‘Mukbang’ TikTok Star

A Turkish content creator, known for his Mukbang videos where he consumed large quantities of food on camera, has tragically passed away. He had amassed over 180,000 followers by eating for entertainment, but his health severely declined in December due to obesity-related issues. He became bedridden, reliant on a breathing machine, and faced breathing difficulties before his death on March 7. His passing has raised concerns about the health risks associated with the Mukbang trend.

Mukbang, which originated in South Korea in the 2010s, involves creators eating massive portions of food while engaging with their audience. Some popular figures, like South Korean creator Dona and Ukrainian-American Nikocado Avocado, have garnered billions of views and significant earnings. However, the community has faced tragedies linked to overeating, including the death of Filipino Mukbang star Dongz Apatan, who suffered a stroke followed by a heart attack. These incidents highlight the potential dangers of excessive food consumption in pursuit of online fame.