
Baek Jong Won, CEO of The Born Korea, has been spotted in Japan, drawing attention for his noticeably slimmer appearance.
Photos recently shared on an online community show Baek smiling alongside a fan in what appears to be a local setting in Japan, but looking visibly leaner than before.
The celebrity chef and entrepreneur has recently faced multiple controversies involving The Born Korea. On July 30, the company’s Baekseok Factory in Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do, shut down following criticism over violations of the Farmland Act. Operations were transferred to the Yesan Factory and partner manufacturers to maintain product safety and quality control.
Earlier on July 4, The Born Korea was referred to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office for allegedly violating the Origin Labeling Act, accused of falsely labeling some products’ origins — including misrepresenting imported ingredients as domestic in items such as “Baek Jong Won’s Baekseok Doenjang.”
Amid the string of disputes, Baek has suspended all television activities except for ongoing variety show commitments.
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