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Dae Jang Geum Plagiarized? Chinese Drama Delicacies Destiny Accused of Copying Hit Series


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Credit: MBC Drama Official/YouTube Screenshot

Dae Jang Geum seemingly inspired the Chinese drama, Delicacies Destiny, and fans could not help but accuse the latter of plagiarizing the hit K-drama series.

In 2003, Lee Byung Hoon helmed what would be the 10th highest-rated Korean drama of all time. The Lee Young Ae-led drama had an average viewership rating of 45.8% and a peak of 57.1%.

Based on the true story of Jang Geum during the Joseon Dynasty, it explores the life of an orphaned kitchen cook whose impressive skills make her the King’s first female physician. She then studies Korean cooking and medicine to cure the monarch.

But due to its popularity, it seems like Dae Jang Geum — also known as Jewel in the Palace — became a subject of plagiarism after a Chinese drama got accused of copying the story.

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Did Delicacies Destiny Copy Dae Jang Geum?

In a report shared by Wikitree, it revealed that several Dae Jang Geum got plagiarized by the Chinese series, Delicacies Destiny. The drama is currently being streamed on Disney+ worldwide except in Korea.

The online post titled The current situation on Disney+ showed screenshots of the Chinese drama’s scenes, including the characters wrapping pork belly in lettuces and saying that it is a traditional Chinese dish.

They also pointed out that the cast members wore hanbok — the Korean traditional clothing — in the series.

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“The Chinese drama that makes you feel sick. A drama that seems to have plagiarized ‘Dae Jang Geum’ has started its service on Disney+,” the post reads.

Delicacies Destiny’s drama information is about a young private chef who wants to become the best chef by making traditional food. The Imperial Palace recognizes her dishes, and she eventually falls in love with the prince.

With the findings, a plagiarism allegation rose and caused internet users — especially Koreans — to boycott Disney.

Not the 1st Controversy Between China, Korea

It was not the first time the countries had an issue over a flick.

Last year, Joseon Exorcist got canceled due to its usage of Chinese props. It was also accused of historical distortion, leading it to lose its sponsors.

The writer and cast of the Korean drama apologized at that time. Writer Park Kye-ok admitted the mistake and apologized for the trouble.

“I should have learned from my past mistakes and presented a better story as a writer, I made viewers angry with my lack of judgment,” the writer said, per The Korea Herald.

Park Kye Ok’s Mr. Queen also got hot water for its scenes like the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty. The drama equated it to a tabloid.

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Check back for more stories, updates, and rumors about Dae Jang Geum here at EpicStream!

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