Mukbang

Mukbang

• Mukbang (Korean: 먹방; meokbang), also known as eating broadcast or eating show, is a popular online content genre originating from South Korea. It features individuals, often referred to as "mukbangers," who livestream or record themselves consuming large quantities of food while interacting with their viewers. Mukbang has gained widespread attention and has attracted a global audience, with many non-Korean creators adopting the format. This phenomenon has raised concerns about the promotion of unhealthy eating habits and the potential consequences for both the creators and the viewers.

A mukbang creator eating a large amount of food during a livestream

Etymology

• The term "mukbang" is a portmanteau of the Korean words "meokneun" (먹는), meaning "eating," and "bangsong" (방송), meaning "broadcast." Together, they form the term "eating broadcast."

History

• Mukbang first emerged in South Korea around 2010, gaining popularity on the Korean online streaming platform AfreecaTV. The live streaming format allowed mukbangers to interact with their viewers in real-time through chat, and many viewers found comfort and entertainment in watching others eat. Over time, the genre expanded to other platforms, such as YouTube, and attracted a global audience.

Format and Types

• Mukbang content varies in style, but typically consists of individuals consuming large quantities of food, often indulgent or high-calorie meals, while talking to their audience. Some creators choose to focus on specific types of food, such as Korean cuisine or fast food, while others may center their content around food challenges or themed meals.
• There are two primary formats of mukbang:
• Live streaming: Mukbangers stream their eating sessions in real-time, engaging with their audience through chat and answering questions.
• Pre-recorded: Mukbangers record their eating sessions and upload them to platforms like YouTube, often including editing and post-production enhancements.

Popularity and Influence

• Mukbang has attracted millions of viewers worldwide, with some mukbangers gaining celebrity status and earning significant income through advertising, sponsorships, and viewer donations. The genre's success has been attributed to several factors, such as:
• Social aspect: Mukbang allows viewers to feel as if they are sharing a meal with someone, combating feelings of loneliness or boredom.
• Vicarious satisfaction: Viewers may derive satisfaction from watching others indulge in large amounts of food without experiencing the consequences themselves.
• ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response): Some viewers find the sounds of eating and food preparation to be relaxing or pleasurable.
• Mukbang has influenced the food and restaurant industries, with some businesses creating mukbang-friendly menus or partnering with popular creators for promotional purposes.

Criticisms and Controversies

• Mukbang has faced criticism for promoting unhealthy eating habits and glorifying excessive food consumption. Some argue that it may contribute to disordered eating or influence viewers to engage in binge-eating behaviors. Additionally, there have been concerns about the health of mukbangers who regularly consume large quantities of high-calorie food.

See also

Competitive eating Food and drink ASMR Social eating

External Links

• AfreecaTV - Korean online streaming platform where mukbang first gained popularity
• YouTube - Mukbang content on YouTube

In summary, a mukbang or meokbang, also known as an eating show, is an online audiovisual broadcast in which a host consumes various quantities of food while interacting with the audience. It became popular in South Korea in 2010, and since then has become a global trend. Varieties of foods ranging from pizza to noodles are consumed in front of a camera.

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