Burnt 18,000 Won Whole Chicken... Baek Jong-won Causes Stir at Budget Market

Baek Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea, who planned the ‘Local Market Revitalization Project’ in his hometown Yesan, Chungnam, declared an emergency suspension and reorganization of the project. On the 23rd, a review expressing regret about visiting the market was posted on an online community.

[Photo by Community Capture]

Mr. A, who visited Yesan Market with his mother to get some fresh air, said, "The noodle restaurant had a very long waiting line, so I waited to buy a whole barbecue chicken."

He continued, "When I took the chicken out of the barbecue container, it looked too burnt, so I asked to exchange it, but they said it was fine because the burnt part was where apple juice had been applied." He added, "But when I ate it, I saw that the skin and everything was completely burnt. That cost 18,000 won," attaching a photo.

The barbecue chicken in the photo shared by the writer shows one leg and wing parts charred black. This differs from the grilled chicken appearance promoted by CEO Baek on YouTube, and in other barbecue reviews posted by netizens, burnt parts like those shown by Mr. A are rarely found.

Mr. A also mentioned that the market was too crowded on a weekday, making it difficult. He said, "Even though it was a weekday, the parking lot was full, and both the noodle restaurant and butcher shop had severe waiting lines. Everyone was busy taking pictures." He added, "My mother wanted to visit, so we went out for some fresh air, but I deeply regret it."

[Photo by Community Capture]

In response, netizens expressed disappointment about the condition of the grilled chicken. Comments included, "Isn't it too burnt to say it was just the part with apple juice?", "Isn't it too burnt to say it was just the part with apple juice?", "Isn't that kind of chicken sold for 9,000 won?", and "Since the other leg looks fine, it seems like it was accidentally burnt."

Previously, CEO Baek had been running the ‘Local Market Revitalization Project’ in Yesan, and on the 9th, five restaurants opened inside Yesan Traditional Market. It became so popular that as many as 100,000 people visited within a month. This contrasts with the period before the project started, when only 20 to 30 people visited daily.

However, as customers flocked in recently, long lines and complaints about restrooms and hygiene arose. Subsequently, CEO Baek announced on YouTube on the 21st that the Yesan Market would suspend operations for about a month from the 27th to March 31st for reorganization.

He said, "I sincerely apologize for the various issues. I am grateful for the feedback." He promised that during the closure period, they would ▲increase the number of stores to solve dining issues ▲develop menus for children ▲and level the uneven ground to resolve dust problems.