MukBang
Move over, Dujjonku! The unexpected twist of the 6.3 million-view Bomdong Bibimbap that captivated the MZ generation's taste buds
The nationwide craze for stimulating desserts like Dubai chocolate and Tanghulu has somewhat subsided, and a new trend has recently taken over social media and dining tables. It is none other than Bomdong bibimbap, a Korean soul food made with seasonal ingredients. Bomdong (spring cabbage), which survives the bitter winter cold by lying flat on the field's surface, is a representative vegetable that heralds spring with its signature crisp texture and sweet taste. But why exactly has this ordinary Bomdong bibimbap we have always known suddenly emerged as a hot trend among the MZ generation and dominated online algorithms? Its origins trace back a whopping 18 years into the past.The very person behind the current Bomdong bibimbap sensation is broadcaster Kang Ho-dong. In a February 2008 episode of KBS's 2 Days & 1 Night, Kang Ho-dong picked vegetables directly from an elderly woman's garden, made geotjeori (fresh kimchi), and mixed it all up in a large brass bowl to eat. Recently, this scene rode the algorithm on YouTube and social media, recording 6.3 million views and resurrecting as a massive meme. His refreshing mukbang (eating broadcast) on screen, where he finished the whole bowl and exclaimed that the cabbage was tastier than meat, made countless people's mouths water. Later, numerous celebrities and creators, including Ryu Soo-young from Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant in April 2022 and the famous YouTuber Enjoy Couple, joined in on this mukbang and added fuel to the craze.However, a fun twist is hidden within this massive trend. An industry insider's analysis revealed a high probability that the vegetable in Kang Ho-dong's legendary 6.3 million-view bibimbap video was actually not the sweet Bomdong, but rather eolgari-baechu (winter cabbage), which is characterized by a slightly bitter taste. But regardless of the true identity of the vegetable, nothing could stop the public's appetite once they were hooked on geotjeori bibimbap.Thanks to this unexpected trend, the market landscape has also changed. According to a report by KBS Economy Concert on February 25, 2026, the Jeonnam region—the main production area for Bomdong—was hit by cold waves and heavy snow. As a result, supply decreased while demand exploded, causing an emergency in supply and demand. Consequently, the average wholesale price for 15 kilograms surged by more than 30 percent compared to the previous year, earning it the ironic nickname "Geumdong" (Gold-dong) instead of Bomdong. Fortunately, prices are expected to stabilize as shipment volumes gradually recover.Then, how should you eat this viral "Geumdong" bibimbap to make it the most delicious? By utilizing a recipe revealed by Chef Kim Dae-seok, who has 35 years of culinary know-how, you can easily recreate that taste at home. Prepare 1 head of Bomdong (260 grams), and lightly mix it with 3 spoons of red pepper flakes, 1 spoon of minced garlic, 1 spoon of plum extract, 1 spoon of sand lance extract, 2 spoons of dark soy sauce, half a spoon of corn syrup, and 1 spoon of whole sesame seeds to create the perfect Bomdong geotjeori. If you put this over warm rice and mix it together, you can enjoy a great taste from the fresh mix while maximally boosting your vitamin absorption rate.To add another nutritional tip here, as advised by Professor Kim Jung-hyun of the Department of Food and Nutrition at Pai Chai University on Ask Anything in February 2020, Bomdong is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but somewhat lacking in protein. Therefore, pairing it with a beef-rich soybean paste soup (doenjang-guk) to replenish animal and plant proteins will complete a meal with not only great taste but also perfect nutritional balance. If you want a special delicacy, lightly blanching it to eat as a seasoned vegetable dish (namul) or coating it in batter and pan-frying it until golden brown to make Bomdong pancakes (jeon) are also great choices.There is a saying that trends come and go, but it is a very welcome phenomenon that the trend has shifted past flashy and stimulating processed foods to seasonal foods nurtured by nature. The Bomdong bibimbap craze, which started as a funny broadcast meme, goes beyond a simple passing fad, once again reminding us of the value of a dining table that our bodies truly desire and that makes us healthy. We hope you start your spring this year more healthily and vigorously than ever with a spoonful of Bomdong bibimbap, fully packed with a crisp texture that spreads in your mouth, the fresh scent of spring, and perfect nutrition.