'Shocking': 850,000-Subscriber YouTuber Sparks Controversy After Spitting Out Food During Mukbang

[Financial News] A mukbang YouTuber with 850,000 subscribers has sparked controversy after being caught spitting out food during a broadcast.
The individual at the center of the controversy is a Japanese YouTuber known as Togimochi, who has been introducing a variety of foods from both Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) while residing in ROK. In a video posted on the 21st, Togimochi openly showed herself spitting out food without any editing.
While filming herself eating five hot dogs and cola, Togimochi chewed the fourth hot dog but spat it out instead of swallowing. Although the video was deleted shortly after being uploaded, screenshots and clips quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter) and Japanese online communities.
Currently, her YouTube channel, Togimochi Korea, features an edited version of the video with the controversial scene removed.
After the incident came to light, Japanese netizens voiced their disappointment, saying, "I feel betrayed," "I've trusted her for years—this is shocking," and "Was it all just acting, not a real mukbang?"
Some viewers also raised doubts, commenting, "All the swallowing scenes are edited out."
Given that the core of mukbang content is actually eating the food, many believe this controversy is not a trivial matter. However, Togimochi has yet to release an official statement.
On the other hand, some argue that, due to the filming environment involving the consumption of large amounts of high-calorie foods, it may have been unavoidable for health reasons. In fact, comments on the edited video include concerns such as, "She doesn't look well," "She seems tired," and "Don't push yourself too hard."
hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter