Mukbang - You Know You Wanna Watch

It's no secret I love to eat, or that I sometimes eat a meal more suited for a family of four, getting ready to plow their fields by hand and tend to their livestock. I once ate a burger called "The Farm," so maybe in some small way I'm supporting that family with my gluttony. I've had several meal companions tell me that they love to eat with me, because then they don't feel badly about themselves. I'm here to help. Where am I going with this? A few months ago, a good friend of mine posted to Facebook that she had found a way for me to make a lot of money. With this post, she attached a link to the Wikipedia on Mukbang. You're all capable of researching it yourself, but briefly, a Mukbang is a Korean eating show, posted to the internet. Viewers typically eat while watching the video so they feel like they are having a meal with someone, and yes, the people eating typically eat a lot of food, and some get paid (think YouTube).

I will confess, I had already heard of Mukbang, but had never taken the time to watch a video, until my friend planted the seed. I tried watching some videos on AfreecaTV, which is the primary site for these, but sadly I don't speak Korean, so even thought the food looked good, I didn't really understand why I would want to watch an hour long video. I took to YouTube, and of course, because this is America, we have already started trying to copy this strange phenomenon.

I must warn you that this is not for everyone, and if you already are turning your nose up at the idea of watching some 20-something-year-old talk and eat for an hour, then you should read one of my other posts, or go elsewhere. Come back later.

My favorite, and most authentic, Mukbang star on YouTube is Keemi. She was born in South Korea, but wanted to bring Mukbang to the English speaking community. You also get to watch her cook before she eats, so I love that there is a pseudo cooking show element to her videos. If you're interested, watch below. There is a whole series of videos using Sriracha. Yum!

These video will get progressively worse. There is still time to quit reading/watching.

Next up, we have YouTube star Trisha Paytas. Trisha has 2.7 million subscribers, so you can judge all you want, but she's laughing her way to the bank. I appreciate watching Trisha eat, because it doesn't feel like a lie. She self-identifies as "thick" and even has a song by the same name. Trisha taught me about the joy of Postmates, which I can only indulge in from work, because I don't live in a major city. She is non-traditional in the sense that she's white and doesn't finish her food. If you enjoy listening to the fast-talking ramblings of a former stripper while she licks her fingers, then Trisha is for you.

Lastly, I'd like to share with you my favorite YouTuber. I confessed this to someone the other day, and they looked at me sideways, and said "isn't he really raunchy?" and I said, "Yes, he is, and I love it!"

Warning: The video below is inappropriate for all ages. If you are sensitive in anyway, are adverse to loud noises, have a strong gag-reflex, or have recently been diagnosed as not having a sense-of-humor, then this video is not for you.

Shane has been on YouTube forever, and has gone through multiple recreations of himself throughout. At 9.3 million subscribers, I'm not the only one that loves him. He makes me laugh, and his eating videos, although not at all a proper Mukbang, are weird, offensive, and occasionally genius. He's my favorite trashcan. The video below was sponsored by Jack In The Box, the fast food burger I turn to when I've given up on life that day. Nothing beats a Bacon Ultimate Cheeseburger with curly fries and a side of ranch. Oh, and a diet coke, because I'm watching my weight.

As the YouTubers say, If you liked this post please let me know, subscribe, like below, and please let me know what you want me to write about next. Byyyeeee!!!