Chinese Idol Survival Program Accused Of Plagiarizing "Produce 101"

A Chinese contents platform, that has been accused of plagiarizing Mnet’s “Produce 101,” has announced they will be producing the show “Idol Evolution” (literal translation). This is not the first time there has been accusations of plagiarizing the show, as netizens have previously compared a different Chinese audition show with “Produce 101.”

“Idol Evolution” is a survival program featuring 111 trainees, and aims to create the best male idol group. The main difference between the two programs is that the Chinese program has 111 trainees while “Produce 101” had 101. The platform’s Weibo account is accepting applications for contestants and plans to broadcast the show next January. Not only are the program teasers also similar, the Chinese program also has a very similar logo to the Korean one, with a blue triangle image.

A representative from CJ E&M commented, “CJ E&M has not officially sold the rights to the Chinese program ‘Idol Evolution.’ We’re very regretful that they are continuing with the show without purchasing the rights.”

The platform has previously also been accused of plagiarizing Mnet’s “Show Me The Money.” Last summer, they launched the program “Rap of China,” which also had extensive similarities to the Korean hip hop survival program. The Chinese program was a success and hit 3 million views on various sites. On accusations of plagiarism for “Show Me The Money,” the Chinese side did not make an official statement and let things slide.

Previously, Hunan TV’s “Chinese Restaurant” (literal translation) was accused of plagiarizing tvN’s “Yoon’s Kitchen” and “Dear Visitor” (literal translation) was accused of plagiarizing JTBC’s “Hyori’s Homestay.”

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