Collaborations End Amid Sexual Assault Allegations and Countersuits
CJ CheilJedang and Maeil Dairies Delete Promotional Materials, Replace Packaging
Dr. Heewon Jung, who had been collaborating with the food industry by promoting the "slow aging" trend, is now facing a series of personal controversies, including being sued on charges of sexual assault. In response, related companies are discontinuing collaborations, deleting promotional materials, and changing packaging.
On December 22, CJ CheilJedang announced that it had ended its collaboration with Dr. Jung. As a result, the company has replaced the packaging of its Hetbahn Rice Plan products, such as Lentil Brown Rice and Faro Whole Grain Rice, which previously featured Dr. Jung's recipes. The original paper packaging displayed Dr. Jung's name and photo.
CJ CheilJedang has also deleted all promotional materials related to Dr. Jung from its website.
Maeil Dairies has similarly removed references to Dr. Jung from promotional materials for its Maeil Soy Milk Lentil product, which had previously used Dr. Jung's image to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Previously, as food consumption trends emphasizing health and functionality spread, numerous food and distribution companies launched collaborative products with Dr. Jung. Earlier this year, Dr. Jung released a protein bar in partnership with CJ CheilJedang and participated in the development of five "slow aging" concept ready-to-eat meals introduced by the convenience store chain 7-Eleven.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jung filed a lawsuit against a woman in her 30s, identified as Ms. A, who worked as a commissioned researcher at his institute, accusing her of stalking, attempted extortion, and trespassing. In response, Ms. A counter-sued Dr. Jung for sexual assault, claiming it was "gender-based violence that occurred within a power dynamic," leading to an ongoing legal battle. The controversy over Dr. Jung's personal life intensified after messages exchanged between the two were released by Ms. A's side.
As the controversy escalated, Dr. Jung announced on December 21 that he would resign from his position as Director of Public Health for Seoul City. The city government is reportedly planning to accept his resignation.
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