Company Explains: "Supplying Quality Feed to Grade 4 Hens"
"Lee Kyungsil Eggs" Sold at 15,000 Won
The egg business of broadcaster and former comedian Lee Kyungsil has come under scrutiny. Eggs are assigned a so-called "egg shell number" from 1 to 4 depending on the breeding environment. The controversy arose because eggs with the lowest rating, number 4, were being sold at prices equivalent to those of number 1 eggs.
On November 16, fellow comedian Jo Hyeryeon posted on her social networking service (SNS) to promote Lee Kyungsil's egg business. She unveiled the product, saying, "Even the packaging is different," and the photo confirmed that the eggs were rated as number 4.
Egg shell number 1 refers to premium eggs produced by free-range farming, also known as free-range fertilized eggs. Number 2 indicates floor-raised eggs within a barn, number 3 signifies improved cage systems, and number 4 refers to conventional cage farming, often called "battery cages."
The price for a pack of 30 eggs sold by Lee Kyungsil is 15,000 won. Considering that number 4 eggs typically sell for around 8,000 won at major supermarkets and online retailers, Lee's eggs are nearly twice as expensive despite having the same egg shell number. Number 1 eggs, on the other hand, are sold for anywhere from the low-to-mid 10,000 won range up to 30,000 won.
In response, the company issued a statement along with an explanation. The company said, "We recognize the importance of the breeding environment, but it is difficult for all farms to provide number 1 conditions," adding, "Supplying high-quality feed to chickens in number 4 environments that need improvement and producing quality eggs is also one way to advance the industry."
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