Baek Jong Won, the judge on 'Culinary Class Wars' and CEO of TheBorn Korea, has issued a second apology in response to various controversies. Through a statement on TheBorn Korea's website, he expressed deep regret for the concerns caused by ongoing issues. He emphasized the seriousness with which he and all TheBorn Korea employees are addressing the situation by implementing company-wide reforms.
Specifically addressing the allegations of misrepresenting foreign-sourced ingredients as domestic on online shopping platforms, Baek Jong Won mentioned that they are carefully reviewing all product details, including country-of-origin labeling. He also announced plans to establish a monitoring system involving external experts.
In regard to the 'Baek Ham' product controversy involving insufficient pork content and pricing issues, he confirmed the halt in production. He assured that a new product is in development to better meet customer expectations in terms of taste and quality.
Concerning the 2023 Hongseong Global BBQ Festival incident where sauce was allegedly sprayed using pesticide sprayers meant for food, he emphasized enhancing equipment inspection for festivals to prioritize customer safety and trust. The company will also strengthen hygiene practices.
Baek Jong Won further addressed TheBorn Korea's participation in regional market and urban redevelopment projects, highlighting their commitment to contributing to local economies based on past successes. To franchise owners, he promised practical support for mutual growth, acknowledging the challenges in the dining industry environment.
He ended by accepting criticism with humility and pledged immediate rectification of any errors. Post his initial apology on March 13, Baek Jong Won reiterated the commitment to addressing all concerns promptly, including legal issues.
The controversies involving violations of the Country of Origin Labeling Act and mislabeling of certain products under TheBorn Korea had put Baek Jong Won under scrutiny. The investigation involves products like soybean paste and the stir-fried octopus dish sold at Hanshin Pocha, a franchise pub chain linked to his company. Recent criticisms had also surfaced regarding his 'Baek Ham' product regarding pricing discrepancies and insufficient pork content.