1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
The newly coined term, 'MukBang', is a combination of the Korean verb 'mukda', (meaning 'to eat'), and 'bangsong' (meaning 'on air'). In the past year, there has been an increase of virtual broadcasting channels in Korea where viewers can watch another person eat on a live stream. Live broadcasts last from one to six hours. Each broadcast features someone enjoying a massive amount of food in front of the camera (enough to feed 810 people). During the "meal", he/she describes each food in detail, from taste, to texture and smell. 'MukBang' is a form of entertainment for many, digital companionship for some, and also a subcultural sexual fetish for others.
For Broadcasting Channel- Mukbang I set up my own 'MukBang' and provided a live online stream to the gallery. Visitors were invited to interact with my character via Skype. My character wore a traditional Korean gown, and had her hair braided into a 5 foot long Daeng'gi braid. Throughout the broadcast, visitors watched me eat in the style of 'MukBang'. Visitors were welcome to chat, eat, ask questions, and etc. during the 'MukBang' stream. Each performance, or "Broadcast", lasted 1-2 hours.
The following images are stills from the Skype Mukbang Broadcast.