Baek Jong-won's food empire, The Born Korea, is under fire for alleged violations of ingredient origin labeling—and the case has now been handed over to prosecutors.
⚖️ Prosecuted for False Country-of-Origin Claims
On June 4, the Special Judicial Police at the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service referred The Born Korea and one of its employees to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office for violating food labeling laws.
The company is accused of advertising imported ingredients as domestic in several of its food products and restaurant offerings.
🥣 Chinese Ingredients Labeled as Korean?
- Baek Jong-won's Baekseok Doenjang was promoted as using Korean ingredients but reportedly contained Chinese meju (fermented soybean blocks) and imported soybeans.
- Hanshin Pocha's Spicy Octopus Stir-fry was marketed with Korean garlic, but was found to include Chinese garlic.
- A dish labeled with Korean shrimp allegedly used Vietnamese shrimp instead.
There are also reports that industrial metal cookware may have been used—raising concerns about food safety and hygiene.
📋 Official Response from The Born Korea
In a statement to Dispatch on June 23, a company representative said, "We are fully cooperating with the investigation and will do our utmost to restore consumer trust."
🚨 Ongoing Investigations—14 Cases in Total
Authorities revealed they are investigating 14 separate cases involving The Born Korea and Baek Jong-won, citing possible violations of the Food Labeling and Advertising Act and the Food Sanitation Act.
- Seoul Gangnam Police are probing false advertising and cookware safety violations.
- Chungnam Police's anti-corruption unit is investigating the transport and storage of raw meat at room temperature during a local festival.
🛑 Baek Jong-won's Public Apology and Broadcast Hiatus
Baek has publicly apologized three times so far, stating:
"I will halt all broadcasting activities and focus solely on The Born Korea—not as a TV personality, but as a business leader."
