The continuous issues raised by the YouTube channel "Studio Ojaena" (hereinafter "Ojaena") against Paik Jong-won, the CEO of Theborn Korea, are backfiring.
Recently, as Paik released an apology video and the headquarters began to support franchisees seriously, there are voices saying that director Kim Jae-hwan's "attacks on Paik Jong-won" are actually harming Theborn Korea franchisees.
Director Kim, who directed "True-Match Show" and others, posted a video on YouTube "Ojaena" on the 13th, claiming it was an exclusive interview with Paik. He raised allegations that Paik Jong-won had abused his power in the past television industry, presenting two specific examples. He claimed that the broadcast appearance of Professor A, an authority on taste expression, was blocked by Paik, and also that the appearance of singer Kim Ho-joong, who was competing against SBS entertainment program "Grocery Store," was blocked.
However, this claim immediately raised questions. Kim Ho-joong actually appeared on SBS's another program five times from June to November 2020 and began his service as a social service personnel in September of the same year. Consequently, even if Paik Jong-won opposed Kim Ho-joong's appearance, it is highly unlikely that Kim Ho-joong's appearance was actually blocked.
In response, Paik Jong-won expressed his grievances in a call with OSEN. He said, "At first, I said I would take responsibility sincerely as it was about the franchisees. But as they kept framing it as 'abuse of power,' I thought this isn’t right."
Paik revealed, "Although it was called an interview, I was taken aback when director Kim Jae-hwan approached with a camera as soon as he left the airport. He said he requested an interview with Theborn Korea but that our staff hadn’t received any contact. So, I suggested we meet separately, and we talked for over four hours at Theborn Korea's office."
He continued, "At first, he was talking about the franchisees, so I mentioned increasing the support funds and reiterated that I would show a responsible appearance as stated in the apology. However, this time he brought up the 'abuse of power' issue again. I already had appearances I promised, and abandoning those commitments is not something that can be termed as 'abuse of power.' I felt this wasn’t right."
Paik Jong-won stated, "As a person, I can’t always speak properly and gracefully, wherever I am. I admit I have shortcomings as a person. However, it's not 'abuse of power.' PDs normally listen to participants’ preferences and compatibility. At that time, I could personally say I like this person or I don’t, and if I say that about any participant, it shouldn't be seen as 'abuse of power.' I was taken aback by that."
Above all, he emphasized, "This is also true for the Kim Ho-joong issue. Not only with 'Grocery Store,' but how difficult it was for SBS with the competing program 'Mr. Trot' and its derivative shows; who would think positively about bringing in competing program participants? The production team for the program can’t even speak out and express their disappointment, and how can that be termed 'abuse of power'?"
Meanwhile, Paik Jong-won declared through his official YouTube last month that he would cease all broadcasting activities, and Theborn Korea announced a support plan worth 30 billion won for franchisees. Additionally, they are conducting a promotion wholly funded by the headquarters in May, providing tangible benefits to customers and franchisees.
Despite Paik's emphasis on organizational normalization and responsibility, the continuous offensives from the "Ojaena" side are ongoing. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold amid Paik's firm stance of 'this isn’t right.'
[Photo] OSEN DB, video capture
[Photo] OSEN DB, YouTube "Studio Ojaena" capture
[OSEN]