[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] The flagship product ‘Ling Tea’ of Ringer Water Co., Ltd., recently pointed out by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a company engaged in false and exaggerated advertising, has received a final ‘no charges’ decision from the prosecution regarding related legal violations.
According to the industry on the 30th, ‘Ling Tea,’ which gained popularity as a hydration beverage, recorded a 1000% daily sales growth during the peak summer season last year, standing out even among startups, and was acquired by Future Stream Networks.
In November last year, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety pointed out Ringer Water Co., Ltd. as a target company for false and exaggerated advertising, citing concerns that the product ‘Ling Tea’ could be perceived as a pharmaceutical due to the labeling phrase ‘Ringer Water Co., Ltd.’
The company apologized for causing misunderstandings through a notice at the time and acknowledged some operational negligence. However, it also clarified, “Ringer Water is the company’s corporate name, and ‘Ling Tea,’ classified as a food product, was never falsely advertised as a pharmaceutical.”
The prosecution, targeting Ringer Water Co., Ltd. and the manufacturers of ‘Ling Tea,’ concluded with a final ‘no charges’ decision, stating, “The suspects did not think that the label ‘Ringer Water’ would be mistaken or confused as a pharmaceutical advertisement, and even if so, it was only used as the company name, making it difficult to conclude that there was intent to advertise the product as a pharmaceutical or to use labeling or advertising that could cause such misunderstanding.”
Lee Woncheol, CEO of Ringer Water, said, “Regardless of the outcome, we sincerely apologize to consumers for causing some initial misunderstandings,” and added, “We thank everyone who believed in and supported ‘Ling Tea’ until the end, and we will continue to comply with the recommendations of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and local health centers to become a trusted product brand for consumers.”
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