'Culinary Class Wars' judge Baek Jong Won, CEO of TheBorn Korea, issued a second apology following a series of controversies.
In a statement posted on TheBorn Korea’s website, he said, “I sincerely apologize once again for causing disappointment and concern due to the ongoing issues related to me. Both I and all employees at TheBorn Korea take the current situation very seriously and are making company-wide efforts to implement reforms.”
Regarding allegations of violating country-of-origin labeling laws by falsely marking some foreign-sourced ingredients as domestic on online shopping platforms, Baek Jong Won stated, “We are thoroughly reviewing all product descriptions, including country-of-origin labeling on online platforms.” He added, “We will promptly introduce a continuous monitoring system composed of external experts.”
Addressing concerns over the insufficient pork content and pricing controversy of ‘Baek Ham,’ he stated, “Production has been halted,” and added, “We are developing a new product that better meets customer expectations in terms of taste and quality.”
Regarding the 2023 Hongseong Global BBQ Festival controversy, where sauce was allegedly sprayed on meat using pesticide sprayers not meant for food, Baek Jong Won emphasized, “We will ensure that all equipment used at festivals is thoroughly inspected with customer safety and trust as our top priority, and we will strengthen hygiene management.” When food safety law violation concerns arose, TheBorn Korea previously responded, stating, “We complied with food safety standards. There are no existing legal regulations prohibiting the use of sprayers for food, but after consulting with the relevant authorities, we were advised to avoid using them, and we will no longer do so.”
Baek Jong Won also addressed his company’s involvement in regional market and urban redevelopment projects, saying, “Based on our past achievements, we will strive to further contribute to revitalizing local economies.”
To franchise owners, he assured, “We understand the concerns of our franchisees and will provide practical support for mutual growth. In the challenging dining industry environment, we will swiftly implement support measures that franchisees can genuinely feel.”
Finally, he concluded, “I humbly accept all criticism directed at me and will immediately correct any mistakes.”
Previously, on March 13, Baek Jong Won issued his first apology regarding these controversies, stating, “We will promptly improve all matters, including legal issues.”
Baek Jong Won had been embroiled in controversies over his food company, TheBorn Korea, as the Seoul Office of the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service recently indicted Baek Jong Won for allegedly violating the Country of Origin Labeling Act. The investigation involves the mislabeling of TheBorn Korea’s Doenjang (soybean paste) products and the stir-fried octopus dish sold at the franchise pub chain Hanshin Pocha. Recently, his 'Baek Ham' faced criticisms over the pricing and the ingredients lacking actual pork.
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