[Bae Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea [Provided by The Born Korea]]
[Herald Economic=Reporter Jang Yeon-ju] The prosecution has decided not to pursue charges against CEO Bae Jong-won and The Born Korea following allegations that they mislabeled foreign ingredients as domestic.
The Born Korea had been under investigation for allegedly using foreign ingredients such as Chinese fermented soybean paste and garlic in some products, like “Baeksuk Doenjang” and “Hanshin Pocha Stir-fried Octopus,” yet labeling them as domestic on their online mall.
According to the prosecution on the 5th, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office decided not to indict one employee and the corporation of The Born Korea on December 29, citing lack of evidence regarding the intent and responsibility of the employee involved in the labeling process. Consequently, the corporation was also cleared.
Prior to this, CEO Bae had been investigated by police for similar allegations regarding false labeling of origin on other products of The Born Korea but was also cleared of charges.
In October last year, the Seoul Gangnam Police determined there was insufficient evidence to charge CEO Bae under the Food Labeling and Advertising Act and decided not to refer the case to prosecutors. However, the corporation The Born Korea and two staff members were referred to the prosecution without detention.
The issue arose when it was reported that during promotions for The Born Korea’s convenience meal “Dupjuk” and Baekdabang’s “Chewy Sweet Potato Bread,” some ingredients might be mistaken as domestic. The investigation found that the product page for “Dupjuk” used terms like “natural shrimp,” but the ingredient list showed shrimp from Vietnam.
In response to the controversy, The Born Korea revised related descriptions, and CEO Bae issued an apology stating that all product descriptions, including origin labels, would be thoroughly reviewed and a permanent surveillance system with external experts would be introduced.
Meanwhile, regarding four complaints filed for violations of the Food Sanitation Act, such as spraying apple juice from pesticide spray containers on meat during a barbecue festival, investigation agencies have concluded all cases without charges before formal investigation.