Paik Jong-won, the representative of The Born Korea, faced allegations related to the misrepresentation of the origin of ingredients in products such as “Ddeokjuk” and “Chewy Sweet Potato Bread.” However, the police have cleared him of these charges.
The Seoul Gangnam Police Station announced on the 10th that they decided not to refer Representative Baek to the prosecutors’ office in late last month. This decision was made due to the difficulty in acknowledging violations of the Food Labeling and Advertising Act. Despite this, The Born Korea corporation and two employees were sent to the prosecutors’ office without detention, as they admitted to the charges.
In addition, four cases involving complaints about alleged violations of the Food Sanitation Act were investigated. These included accusations such as using industrial metal cookware or spraying apple juice from a pesticide sprayer onto meat during a barbecue festival. However, the police concluded the preliminary investigation without filing charges, citing a lack of evidence.
Earlier, the police launched an investigation after receiving reports and complaints alleging that The Born Korea misled consumers by promoting the products “Ddeokjuk” and “Chewy Sweet Potato Bread” as domestically sourced. Representative Baek was investigated for over five hours in September.
A source from The Born Korea stated, “We have thoroughly reviewed all matters related to this investigation and completed necessary improvements across the company,” adding, “We are doing our best to prevent recurrence.”
Franchisees Announce Press Conference to Demand Withdrawal of Paik Jong-won’s Broadcast Return Schedule
Six months after Representative Baik announced a hiatus from broadcasting due to various controversies, franchisees of “Yeondon Bolkatsu” and civic groups have announced plans to protest his return to a terrestrial variety show.
The Yeondon Bolkatsu Franchisees Association, the Korea Franchise Transaction Association, the National Franchisees Association, and the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy plan to hold a press conference at 1 p.m. on the 11th in front of MBC’s new building in Mapo-gu, Seoul, demanding the withdrawal of the broadcast schedule for Representative Paik Jong-won’s return to MBC. MBC has confirmed the scheduling of the episode “Climate and Environment Project – Chef in Antarctica,” featuring Representative Baik, for the 17th.
The groups argue that Representative Baik has used his image built through broadcasting to advance his franchise business, causing harm to franchisees. They claim that despite franchisees facing closure and losses threatening their livelihoods, The Born Korea has turned a blind eye to the issue.
Key Points from the Investigation
- The police found it difficult to acknowledge violations of the Food Labeling and Advertising Act regarding the allegations against Paik Jong-won.
- The Born Korea corporation and two employees were sent to the prosecutors’ office without detention, as they admitted to the charges.
- Four cases involving complaints about alleged violations of the Food Sanitation Act were concluded without filing charges due to a lack of evidence.
- The police launched an investigation after receiving reports and complaints about the promotion of “Ddeokjuk” and “Chewy Sweet Potato Bread” as domestically sourced.
- A source from The Born Korea stated that the company has completed necessary improvements and is working to prevent recurrence.
Franchisee Concerns and Protests
- Franchisees and civic groups are planning a press conference to demand the withdrawal of Paik Jong-won’s broadcast return schedule.
- The press conference will be held in front of MBC’s new building in Mapo-gu, Seoul.
- MBC has confirmed the scheduling of an episode featuring Paik Jong-won for the 17th.
- The groups argue that Paik Jong-won has used his broadcasting image to advance his franchise business, causing harm to franchisees.
- They claim that The Born Korea has ignored the issues faced by franchisees, including closures and financial losses.