The controversy involving Baek Jong-won continues to escalate, with BTS member Jin also being reported. The agricultural corporation JINISLAMP, co-invested by Theborn Korea CEO Baek Jong-won and Jin (Kim Seok-jin) of BTS, has been reported to the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service for violating origin labeling laws.
Baek Jong-won and Jin established JINISLAMP, an agricultural corporation based in Yesan County, Chungnam, by investing in shares together in December 2022. In December 2024, the company launched a distilled spirit named ‘IGIN,’ with JINISLAMP handling production and distribution managed by Yeasandoga, an affiliate of Theborn Korea.
On September 23, JINISLAMP was accused of two violations concerning the ‘IGIN Highball Tonic’ series, specifically the ‘Plum’ and ‘Watermelon’ flavors, sold online. For the plum-flavored product, the packaging indicated ‘domestic’ on the product information, but the detailed product description listed ‘plum concentrate (Chilean).’ Similarly, the watermelon-flavored product claimed ‘domestic’ origin, but the nutritional information indicated ‘watermelon concentrate (American),’ causing confusion among consumers.
An error was also found in the watermelon flavor’s detailed page, where information related to the plum flavor was mistakenly posted, failing to accurately disclose the origin of the processed ingredients.
Violating the Act on the Labeling of Origins of Agricultural and Fishery Products may result in imprisonment for up to 7 years or a fine of up to 100 million KRW, which can also be applied to legal entities.
The issue is further compounded as Theborn Korea was previously referred to prosecutors for a similar violation concerning origin labeling in June, suggesting a pattern of infringements within the business group, potentially leading to strict enforcement.
An official from the Chungnam branch of the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service explained that discrepancies between top and bottom origin labels could lead to confusion, recommending a revision such as specifying ‘details shown below.’
A special judicial police officer from the Yesan office stated they would investigate the matter this week and, if any violations are found, proceed with an investigation and refer the case to prosecutors. The online mall’s origin labeling has since been updated to ‘details specified.’
The complainant argued that Jin, as a globally influential artist, should accept moral responsibility regardless of legal liability, emphasizing the importance of preemptive inspections and transparent communication to ensure brand collaboration built on public trust.
Reporter Park Ji-hye [email protected]
Entertainment Team, Bntnews – Star Tip-off [email protected]
Park Ji-hye [email protected]