Chef of the Tyrant' Sparks Controversy Over Chinese Voice Actor's Mockery

The drama 'Chef of the Tyrant' is facing backlash following derogatory remarks made by a Chinese voice actor regarding the pronunciation of one of its stars. In a recent episode, a scene depicted a Ming Dynasty eunuch and a royal chef mocking Joseon cuisine.

Following the broadcast, the Chinese voice actor responsible for dubbing the character played by Jo Jae-yoon posted on social media, criticizing the actor's Mandarin pronunciation as 'terrible' and claiming even Korean producers familiar with the language couldn't help but laugh. Photos from the recording studio were included in the post.

This post quickly escalated into a wider controversy, amplified by Chinese media outlets. Korean netizens expressed their displeasure, questioning why a non-native speaker's pronunciation would be a target of ridicule and suggesting the voice actor try speaking Korean. The voice actor eventually deleted the post after the situation intensified.

Despite this controversy, 'Chef of the Tyrant' continues to enjoy significant global success, ranking second in Netflix's Global TOP TV Shows (Non-English) and maintaining a Top 10 position for three consecutive weeks. The show has entered the Top 10 in 93 countries and secured the number one spot in 44 regions, including Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Jo Jae-yoon made his acting debut in the 1997 play 'Equus.' He has since garnered recognition for his distinctive performances across theater, television, and film. Known for his memorable supporting roles in hits like 'Tazza: The High Rollers,' 'All About My Wife,' and 'Hide and Seek,' Jo Jae-yoon is beloved by audiences for his solid acting skills and approachable persona.