Chinese Film's Soundtrack Sparks Debate Over Song Adaptation

The film "Hot and Spicy" tells the story of a spirited young woman named Lei Jingjing (蕾静静) who dreams of being a chef. Along her journey, she crosses paths with the handsome and talented Mu Feng (木凤). As Lei Jingjing pursues her culinary aspirations, she encounters a series of challenges that shape her into a formidable chef. In the midst of the film's emotional and culinary adventures, Zhang Yixing's rendition of "Be Your Own Sun" serves as the film's powerful soundtrack, resonating with audiences and inspiring them to pursue their dreams and face life's challenges head-on.

Zhang Yixing, a former member of the popular South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO, has enjoyed a successful solo career as a singer, songwriter, and actor in China. His newly released rendition of "Be Your Own Sun," which he co-wrote with Chen Linong, has captivated audiences with its energetic beat and empowering lyrics. The song has become an anthem for those facing adversity and looking to find their inner strength.

The film's use of Zhang's rendition of the song has sparked a heated debate on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with users expressing their views on the adaptation of the original South Korean track. Some users lauded Zhang for his powerful vocals and the song's ability to capture the spirit of the film, while others argued that the Chinese adaptation did not respect the original song and its composer, Min Woong Sik Park.

The controversy began when users noted that Zhang Yixing's version of the song, titled "Be Your Own Sun," has a nearly identical tune to the original South Korean song, with only the lyrics and the title being different. This led some users to question the artistic merit of adapting a well-known song, while others defended the practice as a common occurrence in the music industry, particularly in China, where it is not uncommon for artists to create new versions of popular songs.

However, Zhang Yixing's fans have been quick to dismiss the controversy, praising the singer for his efforts to create a unique rendition of the song. In response to the criticism, Zhang posted a message on his Weibo account, stating that he had chosen to reinterpret the song as "Be Your Own Sun" to better align with the film's themes of overcoming adversity and self-improvement.

In an interview with Variety, Zhang discussed the artistic choices behind his rendition of the song, explaining that he wanted to create a version that would resonate with Chinese audiences while maintaining the original's powerful message. "I wanted to capture the essence of the original song while also making it relatable and empowering for Chinese viewers," he said.

In addition to the debate surrounding the song's adaptation, users on Weibo also noted that Zhang's rendition of "Be Your Own Sun" has quickly climbed the charts, becoming a hit among Chinese listeners. The song's popularity has led to increased attention for the soundtrack of "Hot and Spicy," as well as the film itself, which is scheduled for release on June 3.

While the debate over Zhang Yixing's rendition of "Be Your Own Sun" may continue to divide Chinese social media users, there is no denying the impact that the song has had on the film's overall reception. The powerful anthem has inspired many to reconsider their own dreams and aspirations, proving that the right soundtrack can make all the difference in the storytelling process.

For now, it seems that the controversy surrounding Zhang Yixing's rendition of "Be Your Own Sun" will serve as a reminder of the importance of artistic interpretation and the ever-evolving relationship between music, culture, and identity. As the debate continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: Zhang Yixing's version of "Be Your Own Sun" has struck a chord with Chinese audiences, leaving them eager to see how it will be used in the upcoming film "Hot and Spicy."