In a Chinese cooking competition program that faced criticism for allegedly copying Netflix's "Culinary Class Wars," kimchi was introduced as the Chinese-style vegetable pickle "paocai" (泡菜). Paocai, which is similar to pickles, is a completely different dish from kimchi.
Seong Kyung-deok, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, noted on the 28th through his social media (SNS), "A cooking competition program that seems to have copied Netflix's 'Culinary Class Wars' has emerged, causing controversy." He added, "China's new variety show 'Yifan Fengshen' (一版封神·Becomes a God in One Meal) has a competition format very similar to 'Culinary Class Wars,' leading to significant backlash from Chinese internet users."
"Yifan Fengshen," a Chinese online video service (OTT) Tencent Video released on the 17th, is conducted in a manner very similar to the competition format of 'Culinary Class Wars,' which divides chefs into black and white spoon ranks. Previously, Netflix stated on the 24th regarding the program, "We have never sold the rights to 'Culinary Class Wars,' and we are discussing our response internally."
In response, Professor Seong said, "Netflix has also clarified that they have never sold the rights to 'Culinary Class Wars,' highlighting the seriousness of China's 'content copying.'"
Professor Seong also pointed out, "In the program, kimchi was introduced as 'paocai' instead of 'kimchi' during the scene of making kimchi," and stated, "In recent years, China has openly promoted the 'Kimchi Fairness' that kimchi originated in their country. They are now distorting kimchi using OTT, in addition to Chinese media and SNS." He emphasized, "We must use this situation to expose China's counterfeit culture to the world and create a good opportunity to promote our kimchi to people worldwide."