Chinese Knockoff of 'Black and White Chef' Leaves Original Cast Chef Outraged: "It's Really Exactly the Same"

Jung Jiseon Chef: "It's Really Exactly the Same"
Anger Over Chinese Copycat of 'Black and White Chef'

In China, controversy has erupted over allegations that the domestic Netflix variety show 'Black and White Chef: Culinary Class War' has been plagiarized. Critics argue that the similarities go far beyond simple imitation, with the random ingredients, dishes, performances, and even the camera angles and editing style being nearly identical?raising questions about whether the Chinese show is essentially a reenactment. Chef Jung Jiseon, who watched the program, also expressed her anger, saying, "It's really exactly the same."

Chef Jung Jiseon in 'Black and White Chef.' On the right, a contestant imitates Chef Jung in 'The Pan Function.' Netflix·Tencent

Recently, Chef Jung Jiseon uploaded a video titled "Chinese Version of Black and White Chef? I Watched It Because They Said I Appeared" on her YouTube channel. In the video, Chef Jung, along with Chef Lim Taehun of 'Iron Delivery Box Chef,' watched the Chinese variety program 'E-Pan Function,' which has been accused of plagiarizing 'Black and White Chef.'

From the very beginning, both chefs were shocked to see that the stage setup and the contestants' entrance positions were identical to those in 'Black and White Chef.' They also noticed contestants in 'E-Pan Function' occupying roles similar to those of the chefs who appeared on 'Black and White Chef.'

Chef Jung pointed out, "It's really exactly the same. Even the appearance of the 'White Spoon' is identical." Watching the scene where the 'White Spoon' looks down from above, she added, "It's the same. These people below say it's uncomfortable to look up, while the people above claim it's a matter of ability."

The two chefs were especially taken aback when 'E-Pan Function' featured Chef Jung's 'Bass' cooking performance?a scene that became iconic in 'Black and White Chef.' As the cast of 'E-Pan Function' cheered, Chef Jung remarked, "Why do you think they're cheering? It's because it's exactly the same as what I did."

Kimchi featured in 'Lee Pan Function'. YouTube channel 'Jung Jiseon's Kalitsma'

When a contestant used kimchi as an ingredient, Chef Jung commented in disbelief, "Isn't that outfit kind of like a hanbok?" She went on to say, "Bass is a Chinese dish. I never claimed it was a Korean dish. I am a Chinese cuisine chef," expressing her frustration.

Meanwhile, despite Netflix not being officially available in China, issues such as unauthorized viewing and program plagiarism continue to surface. Netflix stated, "We have never sold the rights to 'Black and White Chef,' and we are currently reviewing the plagiarism allegations and discussing internal response measures."