The Born Korea, a prominent food company led by CEO Baek Jong-won, has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its organizational structure and operational systems in response to a series of controversies concerning employee behavior and food hygiene. On April 15, 2025, the company issued a statement declaring its commitment to restoring customer trust through rigorous internal reforms aimed at addressing the issues that have recently plagued its reputation.
In the wake of multiple incidents, including allegations of inappropriate conduct by employees during hiring processes and concerns regarding food safety at public events, The Born Korea has recognized the need for significant changes. The company stated, "We feel a heavy responsibility regarding the inappropriate actions of employees associated with regional projects and the management of hygiene at festival sites." This acknowledgment reflects a growing awareness of the importance of ethical management and food safety as core values.
To facilitate these changes, The Born Korea will establish a new audit organization directly reporting to the CEO, which will focus on strengthening internal oversight of all company activities. This initiative aims to ensure transparency and accountability at every level of the organization. Additionally, a dedicated public relations team will be created to enhance external communication and responsiveness, further demonstrating the company's commitment to addressing public concerns.
Baek Jong-won, who has been in the spotlight for his leadership during these turbulent times, publicly apologized to shareholders during the company's first regular shareholders' meeting held on March 28, 2025. He expressed regret over the company's management practices, stating, "As a manager, I deeply reflect on my failure to manage more thoroughly. This incident has prompted a comprehensive reassessment of our internal systems." His candid acknowledgment of the company's shortcomings underscores the seriousness with which The Born Korea is approaching its reform efforts.
The Born Korea's commitment to change is not merely superficial; the company plans to implement intensive training programs aimed at instilling a sense of ethics and responsibility among all employees. This initiative will address the recent controversies, particularly the incident where a company employee allegedly invited female applicants to drinking parties under the guise of job interviews. The company has already suspended the involved employee and will take strict measures based on the results of an ongoing investigation by the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
In addition to addressing employee conduct, The Born Korea is also taking decisive steps to overhaul its food safety and hygiene management systems. Following allegations that a partner company transported raw meat improperly during the Hongseong Global Barbecue Festival in 2023, which led to police investigations, the company has initiated a comprehensive review of all operational processes. This includes strengthening safety certification procedures for cooking equipment and food processing, as well as enhancing refrigeration and storage facilities to meet stringent hygiene standards.
As part of its commitment to improving food safety, The Born Korea has established a dedicated department responsible for overseeing hygiene and quality management. This department will work closely with external experts to redesign processes from the ground up, ensuring that all practices meet the highest safety standards. The company has emphasized its determination to create a safe regional festival platform, stating, "We will implement safety standards that comply with regulations for all processes involved in food preparation and transportation."
Moreover, The Born Korea has faced several controversies since the beginning of 2025, including complaints regarding the quality of its 'Bbaek Ham' products, allegations of violations of the Farmland Act, and mislabeling of product origins. These issues have contributed to a growing distrust among consumers, prompting the company to take immediate action to rectify these shortcomings.
In its statement, The Born Korea affirmed, "We are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities as a listed company and restoring trust through innovation. We will thoroughly improve all poorly managed issues and emerge renewed." This promise reflects the company's resolve to not only address current challenges but also to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
The Born Korea's proactive approach to reform signals a significant shift in its corporate culture, emphasizing accountability and transparency. As the company navigates these tumultuous waters, it is clear that it is taking the necessary steps to rebuild its reputation and regain the trust of its customers.
In conclusion, The Born Korea's commitment to reform is a crucial step toward addressing the recent controversies that have marred its reputation. By establishing a new audit organization, enhancing employee training, and fundamentally reorganizing its food safety management systems, the company aims to restore customer trust and ensure that it meets the highest standards of ethical management and food safety moving forward.
