Six months after declaring a hiatus amid various controversies, Baek Jong Won, CEO of The Born Korea, returned to television.
MBC aired the variety program Climate and Environment Project – 'The Chef of South Polar' on the evening of November 17 at 10:50 PM.
'The Chef of South Polar' was co-produced by MBC and LG Uplus’s Studio X+U. The show featured Baek Jong Won, along with actors Lim Soo Hyang, Chae Jong Hyup, and EXO’s Suho, delivering warm meals to personnel at an Antarctic research station.
The program was initially scheduled for release in April but was postponed. At the time, MBC cited scheduling adjustments due to the early presidential election as the reason. However, some speculated that the delay was linked to controversies surrounding The Born Korea.
The company had faced multiple issues, including the quality controversy over its “Baek Ham” product, allegations of violating farmland laws, incorrect origin labeling on products like soybean paste, the publication of an “employee blacklist” at its Saemaeul Restaurant cafe, and pesticide spraying incidents.
Baek Jong Won publicly apologized at the company’s first regular shareholders’ meeting in March and announced a temporary suspension of broadcasting activities in May.
Amid renewed debate over his return, MBC stated that the program’s value as a climate and environmental project outweighed individual cast issues, which informed their decision to air the show.
Hwang Soon Kyu, the MBC PD directing 'The Chef of South Polar,' shared his perspective in a recent Q&A. When asked whether a cast member’s personal issues could affect the program, he explained that filming had begun in November of the previous year, and the show was already completed and ready for broadcast. He acknowledged that external circumstances had caused one delay, and the production team had seriously considered the cast-related concerns, discussing the show’s message and direction carefully.
Hwang emphasized, “'The Chef of South Polar' is not a cooking show centered on a particular cast member. It is a climate and environmental project exploring the relationship between humans and nature in the extreme conditions of Antarctica. We felt it was important to properly convey this fundamental value to viewers.”
The production team also announced that the show would not be available for replay. According to MBC’s official website, 'The Chef of South Polar' does not offer a “rewatch” service.
The educational reality program showcased Baek Jong Won, Lim Soo Hyang, Suho, and Chae Jong Hyup serving heartfelt meals to Antarctic research station personnel, highlighting dedication and human connection in extreme conditions. The first episode aired on November 17.
Despite MBC restricting the rewatch service for the upcoming show, Korean netizens have expressed dissatisfaction, responding negatively to Baek Jong Won’s return to television. They commented:
"I don't want to see this man. Don't appear on TV."
"I'm boycotting this show."
"They're just saying nonsense. They want to air the show because of the money they put in."
"Delivering fundamental value to viewers, my ass."
"There will be people who consume this show. Such a shame."
"He said he won't be filming anything. When did he film this?"
"Wow, this is just wow."
"Ugh. I don't want to see him."
"Are they serious?"
"His image has plummeted. Can't believe they're still airing this show. lol."
"So brazen this man. I knew he would return to television shows."
"Not going to watch this show."
"He messed with food. People should stop watching him."
"I feel bad for the staff."
SHARE
