Paek Jongwon Fully Resumes Broadcasting, Suddenly Deletes "All Problems Are My Responsibility...Suspending Activities" Video

Signs of Return Just Six Months After Suspending Broadcasting Activities
Some Allegations Cleared... Legal Risks Alleviated

Interest is growing in the future moves of Paek Jongmin, CEO of Theborn Korea, after a video in which he announced his suspension of broadcasting activities disappeared from his YouTube channel. Previously, Paek returned to domestic television through an MBC program just six months after declaring his suspension of activities. As of November 24, the video titled "I Will Start Again from the Beginning," which was posted in May on Paek's personal YouTube channel, is no longer available.

Paek Jongmin, CEO of Theborn Korea Photo by Kang Jinhyung

At the time, following a series of controversies including errors in country-of-origin labeling and poor hygiene management, Paek issued an apology and announced the suspension of his broadcasting activities through the video. In the video, he stated, "All the problems are my responsibility," and added, "From now on, except for the programs currently being filmed, I will suspend all broadcasting activities." He also said, "Now, as a businessman Paek Jongmin rather than a broadcaster, I will focus all my passion and energy entirely on the growth of Theborn Korea and the development of our franchise owners."

Meanwhile, Paek effectively resumed his activities on November 17 by appearing in the first episode of MBC's "Climate Environment Project - Chef of Antarctica." This program, which finished filming in November 2024, was delayed for various reasons during its broadcast review in April and finally aired after about a year. It was about six months after he announced the suspension of his broadcasting activities. Prior to the broadcast, on November 11, the National Franchise Owners’ Association, the "Yeondon Vol Katsu" Franchise Owners’ Association, and the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy held a press conference in front of the new MBC headquarters in Mapo-gu, Seoul, demanding the cancellation of the program's airing, but their request was not accepted. In addition, on December 16, the second season of the Netflix variety show "Black & White Chef," in which Paek serves as a judge, is also scheduled to be released.

Paek Jongmin, CEO of Theborn Korea, issued his third apology on the morning of the 6th through a press release and his official YouTube channel, declaring, "Now, as a businessman Paek Jongmin rather than a broadcaster, I will focus all my passion and energy entirely on the growth of Theborn Korea," and announced the suspension of his broadcasting activities. YouTube channel 'Paek Jongmin PAIK JONG WON'

Some observers believe that Paek's return to broadcasting will gain momentum, as several allegations surrounding him and Theborn Korea have recently been cleared, reducing his legal risks. In fact, the police found Paek not guilty regarding allegations that he misled consumers into believing that the origin of "Deopjuk" and "Chewy Sweet Potato Bread" was domestic (a violation of the Food Labeling and Advertising Act). Additionally, the police concluded investigations into four cases in which Paek was accused of violating the Food Sanitation Act-such as the controversy over pouring apple juice from a pesticide container onto meat at the Global Barbecue Festival held in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do in November 2023-determining there was no criminal suspicion. Only Theborn Korea as a corporation and two staff members were referred to the prosecution without detention.