Baek Jong-won Launches 'K Ham Project', Boosts Baek Ham Promotion with BTS Collaboration

Baek Jong-won Steps Up to Support Korean Pork Farmers
Collaboration to Be Revealed on the 19th in 'Dallyeora Bangtan'

Photo by SBS Entertainment 'Delicious Rendezvous' broadcast screen capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] The group BTS met with culinary researcher and entrepreneur Baek Jong-won to help Korean pork farmers.

On the 28th episode of SBS variety show 'Delicious Rendezvous,' Baek Jong-won embarked on the 'K-Ham (Baek Ham) Project' to revive Korean pork hind leg meat.

The broadcast showed Baek Jong-won personally involved from the production to the sales of 'K-Ham.'

Baek Jong-won decided to make ham from hind leg meat, inspired by foreign cases where hind leg meat consumption is high, and after research, he revealed a sample.

Baek Jong-won said, "For your information, I went through a lot of hardship," showing a nervous expression. The cast then tasted the K-Ham sample and praised it for its savory flavor and lack of any strange aftertaste.

Baek Jong-won stated, "It’s a strong flavor that targets the Korean palate. Once completed, it needs a name. It pairs well with rice, ramen, stew, and jjageuli (a type of Korean stew)." He added, "All sales proceeds will be donated." He also revealed his ambition to consider overseas exports.

Baek Jong-won first succeeded in business negotiations with Lee Geon-jun, CEO of BGF Retail, Lee Seong-hee, Chairman of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, and Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin, securing sales channels for 'K-Ham.'

Then Baek Jong-won called BTS. BTS and Baek Jong-won have maintained a relationship since meeting on the show 'Three Great Kings' four years ago.

Baek Jong-won proposed, "I want to ask a favor. This time on Delicious Rendezvous, we are helping Korean pork farmers by making ham from less commonly eaten parts. If BTS shows scenes of enjoying the ham deliciously, it would greatly help with promotion."

He explained the advantages of K-Ham, saying, "It’s made from Korean pork hind leg meat. It’s delicious whether cooked in stew or grilled."

Photo by 'Run BTS' broadcast screen capture.

In response, BTS suggested that Baek Jong-won appear on their show 'Run BTS.'

BTS member Jimin asked, "Can we eat the food you make?" and Baek Jong-won replied, "If you want, I’ll cook for you once. I watch 'Run BTS' a lot," responding warmly.

After the actual call, Baek Jong-won appeared on BTS’s own content 'Run BTS,' actively promoting by competing in a cooking battle using K-Ham 'Baek Ham.'

The related video was released on the 19th as a 'K-Ham Special' episode of BTS’s own variety show 'Run BTS.'

On that day, BTS members were divided into two teams: RM-J-Hope-Jungkook and Jimin-Jin-V.

Baek Jong-won introduced Baek Ham, saying, "Typical ham uses hind leg or whole ham, but this ham is made from ground meat."

In the video, BTS actively promoted Korean pork farmers, and Baek Jong-won wore a satisfied smile.