Baek Jong-won, the head of Theborn Korea, has been embroiled in controversy over 'power abuse' within the broadcasting industry, but a current producer who worked with him has rebutted the claims.
On the 29th, a producer from the Netflix series 'Rhapsody,' who has collaborated closely with Baek Jong-won, participated in a phone interview with OSEN. He mentioned throughout the conversation about Baek Jong-won, 'He has high standards and expresses himself honestly and boldly, differently from other grants. Although it can be challenging to refine that part while working together, there are definitely aspects that can be relied upon from the perspective of the production team, and there is a producer's mindset that has helped many grants.'
Recently, criticism directed at Baek Jong-won regarding the labeling of ingredient origins by Theborn Korea and the use of festival equipment has formed. Amid this, a film director from a terrestrial broadcasting company alleged 'power abuse' by Baek Jong-won. However, the 'Rhapsody' producer noted cautiously, 'I think there are many production teams for each program these days, and there can be various reactions,' and firmly stated, 'I believe it is right to correct what has been misinformed,' explaining the reason for participating in the interview.
This producer has built a connection with Baek Jong-won through the so-called 'Rhapsody' series, which started with 'Pork Belly Rhapsody' in 2020 and continued with 'Hanwoo Rhapsody,' 'Chicken Rhapsody,' 'Jajangmyeon Rhapsody,' and 'Soju Rhapsody.' Although he requested to remain anonymous for the consideration of other program personnel except for himself, he did not hide the series itself. This is due to pride in properly telling Korean cuisine as a food documentary and making it known to global audiences through Netflix. This was also the background for Baek Jong-won's collaboration.
The 'Rhapsody' producer stated, 'The work itself first began with Baek Jong-won during 'Pork Belly Rhapsody.' However, I had knocked for a long time over several years before that. It hasn't been an easy path, but I consistently inquired, thinking 'It can't be done? I have to at least ask once.' That proposal for 'Pork Belly Rhapsody' was made. However, it was during 'Pork Belly Rhapsody' that the discussion came up to proceed without reluctance for the first time. He was interested in properly presenting Korean cuisine and introducing it globally. So, he very soon suggested that we do a food documentary together.'
He continued, 'In fact, he is a person I am grateful for,' praising Baek Jong-won. 'He helped a lot. He provided really good ideas for the program.' Additionally, he noted, 'He definitely has a 'producer's mindset.' And that is a very significant strength as a grant. Commonly, you could say he has a 'PD mindset.'
In relation to this, the 'Rhapsody' producer explained, 'Baek Jong-won absolutely does not approach as a passive grant in the program. Typically, when shooting occurs, a significant part of the site is prepared and about 90% is created by the production team. Grants only need to fulfill their roles. However, Baek Jong-won is someone who always contributes to producing the program. Very actively. It has always been that way during the 'Rhapsody' series.'
He emphasized, 'In reality, he has many ideas and contributes a lot of opinions. There are times when he clearly states, 'Isn't this not right?' He speaks frankly and is not hesitant. As a result, the quality of the outcomes certainly improves. He has a style of collaboratively building the program through active feedback, and for the past 4 to 5 years, I have also received help throughout this process. It is a part that I can 'respect.' I believe not only I but many people will recognize this.
However, the 'Rhapsody' producer added, 'From the perspective of people familiar with broadcasting, there are realistic standards, but he does not hold back as a broadcaster; rather, he has high standards and fundamentally strong challenge spirit as a businessman. He is attracted to new and experimental endeavors and embodies the type who says, 'You won't know unless you try; how will you know if you don't?' If that doesn't fit well, it can be hard for him. He is definitely not someone who only fulfills the grant's role.'
Nevertheless, he chuckled, saying, 'I have also heard phrases like, 'Isn't there more?' and 'Is this all we can do?' and I have been deeply disappointed many times.' Ultimately, it was feedback that enhanced the qualitative completeness of the program, and high standards have benefited us. There are instances where the linguistic expressions during the process might come off strongly to some people or leave them thinking, 'What is this reaction?' However, that is simply a difference in communication style, so it's not incorrect. Ultimately, that spirit of challenge often strengthens the production team. Nevertheless, he is not obstinate; he quickly gives up when something isn't feasible, and he makes decisions promptly and decisively.
(To be continued in exclusive interview②.)
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]