Controversy Erupts Over Chinese Voice Actor Mocking Actor Jo Jae-yoon's Mandarin in 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty'

A storm of controversy has erupted after a Chinese voice actor publicly ridiculed Korean actor Jo Jae-yoon's Mandarin pronunciation in the Disney+ historical fantasy drama 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty'. The incident gained traction following episodes aired on September 6–7, which featured a culinary confrontation involving Ming Dynasty envoy Wu Gon (played by Kim Hyeong-mook) and chefs Tang Baekryong (Jo Jae-yoon), Gong Munrye (Park In-soo), and Abisu (Moon Seung-you) against Joseon's royal cooks. Although Jo Jae-yoon appeared to deliver his lines fluently in Mandarin, the broadcast version ultimately used a dubbed track.

Following the broadcast, Chinese viewers lauded the Mandarin as "standard" and "smoothly spoken." However, the voice actor responsible for the dub later revealed himself on Weibo, not only confirming his role but also disparaging Jo Jae-yoon's performance. He claimed that while other actors were fine, Jo's was "terrible," and that even Korean producers familiar with Mandarin "couldn't hold back their laughter." This post, accompanied by recording booth photos, was widely seen as a public act of mockery.

The backlash reached Korea, sparking widespread criticism online. Netizens defended Jo Jae-yoon, stating, "Of course, it's natural if a Korean actor isn't fluent in Mandarin," and questioning the voice actor's decision to mock him on social media, adding, "Don't Chinese dramas also use dubbing actors?" Some also questioned the production's choice to dub Jo's lines instead of allowing him to perform in Korean.

Under mounting pressure, the dub actor eventually deleted his post. However, the controversy had already been amplified by reports from Taiwanese outlet ETtoday and other regional media, ensuring its continued visibility. The voice actor's identity remains unconfirmed, though he is believed to be a professional in the dubbing industry.

Despite the controversy, 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' continues to achieve significant success, ranking second globally in Netflix's Non-English TV category and maintaining a Top 10 position for three consecutive weeks. The series centers on chef Yeon Ji-young (Lim Yoona) who time-slips to the Joseon era and becomes entangled in a culinary survival romance with the tyrannical King Lee Heon (Lee Chae-min).

Jo Jae-yoon is a veteran actor known for his powerful and diverse roles in numerous Korean dramas and films. He has previously showcased his linguistic abilities in other international projects, hinting at a broader talent pool. This recent incident has brought renewed attention to his acting prowess and dedication to his craft.