Baek Jong-won, a broadcaster, culinary researcher, and CEO of The Born Korea, has made an official apology for a series of controversies.

On the 13th, Baek Jong-won said, “I sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people due to various issues related to The Born Korea, of which I am the CEO. I should have repaid you with a better image and products as much as you loved and cherished The Born Korea, but there were many times when I fell short of your expectations. In particular, I deeply reflect on the unacceptable mistakes that occurred during the production and distribution processes.”

Baek Jong-won said, “It was my fault for not carefully examining all the issues raised so far. I humbly accept the reprimand given to me, and I promise to quickly improve all matters, including legal matters. In addition, as a listed company, I will lead company-wide innovation and growth in order to meet the expectations of our shareholders. I once again deeply apologize to everyone who has continuously shown interest and expectations for me and my company.”

Baek Jong-won was previously indicted on charges of violating the country of origin labeling method. The special judicial police of the Seoul office of the Agricultural Products Quality Management Service announced that they had indicted Baek Jong-won on two counts of violating the country of origin labeling method. This came after allegations were raised that the doenjang produced by The Born Korea and the stir-fried octopus menu at franchise restaurants violated the country of origin labeling method.

In addition, the fact that the fermented soybean paste and soybeans used in ‘Baek Jong-won‘s Baekseok Doenjang’, produced at The Born Korea’s Baekseok factory in Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do, were ‘Chinese’, sparked controversy. The factory area is located in an agricultural promotion zone, so only domestic raw materials must be used. Foreign raw materials are, in principle, prohibited. Any violation of this may result in imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 50 million won under Article 59 of the Agricultural Land Act.

When the controversy arose, The Born Korea removed the expression ‘domestic’ from its mall, etc. and said, “We sincerely apologize for using imported raw materials without properly understanding the relevant laws and regulations.”.

In addition, The Born Korea advertised that its franchise pub ‘Hanshin Pocha’ uses domestic green onions, onions, and garlic in its stir-fried octopus, but the actual ingredient analysis table showed that it used Chinese garlic, raising suspicions of violation of the country of origin once again.


● Below is the full text of Baek Jong-won‘s official apology

[Apology] We apologize for causing concern.

Hello. This is Baek Jong-won.

I feel a deep sense of responsibility and sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people due to the recent issues related to The Born Korea, of which I am the CEO.

We should have repaid your love and care with a better image and products, but there were many instances where we fell short of your expectations. In particular, I deeply regret the unacceptable mistakes that occurred during the production and distribution processes.

It was my fault for not carefully examining all the issues raised so far. I humbly accept the criticism you have given me, and I promise to quickly improve all matters, including legal matters.

In addition, as a listed company, I will lead company-wide innovation and growth to meet the expectations of our shareholders. I once again deeply apologize to everyone who has continuously shown interest and expectations for me and the company.

Hong Se-young, Donga.com reporter, projecthong@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.