Baek Jong-won, the representative of Theborn Korea, is reported to be under police investigation for violating the origin labeling law.
According to the industry on the 13th, the special judicial police of the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (NAQS) in Seoul are investigating Baek after receiving a report of a violation of the origin labeling law.
Theborn Korea is accused of using imported agricultural products at a food factory that is required to use domestic agricultural products. Additionally, the company is alleged to have advertised the use of domestic agricultural products on its operating shopping mall while actually using imported agricultural products.
Theborn Korea's Baekseok Farm, located in Yesan County, South Chungcheong Province, has been embroiled in controversy over violations of farmland laws by using Chinese-style fermented soybean paste, and soybeans and flour from the United States, Canada, and Australia. This factory is located in an agricultural promotion zone, where current laws permit operating a food factory only when processing domestic agricultural products.
Additionally, Theborn Korea has been selling the 'Hanshin Pocha Stir-fried Octopus' product on its online shopping mall, Theborn Mall, claiming to use domestic garlic. However, it was found to have actually used garlic from China. Upon this revelation, Theborn Korea temporarily suspended the sale of the Hanshin Pocha Stir-fried Octopus on Theborn Mall but has since resumed sales after correcting the origin label.
On the same day, Baek apologized for the controversy through Theborn Korea's website. Baek stated, “I feel a deep sense of responsibility for causing concern to many due to various issues related to Theborn Korea and sincerely apologize,” adding, “There were many points that did not meet expectations. In particular, I am deeply reflecting on the unacceptable mistakes that occurred during the production and distribution processes.”
He continued, “It was my oversight for not carefully examining all the issues raised thus far,” and added, “I humbly accept the criticisms directed at me.” He promised, “I will swiftly improve all matters, including legal issues.”