Currently, a controversy surrounding Chinese media giant Tencent has gone viral. The streaming service has been suspected of plagiarizing the hit Korean Netflix series Culinary Class Wars, known for birthing star chefs like Edward Lee.
The Chinese show titled Yi Fan Function (direct translation) is a food competition featuring 16 professional chefs and 84 aspiring rookies. The show format, in particular, is facing scrutiny for copying various aspects of the Korean hit series. From the 80 rookie chefs competing for fame, the black and white uniforms, and even details such as challenges and stage designs were noticeably similar.
A Netflix official responded to the reports on July 23rd, saying, “We have never sold the rights or IP of ‘Culinary Class Wars’ to China directly. We are currently having internal discussions.”
After seeing the posts and finding no evidence of Netflix ever selling any IP or copyright, Netizens commented their frustration. “Are they (Tencent) blatantly copying the program and not hiding the fact?” and “From the filming techniques to even the music – nothing has changed at all!”
Other fans criticized Chinese media directly, saying, “China belittles Korea every day, but they continue to plagiarize it, and “How can they be so shameless in copying us? First Hanbok and Kimchi, now our shows?”
Culinary Class Wars was a widely known success after its release on Netflix last year. It became the first Korean entertainment show to rank first in the Netflix Global Top 10 non-English category and even won the grand prize at the Baeksang Awards for Best TV Series. It was even nominated at the Blue Dragon Series Awards as well, thus proving its fame and popularity.
What do you think of this situation? Stay tuned for more updates.
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