“Du! Du! Chonku Chonku!” in reprimand during the Du Chonku craze
The article reflects on the phenomena of food trends in Korea, particularly focusing on the popularity of 'Du Chonku', a cookie that has become a recent sensation.
The article discusses the ongoing trends in the food industry in South Korea, particularly the rise of the Du Chonku cookie which has gained massive popularity among consumers. The writer, Kim Do-hoon, reminisces about past trends in snacks and desserts, highlighting how food fads often elicit a mix of excitement and anxiety, as they can represent both social acceptance and personal indulgence. Despite not having tried Du Chonku yet, Kim addresses the cultural pressures to conform to these trends, mentioning previous culinary crazes like honey butter chips and black sugar bubble tea that have come and gone over the years.
Further analyzing the implications of these trends, Kim points out a potential link between the ease of accessibility to such items and the underlying desire for comfort in a challenging world. The article humorously reflects on how food trends often coincide with societal moods, where indulgence in 'small luxuries' can provide temporary relief amid life's stresses. The discussion also touches on health concerns, as many of these trendy foods are high in sugar, which leads to personal health dilemmas like diabetes that Kim humorously blames on foreign influences.
Ultimately, the article serves as both a critique and celebration of modern consumption patterns in Korea, illustrating the cyclical nature of food trends while urging readers to consider the broader social and health implications of their culinary choices. Kim uses his personal anecdotes to connect with the audience on experiencing the highs and lows of following food trends, while contemplating the deeper reasons why we feel compelled to partake in them.