Chinese OTT Platform, Plagiarism Controversy over Netflix's 'Chef Wars'
The cooking variety show 'Yi Fang Feng Shen' being aired on the Chinese OTT platform Tencent Video is embroiled in plagiarism controversy due to its remarkably similar format to Netflix's popular program 'Chef Wars: Culinary Clash.'
On the 24th, Netflix officially stated that "we have confirmed the similarity of concepts between the Chinese Tencent Video variety show 'Yi Fang Feng Shen' and 'Chef Wars,' and we are currently discussing internal responses."
Surprising Similarities from Set Design to Class Structure
Recently introduced in China, 'Yi Fang Feng Shen' (一饭封神, "Becoming a God in One Meal") is a survival format variety program where 100 chefs compete with pots and knives.
The program categorizes chefs into 'black spoons' and 'white spoons,' featuring a competitive structure with 16 famous chefs and 84 newcomer chefs, closely resembling the format of Netflix's 'Chef Wars.'
Both programs use nicknames for participants, divide costumes into black and white, have chefs overlooking the stage, and maintain similar set designs, lighting, and editing styles. There are continuous evaluations highlighting the remarkable similarities.
Critiques point out that beyond the genre-specific characteristics of culinary survival, the core concept and visual elements of the programs have been almost entirely borrowed.
Netflix's Clear Stance: "We Have Not Sold Rights"
In light of this controversy, Netflix stated, "We have not sold any rights to this program," adding, "We are currently reviewing the similarity internally." This suggests the possibility that the Chinese program borrowed the concept without official licensing.
Interestingly, the plagiarism controversy is also making waves within China. Some Chinese online communities have reacted by pointing out similarities, claiming "they copied everything from the set to the format" and "the competition system and shooting style are the same."
'Chef Wars' features an intense competition where unknown chefs challenge star chefs, showcasing the fierce battles of 'black spoon' chefs—who possess skill yet have not had the opportunity—against the 'white spoon' class chefs.
The program carries a message of overturning class and discrimination through cooking, gaining significant popularity in the Asian market as a Netflix original and expanding its global fanbase.
Meanwhile, 'Chef Wars' is set to release its Season 2 in the upcoming second half of this year, with the judges for Season 1, Baek Jong-won and Michelin 3-star chef Ahn Seong-jae, expected to return.
Image Sources: Tencent 'Yi Fang Feng Shen', Netflix
