In the age of short videos and algorithm-driven content, millions of TikTok users eagerly watch people consume massive amounts of food on camera. This format, known as “mukbang” — from the Korean words “muk-da” (to eat) and “bang song” (broadcast) — might seem like harmless entertainment, but behind the screen lies a troubling trend that has already cost lives and seriously harmed the health of many content creators.
Fast Food on Screen: A Viral Threat
Mukbang began gaining traction in the 2000s in South Korea, when a gamer on the streaming platform AfreecaTV decided to eat a bowl of noodles during a live stream. Viewers loved it, and what started as a spontaneous act soon turned into a global phenomenon. The concept is simple: a person eats in front of a camera while others watch — sometimes for pleasure, sometimes for a sense of connection, and sometimes out of morbid curiosity.
Over time, the genre evolved into more extreme forms: consuming dangerously spicy dishes, bizarre and revolting food combinations, or enormous portions meant for an entire group. The more extreme, the more viral — and that’s exactly what makes mukbang so dangerous.
According to Der Spiegel, one of the most prominent figures in the mukbang world was 24-year-old Turkish TikToker Efecan Kültür. He uploaded videos almost daily, devouring colossal quantities of food on camera. Recently, Turkish media reported that he died from complications related to obesity. Before his death, he had spent a long time in the hospital. His story is far from unique. Around the world, there have been numerous cases of content creators suffering serious health issues due to similar eating stunts — including hospitalizations and even fatalities.
Is TikTok Failing to Respond?
Platforms like TikTok officially have “community guidelines” and policies meant to restrict harmful content, including age-based warnings. But in practice, these measures are often ineffective. As Professor Christina Holzapfel, a nutrition expert from the Technical University of Munich, told Der Spiegel, “Social media has become a platform where people seek and share information — but that information is not always based on science.”
She warns of the dangers that arise when “anyone can call themselves an expert.” This leads to the spread of unchecked, and often dangerous, advice. “Yes, there are plenty of good recipes, cooking videos, and a wide range of dietary approaches online. But the problem is that behind the appealing visuals, harmful messages often lurk,” Holzapfel notes.
Why Do People Imitate It?
Experts stress that the likelihood of imitation is extremely high. “The problem is that many of these videos are partially faked, which creates the illusion that this behavior is normal,” says Harald Seitz from the Federal Center for Nutrition in Germany. “No ordinary person can physically eat these portions. The body simply cannot handle it — the stomach eventually reaches its limit.”
According to professionals, education is more effective than prohibition. “The threat isn’t the videos themselves, but the way people interpret them — as a guide for how they should act,” Holzapfel emphasizes. Rather than wagging a finger, she advocates for realistic and honest discussion about the risks: “Yes, this can be funny and entertaining, but don’t let it mislead you. It’s a show — not real life.”
What Comes Next?
With TikTok and other video platforms continuing to grow in popularity, mukbang content is only becoming more widespread. But beneath the glossy surface lies an industry that preys on human vulnerabilities — especially those of teenagers and young adults. The pursuit of hype, likes, and virality can literally kill — as in the tragic case of Efecan Kültür.
As long as platforms are unwilling to take real responsibility and regulation remains minimal, there’s only one real line of defense: awareness. It’s essential to keep repeating the message — eating isn’t a competition, and your health is more important than your popularity.
This article was prepared based on materials published by Der Spiegel. The author does not claim authorship of the original text but presents their interpretation of the content for informational purposes.
The original article can be found at the following link: Der Spiegel.
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