This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Abroad from the KU Center for East Asian Studies.

Do you mukbang? That’s Korean for “broadcast eating,” and it’s the latest trend in a country that practically invented trends. Millions of viewers tune in nightly to watch someone eat. The popularity of gastronomic voyeurism is linked to three things: the rise in number of single households, the shame of eating alone in Korean culture, and the fact that South Korea is the most wired country on the planet. Also known as “food porn,” mukbang is live-streamed and can be picked up even on the subway here in Seoul. The most popular food porn star of the moment is the Diva, a tiny ex-real estate consultant who puts away vast quantities of food during her show, all the while chatting with her viewers and making them feel as if they have joined her for a convivial meal. She recently quit her day job, and now lives off the money she makes from viewer donations. Clearly this woman is a glutton – for nourishment.

With thanks to Paula Lee for this text from the KU Center for “Eat” Asian Studies, this is Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.