Vogue. This boom has also led to the evolution of ASMR in its food and non-food form.
Being seen as a form of sexual content by some, and only found on the ‘dark side’ of YouTube, the recent exponential growth in popularity of mukbangs can be defined by the many ‘commentary’ channels and the monopolisation of the concept by big names such as Vogue. This boom has also led to the evolution of ASMR in its food and non-food form.
Mukbangs are often described as ‘eating shows’, where an individual consumes large quantities of food in front of a camera while making conversation as though the viewer is in the room with them. This footage is then uploaded onto their preferred platform, with YouTube being the most prominent host.
This style of video originated in South Korea in 2010. Yet many still remain in the dark as to why such content even exists. In South Korea, there is a large emphasis upon family and eating with other people. With the current workaholic attitude that many Koreans possess, they often find themselves, un-enjoyably, eating by themselves - mukbangs were brought about to defeat this loneliness as ‘mukbangers’ ate large quantities of food while talking to the audience and making conversation, usually done through live streams rather than pre-recorded videos.
Looking to watch some mukbangers? Here’s my personal favourites (not in a specific order):
KEEMI
Simply SSOL
Julie
It’s So Good
[Dorothy]도로시
Since I watch videos more for the talking and the homely vibe, rather than the look of the food, be aware that some of the videos may not be of the best quality, in terms of presentation. Despite this, as a mukbang ‘veteran’ who has been watching these videos since 2016, I feel as though I am experienced enough to offer an opinion regardless.
However, these videos are now seen more as forms of comic relief, and its competitive market has created it into a sport-like activity; either that or there are millions of individuals that live vicariously through these mukbangers eating copious amounts of cheese adorned fast food items.
But, perhaps, breaking the stereotypes of concepts once considered ‘weird’ but now admired by many, is just one small step towards achieving a non-judgemental society.
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