‘Rogue Trip 3’ and the Cockroach Cuisine Controversy
The Korean reality-variety show “Rogue Trip 3” (translated from “독박투어 3”) has lit up online forums with a scene from its most recent episode where celebrity cast member Jang Dong-min ate a cockroach as part of a challenge in Japan. The show is known for pushing boundaries with extreme dares and punishments intended to generate laughter and drama, but this insect-eating segment has divided viewer opinions.
As always, the goal of the show is to entertain, usually through spontaneous humor and surprising penalties. But this time, the shock value might have pushed the envelope too far.
Gross or Great TV? The Cockroach Divide
The image of a cast member eating a cockroach was undeniably meant to surprise — maybe even to earn a few gasps or laughs. Supporters of the segment see it as a natural evolution of reality content, much like Fear Factor from the early 2000s in the U.S., where contestants performed outrageous stunts for cash prizes.
But critics say this goes beyond entertainment: it’s nausea-inducing, potentially unsafe, and veers into a territory that is more desperate than daring.
Pro: Reality Entertainment’s Next Level
Fans of the show argue that the segment reflects the bold edge that modern variety TV often strives for. In a world where viewers have seen it all, pushing limits garners views and buzz. Shows like Fear Factor once built an entire brand on this formula — cockroach-eating, worm smoothies, buried alive — all of it broadcast to loyal weekly audiences.
For a show like Rogue Trip, which often features travel challenges and cultural moments flavored with penalties, the cockroach segment felt like a natural (if icky) escalation. The idea, producers might argue, isn’t really about eating bugs — it's about facing fears in front of a camera. And that, culturally, is what keeps a reality show alive.
Moreover, viewers like to see celebrities struggling with real discomfort or fear — it makes them more relatable. Jang Dong-min's reaction, his facial expressions and hesitation, drove social media commentary as people reacted in both horror and admiration.
Con: Health Risks and Viewer Backlash
Despite the thrill, there are serious concerns. Cockroaches, unlike mealworms or crickets which have been approved as edible insects in some regions, typically come with health risks if not properly sterilized. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for consumption without strict quality control, due to the bacteria and viruses they often carry.
There’s also the unintended impact on viewers, especially younger audiences or those with phobias. Some viewers noted that the scene made them gag. Others warned that this type of content might require trigger warnings.
Put plainly, some people just don’t want their dinner interrupted by someone else’s cockroach dinner. And the net effect, critics argue, may be erosion of trust in the show’s content judgment — what happens when the gag goes too far?
What the Audience is Saying
Responses online have been split. On YouTube and Korean forums like DC Inside and Naver, some praised the cast's bravery and called it “honest-to-goodness entertainment.” But others sharply criticized the producers, accusing them of sacrificing decency for ratings.
American viewers exposed to translated clips have similarly mixed feelings — intrigued, grossed out, but undeniably curious. It boosts visibility, but whether it gains loyalty is another question.
TV critics and longtime fans warn that if shock becomes the norm, variety content might become unsustainable. Shock alone won’t carry a show through seasons. “If everything is a finale,” as one Reddit commenter put it, “then nothing is.”
What’s Next for Rogue Trip?
Ultimately, the controversy raises questions about the responsibility of entertainment media. Sure, we want to be surprised. But should there be a line drawn between thrilling content and outright disgust?
Producers must strike a balance — being bold without alienating the audience. Rogue Trip’s strength lies in creative punishments and cultural interplay, not just shock value. Returning to that core could ensure its long-term appeal.
In the end, whether cockroach cuisine is a comedic triumph or a PR disaster may depend on the next few episodes. If Rogue Trip can pivot smartly, the moment may become just one chapter in its eclectic journey — rather than the moment it lost its way.
