Baek Jong-won, the CEO of The Born Korea, publicly addressed recent controversies surrounding his company’s products, issuing heartfelt apologies for violations related to product origin labeling. On March 13, 2025, he released the apology letter on the official company website, acknowledging the concerns raised by customers and the public.
Baek expressed, "Recent controversies related to The Born Korea, of which I am the representative, have caused concern for many, and I deeply apologize for it." His words spoke volumes about his acknowledgment of responsibility, as he recognized the trust placed upon him and the company by their loyal customer base.
At the heart of the issue lies the company’s failure to comply with agricultural regulations. The Born Korea faced scrutiny after it was revealed they used imported ingredients at facilities designated for processing domestic agricultural products. This was found to be against the stipulations outlined by the Law on Indication of Origin, which led to Baek’s legal predicament.
On March 11, 2025, The Born Korea had initially conceded to the allegations, stating they did not properly recognize the legal regulations governing product origins. Following this admission, the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service booked Baek on suspicion of violating these laws
The specific products under contention include Baekseok soybean paste and Hansin Pocha spicy seafood pancake. The accusations allege misleading labeling, where these items were marketed as having domestic roots, but were actually manufactured using foreign ingredients. Reports pointed out the use of Chinese fermented soybeans and other foreign components, raising doubts about the product’s integrity.
The fallout from these violations has been significant. Under agricultural guidelines, food processors are only allowed to operate within agricultural promotion zones if they utilize domestically sourced raw materials. Article 29 of the Enforcement Decree of the Farmland Act states such facilities should not process imported agricultural products, and violations can lead not only to hefty fines but also imprisonment.
"I acknowledge my responsibility and wish to promise improvements swiftly, including legal compliance," Baek emphasized. His commitment reflects his desire to not only remedy the situation but also restore the public’s trust. He has vowed to cooperate fully with investigations by the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, assuring transparent operational changes.
The penalties for the violations are serious; they could face up to five years of imprisonment or fines exceeding 50 million won for breaching the Law on Indication of Origin. With public sentiment hanging over the company, Baek Jong-won’s transparency and measures taken to rectify the flaws will be closely observed by consumers and stakeholders alike.
Responses from the public have varied, with many expressing concerns over the brand’s authenticity. The revelations about discrepancies between what was marketed and the actual ingredients have raised alarms. The Born Korea must navigate these challenges with care, reminding customers of their commitment to quality and honesty.
Baek understands the depth of the situation and firmly stated, "I am deeply reflecting on the unacceptable faults occurring during the production and distribution processes," shedding light on the seriousness with which he is taking this matter.
Moving forward, The Born Korea will need to overhaul its current practices and enforce stricter compliance with all regulations related to food production and ingredient sourcing. The company’s future rests not only on repairing the damage done but also on ensuring there are no more breaches of trust.
Baek Jong-won’s sincere public apology and commitment to legal adherence could be the first step toward regaining public confidence. Observers will remain vigilant as the investigation progresses and the company takes steps to amend its practices, ensuring such violations do not occur again.
The Born Korea’s recent controversies serve as cautionary tales for food production and agricultural businesses. With principles of honesty and ingredient integrity at the forefront, the path for Baek Jong-won and his company will require both diligence and transparency to regain consumer trust.