The spokesperson for The Born Korea has released an official statement addressing the recent controversies involving the Baekseok factory and the Yeduk Academy Foundation. They stated that there are numerous inaccuracies in the media reports, which have severely damaged the reputation of the company and those associated with it.
The company refuted claims that it illegally used a warehouse without the necessary land conversion permits, clarifying that since 2012, the temporary structures at Baekseok factory were used as “agricultural fixed greenhouses,” with some space used for storing equipment. In response to the local county’s order to restore the structures due to their use as storage, actions were promptly taken to comply.
The Born Korea emphasized that the structures were initially intended for use as greenhouses, which do not require land conversion permits, and only a part was used for storage. The company sincerely apologized for the oversight in legal compliance and promised to prevent any recurrence of such issues.
Regarding allegations of unauthorized use of land owned by the Yeduk Academy Foundation, the company explained that there was a legitimate lease agreement in place, and the foundation operates independently of The Born Korea. They also denied any inquiries into the personal information of a whistleblower with the local police.
The company acknowledges recent public scrutiny over issues such as the price and quality of gift sets and compliance with safety regulations.