Mukbang

A mukbang (UK: MUK-bang, US: MUK-bahng; Korean: 먹방; pronounced [mʌk̚p͈aŋ] ; lit. 'eating broadcast') is an online broadcast in which a host consumes food (from popular fast-food restaurants or home-prepared dishes) while interacting with the audience or providing commentary. The genre became popular in South Korea in the early 2010s, and has become a global trend since the mid-2010s. Varieties of foods ranging from pizza to noodles are consumed in front of a camera. The purpose of mukbang is also sometimes educational, introducing viewers to regional specialties or gourmet spots. A mukbang may be either prerecorded or streamed live through a webcast on multiple streaming platforms such as Soop (formerly AfreecaTV), YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch. In live sessions, the mukbang host chats with audiences, who type in real time in the live chat room. Eating shows are expanding their influence on internet broadcasting platforms and serve as virtual communities and as venues for active communication among internet users. Mukbangers from many different countries have gained considerable popularity on numerous social websites and have established the mukbang as a viable alternative career path with a potential to earn a high income for young South Koreans. By cooking and eating food on camera for a large audience, mukbangers generate income from advertising, sponsorships, endorsements, as well as viewer support. However, there has been growing criticism of mukbang's promotion of unhealthy eating habits, particularly eating disorders, animal cruelty and food waste. As mukbang has become more popular, dietitians have expressed concern about this trend and have proposed restrictions on food-related content on social media.