Comedian Kwak Beom recently shared a humorous anecdote about a past experience where his appetite momentarily overshadowed basic hygiene, sparking amusement and relatable reactions from listeners. The story, revealed during his guest DJ appearance on SBS Radio’s ‘2 O’Clock Escape Cultwo Show’ on , highlights the sometimes-overpowering drive to satisfy hunger.
While filling in as a special DJ, Kwak Beom participated in a segment where listeners submitted stories in exchange for prizes, in this case, ramen. A listener’s tale about collecting and freezing leftover soup from a jjamppong restaurant to enhance their ramen experience resonated with both the host, Kim Tae-gyun, and Kwak Beom. Kim Tae-gyun expressed sympathy, acknowledging the temptation to utilize leftover food when hunger strikes.
Kwak Beom then contributed his own story, recalling a time when finished dishes were routinely left outside homes. He confessed to having consumed sweet and sour pork from a neighbor’s plate that wasn’t properly covered. He stated, “There was a day when sweet and sour pork came out in a house that was not wrapped in plastic and was very clean. In fact, I have eaten one. What should I do if it is too clean? I want to eat it.” This admission elicited laughter from Kim Tae-gyun, who rewarded Kwak Beom with a prize.
The story prompted responses from listeners who expressed surprise at Kwak Beom’s willingness to act on his cravings, while others admitted to similar, though perhaps less extreme, experiences. This suggests a common human tendency to prioritize immediate gratification of hunger, even if it means bending conventional rules of food safety or etiquette.
While seemingly lighthearted, Kwak Beom’s story touches upon several interesting aspects of human behavior related to food and appetite. The powerful drive to eat is deeply rooted in our biology, essential for survival. The brain’s reward system is strongly activated by food, particularly palatable foods like sweet and sour pork, releasing dopamine and creating a pleasurable sensation. This can sometimes override rational thought and lead to impulsive decisions, as illustrated by Kwak Beom’s anecdote.
The practice of leaving food outside, as Kwak Beom described, was more common in the past, particularly in communities where food sharing was a cultural norm. However, modern food safety standards emphasize the importance of proper storage and handling to prevent foodborne illnesses. Consuming food left unattended, especially at room temperature, carries a risk of bacterial contamination and potential health consequences.
Foodborne illnesses are a significant public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 48 million Americans get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases each year. Symptoms can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe complications, depending on the type of pathogen involved. Proper food handling practices, including cooking food to safe internal temperatures, refrigerating perishable items promptly, and avoiding cross-contamination, are crucial for minimizing these risks.
Kwak Beom’s career began in 2010 after being selected through KBS’ 27th open recruitment for comedians. He gained recognition for his characters ‘Burdock Jae’ and ‘Freddie Echo’ on the popular show ‘Gag Concert.’ Following the show’s cancellation, he continued to entertain audiences through his YouTube channel, ‘Bread Song Country,’ created with fellow comedian Lee Chang-ho. More recently, Kwak Beom has expanded his presence in the entertainment industry with regular appearances on MBC’s ‘Extreme 84’ and JTBC’s ‘We Must Come Together,’ demonstrating his versatility and comedic talent.
The comedian’s ability to connect with audiences through relatable stories, even those involving slightly questionable behavior, underscores the power of humor in everyday life. While his anecdote serves as a humorous reminder of the strength of appetite, it also subtly highlights the importance of responsible food handling practices for maintaining good health.
