Baek Jong-won, the representative of Theborn Korea, announced on the 6th, "I will suspend all broadcasting activities."
On that day, Baek noted in a press release and through his official YouTube channel that he was issuing his third apology, saying, "Now, as a businessman Baek Jong-won, I will concentrate all my passion and strength solely on the growth of Theborn Korea."
Baek said, "I have previously apologized through written statements and shareholders' meetings regarding many issues and criticisms raised intensively this year, but today I would like to bow my head and speak directly through this video," adding, "I am identifying the fundamental causes of all issues, including quality and food safety at festival sites, and I am improving them one by one."
He continued, "All problems rest with me," and said, "I will make 2025 a second founding year for Theborn Korea to completely renew itself."
Baek said, "As the representative of a listed corporation, I am fully aware of the concerns about juggling broadcasting activities and the recent terrifying allegations of 'broadcast manipulation,'" and added, "If my words or actions hurt someone in the process of creating good broadcasting content, that is my responsibility and oversight. Having received overwhelming love, I should have been more humble."
Recently, a former producer claimed through YouTube that Baek had engaged in manipulation by having people he wanted appear on broadcasts in the past.
Baek emphasized, "I will suspend all broadcasting activities except for the programs currently being filmed," and added, "I will look only at franchise owners, shareholders, and customers and start afresh from the beginning."
Baek apologized for the controversies surrounding the quality of his company's products, the errors in origin labeling, and allegations of using inappropriate equipment or leaving materials unattended at festival sites raised since February. He also mentioned that to promote coexistence with franchisees, he had prepared a support measure worth 5 billion won, including a three-month royalty exemption, as he revealed on the 2nd.