(C) Radio Star
SEOUL — South Korean mukbang (eating show) sensation Tzuyang has once again left the public in awe, not just for her legendary appetite, but for the staggering financial figures behind her career. Appearing on the Lunar New Year special of MBN’s popular variety show Altoran, the creator opened up about her lifestyle, her health, and the economics of being one of the world’s most successful content creators.
The Physics of a Professional Eater
Standing at 161 cm (5'3") and maintaining a weight between 44 kg and 47 kg (approx. 97–103 lbs), Tzuyang’s physique remains a mystery to many. Despite her petite frame, she revealed that she can consume up to 10 kg (22 lbs) of food and beverages in a single sitting.
"I thought my appetite would fade as I approached 30, but it hasn't changed at all," she remarked during the broadcast. Perhaps most shockingly, she noted that her weight often returns to its baseline immediately after a massive meal, and in some cases, she even loses weight during a heavy eating cycle—a phenomenon that left the show's medical experts and celebrity guests stunned.
The Price of Mukbang: $33,000 in Delivery Fees
While many view mukbang as a dream job, Tzuyang shed light on the astronomical costs involved. According to the YouTuber, her food expenses are higher than the annual salary of many average workers.
Annual Delivery Costs: Approximately 44 million KRW ($33,000 USD) on a single delivery app alone.
Monthly Food Budget: Consistently exceeds 10 million KRW ($7,500 USD).
Single Meal Record: She has spent over 3 million KRW ($2,250 USD) for a single mukbang episode.
Upon hearing these figures, celebrity Chef Lee Yeon-bok quipped, "The local restaurants in her neighborhood must have hit the jackpot," drawing laughter from the set.
Earnings: "A Luxury Car Every Month"
Naturally, the conversation turned to the "bottom line." When asked about her revenue, Tzuyang was candid but humble. She confirmed that her monthly income is roughly equivalent to the price of a high-end foreign luxury car.
"I earn enough to buy a luxury car every month," she stated, though she quickly added with a smile, "But we’re not talking about Lamborghini levels." With nearly 13 million subscribers, her revenue streams include YouTube ad sense, sponsorships, and various brand collaborations, placing her at the top tier of global influencers.
From Family Disapproval to Filial Piety
The journey wasn't always easy. Tzuyang shared that her family was initially horrified by her career choice. Because her relatives are not big eaters, they viewed her massive intake as a health risk rather than a talent.
"I started the channel in secret," she recalled. "When I reached 500,000 subscribers, my mother finally found out and called me crying because she was so worried." However, the tension dissipated after a comprehensive health check-up proved she was in perfect condition. Tzuyang jokingly added that a generous allowance for her mother also helped smooth things over: "Once I gave her some pocket money, she was immediately convinced."
The Reality of Production
Closing the segment, Tzuyang touched on the logistics of her videos. While she enjoys cooking, the sheer volume of food makes it difficult to prepare everything from scratch. She admitted to utilizing meal kits and frozen foods to supplement her massive spreads, offering a glimpse into the practical side of professional food content creation.
As Tzuyang continues to dominate the digital space, her story serves as a fascinating case study on the "Creator Economy," where a unique biological trait can be transformed into a global business empire.
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