Actor Sung Hoon returns to mukbang on TikTok after 'sweat-shaking' controversy

Actor Sung Hoon, 43, is back doing mukbang on TikTok following a controversy over rude behavior during a food-focused broadcast.

Sung recently opened an official TikTok account and has been posting live streams and short-form content. Since uploading his first video last month, he has shared mukbang clips and challenge videos. During live streams, he has been engaging with fans by responding to their comments in real time.

That Sung chose mukbang as his comeback concept drew attention, given that a mukbang controversy was what had cooled his broadcast activities in the first place.

In August 2022, Sung appeared on tvN's "Jul Seoneun Sikdang," a restaurant-queue food show. Upon seeing the line outside a restaurant, he said, "I can't stand in lines. If there's even one person waiting, I go straight next door" — a remark that undercut the very premise of the program. During the meal, he ate with the tongs meant for grilling meat rather than chopsticks, and shook his head to fling away sweat dripping down his face.

When host Park Na-rae tried to defuse the situation by asking, "Is there a leak outside?", Sung replied, "Sweat." The behavior drew widespread criticism as unhygienic and rude.

As the backlash grew, Sung's agency at the time apologized, saying, "It seems things went a bit too far in trying to be entertaining. If viewers felt uncomfortable, we are sorry. We will be more careful going forward."

TikTok live streaming has been establishing itself as a new platform for celebrities. Actors Park Si-hoo, Han Chae-young, Lee Dong-gun and Go Joo-won, singer MC Mong, former Sechs Kies member Jang Su-won and former Laboum member Yulhee are among those connecting with fans at home and abroad through TikTok live.