"Crying In American": Millions Of Americans Are Watching These Super-Viral Korean School Lunch Videos And Responding Hilariously
Depending on where in the world you grew up, your school lunches probably looked a certain way. And if you grew up in the US, they maybe looked something like... this.
Thankfully, not every child must suffer the same cafeteria blues, and perhaps least of all the high schoolers in South Korea. I'm warning you now, you're about to get very jealous.
These kids are getting udon soup.
They're getting boba.
They're getting TOMAHAWK STEAK.
Won Taehun is the visionary behind Gaezari, a food channel on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram with 4M+ followers across platforms. He was born and raised in Los Angeles but now lives in South Korea. Taehun documents all kinds of food in all kinds of settings, but what's currently skyrocketing him to virality are his high school lunch videos, which he makes during his travels all over South Korea.
From Seoul to Busan, Taehun records (and eats) what are seriously some of the tastiest-looking lunches I've ever seen anywhere, not to mention a high school cafeteria. He got started when he came to study in South Korea and would send photos of his post-class lunches to friends and family back in the United States. He brought that content to TikTok soon after, then expanded beyond university lunches to offices and high schools.
Let's walk through the full spread in one of his most viral videos. He grabs a tray, then heads straight for the cheesy lobster tails (casual).
Gaezari / Via tiktok.com
Next is bacon omurice (Japanese omelet rice) topped with demi-glace.
Gaezari / Via tiktok.com
A fresh garden salad with pineapple gets topped with Oriental dressing.
Gaezari / Via tiktok.com
Can't forget the banchan — kimchi and pickled cucumbers and radish.
Gaezari / Via tiktok.com
Then we ladle some fried tofu soup into a bowl and grab a sweet drink...
Gaezari / Via tiktok.com
...swipe our hand to get some utensils because we're living in the future...
...and lunch is served at Gumi High School.
I thought the schools featured must all be private, but Taehun visits both public and private schools for the videos. He got started by requesting permission to visit and record in their dining halls, but he says the videos have gotten so popular that schools and companies are actually reaching out to invite him to dine there.
At another school, students line up for fried king shrimp.
Next is pho with an add-your-own broth station.
Gaezari / Via tiktok.com
There's a fresh fruit salad to complement the meal (and what would that be without pineapple dressing).
Gaezari / Via tiktok.com
Side dishes today are yellow radish and, of course, more kimchi.
Gaezari / Via tiktok.com
Finally, dessert is a must, so we're grabbing a chocolate popsicle.
And that's lunch at Taesung High School.
Needless to say, Americans are a little jealous in Gaezari's comments section.
Some say he hasn't experienced the magic of an American school lunch.
Some are just distraught.
Just same.
Taehun said his videos draw viewers from around the world, and their reactions to the lunches look a little different depending on where they're from.
"My lunch videos [...] have received an overwhelming response from an international audience. I often get comments like, 'You're so lucky to have this kind of food at school!' and 'I want to visit Korea to experience the food myself.' Many of my followers are planning to study or work in Korea, and my videos give them a glimpse of what they might be eating once they start living here," he said.
"Meanwhile, Korean viewers engage with my videos in a different way," Taehun said. "They often compare their own school lunches to the ones I showcase or fondly reminisce about their high school and university days. It's fascinating to see how my content resonates with people from all over the world, sparking curiosity, nostalgia and even excitement for the Korean food culture."
These spreads are the stuff of dreams (except they're really nightmares if you're 6,000 miles away... anyone?).
Let's just take a moment for these fried-to-absolute-golden-perfection potato wedges, thank you.
Gaezari / Via tiktok.com
My mouth is WATERING.
It's kind of unreal.
Gaezari / Via tiktok.com
I asked Taehun about the differences he notices between the US and Korea in the preparation and philosophy of school lunches. "In the US, many of the dishes were pre-packaged, offering the advantage of consistency and allowing students to choose from a variety of options based on their personal preferences. This flexibility is great for accommodating different tastes and dietary needs," he said.
"Meanwhile, in Korea, almost everything is freshly made in-house right before lunchtime. In Korean high schools, a professional nutritionist plans well-balanced meals daily so students can enjoy a nutritious meal without the hassle of deciding on a menu. Another significant difference is that all high school lunches in Korea are free, fully funded by the government, ensuring every student has access to a healthy meal," he said.
This about sums it up.
What did your school lunches look like where you grew up? If they were anything like these, I'm *sniffles* happy for you. And if they weren't... we can commiserate in the comments.
