Baek Jong-won Booked for 'Origin Violation': "Mistakes in Production and Distribution Process... My Fault" Apology Statement

Apology Statement Posted on The Born Korea Website on the 13th

Apology statement from CEO Baek Jong-won posted on Theborn Korea website. Photo by Theborn Korea website capture

Baek Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea, apologized for various controversies related to the company's products.

On the 13th, CEO Baek stated in an apology posted on The Born Korea's website, "I deeply feel a strong sense of responsibility and sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people due to various issues related to The Born Korea."

He especially said, "I am deeply reflecting on the unacceptable mistakes that occurred during the production and distribution processes," and acknowledged, "It was my fault for not carefully examining all the issues raised so far."

CEO Baek added, "I humbly accept the criticisms received and promise to promptly improve all matters, including legal issues."

He also pledged, "As a publicly listed company, we will lead overall innovation and growth of the company to meet shareholders' expectations."

Previously, The Born Korea faced criticism for producing products using foreign raw materials at its Baekseok factory in Yesan-gun, Chungnam, which is located in an agricultural promotion zone, violating the Farmland Act. The company stated, "We sincerely apologize for using imported raw materials without properly recognizing the relevant laws."

Additionally, the company was criticized for the low pork content in 'Baek Ham' and the low tangerine content in 'Tangerine Beer.' The Born Food Service Development Institute was also embroiled in controversy for cooking indoors with LP gas cylinders, and for using products made from Brazilian chicken as raw materials in a YouTube video intended to support domestic farms.