The term “mukbang” translates to “eating broadcast” and is popular in South Korea.
It started with people streaming online footage that show them eating large quantities of food as they chat with viewers.
The phenomenon led to the production of the Korean drama “Let’s Eat”, which aired on CJ E&M’s Korean general entertainment channel tvN from November 2013 to March 2014, starring K-pop boy band BEAST leader Doojoon.
With the show becoming a success, tvN decided to air another season of the drama starting April 6 this year.
In an exclusive interview with Bulletin Entertainment, Doojoon talked about reprising his role of Gu Dae-young, an insurance planner cum food blogger who recently moved to a town called Jochiwon where many government officials reside.
“Although I was a bit concerned whether I could do it better the second time, naturally I accepted the offer and joined the team. Playing the character of Gu Dae-young is a big learning experience for me. It’s a gift and an honor as well,”he said.
He described his character as someone who “loves to eat with friends and has his own philosophy about food.” He added, “He’s bold with trying out different kinds of dishes. He doesn’t even mind getting a stomachache. His new neighbor is his elementary schoolmate, Baek Su-ji. There are a few more new characters in season 2, and Gu is in the center of their complicated relationships.”
Doojoon loves to eat as well and is not picky when it comes to food.
“I don’t stress myself out over losing weight or slimming down,” he said. “I eat ‘till I’m full. I guess it’s because I’m conscious of the fact that I need a lot of energy to perform my best on stage.”
When asked to give his top five personal food favorites, he named bulgogi, sundae soup (which includes pig’s intestines stuffed with various ingredients), noodle with anchovy broth, kimchi jeon (Korean style pancake) and galbi tang (soup).
Asked to recommend a Korean dish to BEAST’s international fans, Doojoon shared that it would be jjimdak or steamed chicken.
“I was told that chicken dishes are also popular in the Philippines. Jjimdak is made with chicken, various vegetables marinated in soybean sauce. It’s simple and tasty. Lots of people will love it, I think,” he said.
As he and BEAST continue with their various activities, Doojoon is thankful for the support of his Filipino fans.
“I’d like to thank all of you in the Philippines for supporting me and BEAST,” he said. “That’s what keeps us going and makes us work harder. I’m thrilled to hear that fans outside Korea are also enjoying ‘Let’s Eat.’ Thank you for your continued support for Gu Dae-young and the show, and I’m looking forward to the day that we meet in the Philippines. Love you all!”