"Chairman Shin Kyuk-ho Funeral Hall Shin Kyuk-ho Literary Youth"
Controversy over YouTube 'Mukbang' at the late Chairman Shin Kyuk-ho's funeral hall
Netizens criticize "No manners," "Mukbang at a funeral"
Actor Kim Hak-cheol is performing a YouTube "mukbang" at the late Chairman Shin Kyuk-ho's funeral hall. Photo by Kim Hak-cheol, captured from his YouTube channel video.
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Actor Kim Hak-cheol is causing controversy by showcasing a YouTube 'mukbang' at the funeral hall of the late Chairman Shin Kyuk-ho. Previously, a netizen also caused a stir by filming a video at a funeral. Netizens who saw this mostly expressed that they could not understand it and criticized the behavior.
Experts pointed out that this is a social phenomenon arising from competition in YouTube videos and other content, explaining that this is why increasingly sensational content is being produced.
On the 21st, a video titled '#ShinKyukHoChairmanFuneralHall #Lotte #ShinKyukHoLiteraryYouth' was uploaded on Kim Hak-cheol's personal YouTube channel 'Kim Hak-cheol TV'.
In the video, Kim Hak-cheol stated, "A giant in the business world and the most literary CEO in South Korea has passed away. I have come to pay my respects on behalf of the entertainment industry and Kim Hak-cheol TV."
He continued, "Everyone, please commemorate the deceased, trace the footsteps of this giant, participate, comfort the bereaved family, and let us all strive together for the development of South Korea's economy."
Netizens who saw this expressed discomfort. One netizen criticized, "YouTube mukbang at a funeral? I really can't understand it."
Another netizen pointed out, "This seems to violate funeral etiquette. I hope the video is deleted and an apology is made."
There have been previous controversies involving filming YouTube videos at funeral halls.
On November 18th last year, a story was posted on an online community about a YouTuber who was kicked out after filming a video at his grandfather's funeral.
According to the writer's account, grandson A, who attended his grandfather's funeral, turned on the camera to capture the atmosphere of the funeral hall. He filmed not only the guests paying their respects but also what food was served at the funeral hall in a vlog format.
Grandson A's uncle was outraged by his actions and threw the camera. A explained that he had no intention of uploading the video anywhere but said he was verbally abused by his uncle.
He said he did not know if he had acted rudely and that he was flustered throughout the funeral because the expensive camera was broken, but netizens continued to criticize him.
One netizen lamented, "There is etiquette for paying respects, and it seems he violated it. Also, people who watch such videos might feel uncomfortable."
Experts pointed out that this phenomenon is a harmful effect of a competitive society. Professor Kwak Geum-joo of Seoul National University's Department of Psychology said, "As the number of YouTubers has increased recently, they try to find more unique and sensational content. In order to increase views, they do anything, which leads them to create content that others have not done before."
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