This image provided by Disney+ shows a poster for “Delicacies Destiny”
SEOUL, July 7 (Korea Bizwire) — A Chinese-produced TV series available on Disney+, the flagship streaming service of U.S. media giant Walt Disney Co., has sparked a controversy after being accused of copying a Korean program and distorting culture.
South Korean online communities have recently been sharing negative views on “Delicacies Destiny,” a Chinese drama series that aired last April.
Disney+ purchased the license for the series from Chinese video platform Bilibili for exclusive streaming. The series, however, is unavailable in South Korea.
Netizens have pointed out that the series has strong similarities to the Korean drama “Daejanggeum.”
“Daejanggeum,” also known as “Jewel in the Palace,” was a mega-hit soap opera in 2003, which tells the tale of an orphaned cook who goes on to become the king’s first female physician.
“Delicacies Destiny” also shows cast members wearing what appear to resemble hanbok, a Korean traditional garment, introducing Korean food like ssam — rice, kimchi, pork and other ingredients wrapped in lettuce — as if they are from China.
China’s Northeast Project, carried out to incorporate Korea’s history and culture as part of China, has also been reflected in this Chinese series.
China continues to make false claims that Korea’s traditional clothing and food culture are part of China.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
