On April 23, 2025, Asia Today reported that the police investigation involving CEO Baek Jong Won's company, The Bon Korea, has been moved to the Chungnam Police Agency due to additional complaints and the consolidation of cases. The company is being investigated for violating the Agricultural Land Act.
Initially, the investigation started after a petition was filed with the Yesan Police Station on March 13, 2025. However, due to the reception of more complaints and the necessity to combine these cases, the investigation was shifted to the Criminal Investigation Division of the Chungnam Police Agency on April 21.
According to the Yesan Police Station, more complaints against Baek Jong Won and The Bon Korea were received on March 25, causing a strain on investigation resources. Consequently, the case was forwarded to higher authorities in Chungnam for more effective management.
The ongoing investigation pertains to breaches of Articles 32 and 34 of the Agricultural Land Act and violations of the Fair Labeling and Advertising Act. These charges are part of a larger array of accusations against The Bon Korea, which has been embroiled in multiple controversies recently.
One significant issue involved the misuse of a greenhouse at the Baekseok Factory for undisclosed purposes, leading to its dismantling. Moreover, The Bon Korea faced backlash for using imported raw materials in a facility designated as an agricultural promotion zone, resulting in an apology for breaking agricultural land laws.
Aside from these infractions, The Bon Korea has been under scrutiny for product quality concerns, such as discrepancies between advertised claims and actual content, prompting complaints about high prices and poor quality products.
On April 21, 2025, a petition titled "The Bon Korea, engaging in repeated illegal activities with impunity, and the complicity of the Food and Drug Administration and local governments! We demand the 'Baek Jong Won Prevention Law'" was posted on the National Assembly’s electronic petition platform.
The petition, submitted by an individual identified as A, condemned The Bon Korea for consistently indulging in illegal practices that endanger public health during local government events without facing repercussions.
It called for immediate legal reforms to prevent the monopolization of public events and suggested the following actions:
- Enact laws to restrict unlawful firms from participating in festivals. - Impose penalties on individuals associated with such companies. - Increase penalties for violations of the Food Sanitation Act. - Prohibit exclusive contracts for festivals and introduce public management systems. - Conduct audits and institutional enhancements by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local governments.
The petitioner contended that unhygienic cooking practices and the use of industrial materials violate the Food Sanitation Act, warranting severe punishments like business suspensions and legal charges.
The petitioner inquired, "Why does The Bon Korea elude consequences? Why should festivals be monopolized by specific companies? At public gatherings funded by taxpayers, citizens are subjected to food prepared using industrial equipment and pesticides. This situation must not persist."