"Not Domestic but Chinese"…Baek Jongwon's Company Referred to Prosecution for First Time Amid Country of Origin Labeling Controversy

Accused of Mislabeling Country of Origin for Some Products
Theborn Korea States: "We Will Fully Cooperate with the Investigation"

Theborn Korea, a restaurant franchise company managed by CEO Baek Jongwon, has been referred to the prosecution on charges of violating the Country of Origin Labeling Act. This marks the first case among more than 14 ongoing investigations into Baek and Theborn Korea to be handed over to the prosecution.

According to legal sources on June 23, the Special Judicial Police of the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service referred Theborn Korea to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office on June 4, recommending indictment for violations of the Country of Origin Labeling Act. The Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office mainly handles cases related to food and drug safety.

Baek Jongwon, CEO of Theborn Korea, is giving a presentation at Theborn Korea corporate briefing held at Conrad Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 28th. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Previously, Theborn Korea promoted "Baek Jongwon's Baekseok Doenjang" as being made using traditional Korean methods and sold it as if it were domestically produced, but it was found to contain Chinese modified meju and imported soybeans and wheat flour. In addition, "Hanshin Pocha Nakji Bokkeum" was advertised as using domestic garlic, but it was revealed that Chinese garlic was actually used. Notably, "Deopjuk" was advertised as containing domestic kelp, shrimp, and anchovies, but it was found to include Vietnamese shrimp. The Special Judicial Police received several reports alleging incorrect country of origin labeling for Theborn Korea’s products, including these cases, and after investigation, determined there was sufficient evidence of violations. In March, the Special Judicial Police issued a corrective order to Theborn Korea to "delete or change labeling" for three items: soy sauce, agricultural and forestry processed products, and doenjang.

Meanwhile, other police investigations into Baek and Theborn Korea are also ongoing. The Gangnam Police Station and the Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit of the Chungnam Provincial Police Agency are conducting more than 14 investigations, including allegations of violating the Food Labeling and Advertising Act by falsely advertising the origin of certain products such as "Jjondeuk Sweet Potato Bread," and allegations of violating the Food Sanitation Act by manufacturing and supplying chicken bone frying equipment without approval.

In response to the growing controversy surrounding Theborn Korea, Baek issued an apology on May 6 through a press release and the company's official YouTube channel, stating, "Except for programs currently being filmed, I will suspend all broadcasting activities," and added, "From now on, as a businessperson rather than a broadcaster, I will dedicate all my passion and energy solely to the growth of Theborn Korea."

Since last month, Theborn Korea has implemented proactive win-win policies, launching large-scale discount events. This month, a "Unified Delivery Promotion" involving a total of 19 brands will also be held on Baemin (Baedal Minjok).