Actress Son Ye-jin's short mukbang video has ignited an unexpected debate over dining etiquette. Reactions have varied, with some praising her natural and friendly demeanor while others expressed discomfort over the sounds made while eating, leading to a heated discussion online.
On September 30, Son Ye-jin shared a video on her social media, stating, "Finally ate. It's delicious," while enjoying cheese sticks.
In the video, Son takes a bite of the cheese stick, pulling the stretchy cheese into her mouth, showcasing a more casual side compared to her usual polished appearances at events. This relatable moment captured the attention of her fans.
Initially, the response was largely positive, with many netizens commenting, "She looks cute while eating," and "It's friendly and nice to see," while some expressed interest in the food she was eating. The video, which featured no elaborate production or special content, garnered significant attention, amassing over 8,500 comments as of October 19.
However, as the video circulated through online communities, an unexpected controversy arose. Some users criticized the sounds made while Son was chewing, known as 'jjeop-jjeop' sounds. They argued that enjoying food and making noise while eating are separate issues, suggesting that even beloved celebrities can face scrutiny over dining etiquette.
Negative comments emerged online, with remarks like "Jjeop-jjeop is unacceptable" and "It's really distracting," indicating that some viewers found the sounds uncomfortable, even in a short video.
Conversely, many defended Son Ye-jin, arguing that criticizing her for simply eating normally is excessive. They contended that it is unreasonable to label her as lacking dining etiquette based solely on the sounds made while eating. Given that the video was a casual glimpse into her life shared on personal social media, they suggested that overly strict standards should not apply.
Positive reactions continued, with fans appreciating Son's unpretentious demeanor. They felt a sense of familiarity seeing the actress, known for her elegant and refined image, comfortably enjoying her food.
The debate has extended beyond South Korea, reaching Japanese online platforms. Some Japanese users shared Son Ye-jin's mukbang video, discussing the sounds made while eating and dining etiquette. This led to broader discussions about Korean dining culture, with some questioning how acceptable it is to make noise while eating in South Korea. However, others argued that judging an entire culture based on a short video of a specific celebrity is inappropriate.
Among South Korean netizens, opinions on the international reactions were mixed. While criticism of dining etiquette is valid, many pointed out that linking an individual's behavior to the culture of an entire nation is an overgeneralization.
On the other hand, some acknowledged that regardless of nationality or celebrity status, there will always be differing opinions on the sounds made while eating.
This controversy has sparked a broader conversation about how much dining etiquette should be observed in everyday life. Those who find eating sounds uncomfortable argue that being considerate of dining companions is a basic courtesy. Conversely, others contend that being overly conscious of sounds can make natural eating feel burdensome.
The perception of eating sounds can vary based on individual sensitivity and the dining environment. Additionally, it is important to distinguish between the context of dining with others and watching a video on social media, as the recording environment and microphone placement can amplify sounds.
Ultimately, while some viewers perceive the video as a charming and relatable moment, others focus on the uncomfortable eating sounds, highlighting the divide in opinions.
Concerns have also been raised about the scrutiny faced by celebrities for their everyday actions online. Some view the backlash over natural behaviors as excessive censorship. Conversely, others argue that publicly shared social media content invites both positive and negative feedback.
Son Ye-jin's cheese stick mukbang was an unintentional glimpse into her daily life, but differing standards regarding eating sounds have led to an unexpected debate. As opinions diverge between 'enjoying food' and 'observing dining etiquette,' this short mukbang video has generated considerable discussion online.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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