Third Public Apology via YouTube and Press Release
"Determined Not to Leave Even a Single Franchise Owner Behind"
Baek Jongwon, CEO of Theborn Korea, has announced that he will suspend all broadcasting activities to focus entirely on Theborn Korea.
On May 6, through a press release and the official YouTube channel, CEO Baek issued his third public apology and conveyed this decision.
He stated, "As Baek Jongwon, not a broadcaster but an entrepreneur, I will dedicate all my passion and energy solely to the growth of Theborn Korea," adding, "Except for programs currently being filmed, I will suspend all broadcasting activities. I will start over from the beginning, focusing only on franchise owners, shareholders, and customers." He further emphasized, "All issues are my responsibility," and added, "I will make 2025 the first year of a second founding, in which Theborn Korea becomes completely renewed."
Since February, CEO Baek has faced various controversies, including: ▲quality issues with the company's products ▲errors in country-of-origin labeling ▲allegations of improper use of utensils or neglecting ingredients at festival sites. In addition, a former PD claimed via YouTube that CEO Baek had abused his power by featuring only people he wanted on his shows in the past. In response, he has issued two public apologies recently. On May 2, he also announced a support plan worth 5 billion KRW, including a three-month royalty exemption, to promote mutual growth with franchisees.
CEO Baek stated, "Although I have previously apologized in writing and at the shareholders' meeting for the many issues and criticisms raised intensively this year, today I wish to bow my head and apologize directly through this video." He added, "We are identifying the root causes of all matters, including quality, food safety, and festival site hygiene, and are addressing them one by one."
He said, "What pains me most is the desperate situation of our franchise owners," and continued, "Immediately after implementing emergency support measures, I visited the sites to listen to the voices of our franchisees. From now on, I am determined not to leave even a single franchise owner behind." He also acknowledged, "As the CEO of a listed company, I am well aware of concerns about combining broadcasting activities with my role, as well as the recent serious allegations of 'broadcasting power abuse.' If my words or actions during the process of producing good broadcasting content have hurt anyone, that is my fault and responsibility. Having received undeserved love, I should have been even more humble."
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