Baek Jong-won, a culinary researcher and CEO of The Born Korea, who has come under investigation for violating the origin labeling law, has apologized for the various controversies surrounding him.
On the 13th, Baek Jong-won released an apology through The Born Korea's website, stating, "I feel a deep sense of responsibility for causing concern to many due to various issues related to The Born Korea," and added, "I sincerely apologize."
Baek Jong-won said, "There were many shortcomings that did not meet expectations. I am deeply reflecting on the unacceptable mistakes that occurred during the production and distribution process," and continued, "It is my fault for not carefully examining all the issues raised so far. I humbly accept the criticisms directed at me."
He also promised, "I will swiftly improve all matters, including legal issues," and vowed, "As a listed company, I will lead company-wide innovation and growth to meet the expectations of our shareholders."
Previously, The Born Korea faced criticism for promoting Baekseok soybean paste made from imported ingredients such as improved soybean paste from China and soybeans from the U.S., Canada, and Australia as domestic products.
According to the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service on the 13th, it announced that it had issued a correction order to The Born Korea for deleting and changing labels through the website for violations of origin and livestock product traceability. The special law enforcement police confirmed that The Born Korea violated the origin labeling law, which raised concerns about confusion regarding the origin of products sold online. The violations involved three products: soy sauce, soybean paste, and agricultural processed products.
If a violation of the origin labeling law is confirmed, the management agency will file criminal charges and refer the case to the prosecution, and the violation will be announced on the website. If false labeling allegations, such as concerns about origin confusion, are recognized, penalties of up to 7 years in prison or fines of up to 100 million won may be imposed.
Baek Jong-won, who has been actively communicating with the public through broadcasting, has recently been embroiled in several unexpected controversies, leading to ongoing criticism.
Following criticism for inflating the price of his canned ham brand 'Baek Ham' during the last Lunar New Year, he received an administrative fine of less than 200,000 won for violating the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Act in a video where he cooked with a high-pressure gas cylinder in an indoor kitchen last year.
Additionally, on the 25th of last month, it was revealed that The Born Korea's Baekseok factory (located in Oga-myeon, Yesan-gun) received a prior notice of administrative action from Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, for violating the Agricultural Land Act and the Building Act, and had to restore the site to its original condition.
As the controversies continue, the company's stock price has also plummeted. The stock price of The Born Korea, which was listed in November last year, rose to 64,500 won, 90% higher than the initial public offering price of 34,000 won on the day of listing, but has been on a downward trend amid ongoing controversies. Recently, The Born Korea's stock price has been hovering near its 52-week low of 28,250 won.
Choosing to confront the controversies head-on by posting an apology, Baek Jong-won is set to begin the first recording of Netflix's 'Black and White Chef 2' at the end of this month. Additionally, 'Chef of Antarctica,' which was filmed last year, is scheduled to air in April, and tvN's 'Business Genius Baek Sa-jang 3' is also set to be released in the first half of the year. It remains to be seen whether Baek Jong-won can overcome the various controversies and successfully return to broadcasting.
[Shin Young-eun, Star Today Reporter]
