Baek Jong-won Referred to Prosecution for ‘Violation of Origin Labeling Law’; Investigation into Violation of Farmland Act Ongoing

Investigation of Baek CEO by South Chungcheong Police on 9 Charges

Baek Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea, is facing legal scrutiny over allegations of violating the law on the labeling of food origins. It has been confirmed that the South Chungcheong Police are investigating nine charges against him, including a violation of the Farmland Act.

According to CBS on the 23rd, the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Institute Special Judicial Police (NAQS) forwarded the case to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office on June 4th, after investigating The Born Korea corporation for allegedly violating the food origin labeling law.

Baek Jong-won’s products, such as “Baek Jong-won’s Baekseok Soybean Paste” and “Hansin Pocha Spicy Stir-fried Octopus,” are under suspicion of falsely labeling some ingredients as domestic. Additionally, The Born Korea’s Baekseok factory is accused of illegally using a warehouse without permission to convert farmland in an agricultural promotion zone.

A representative from the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Institute stated to , “The investigation on the origin labeling violation has concluded, leading to the case being transferred to the prosecution,” adding, “We cannot disclose details about the charges (submitted).” They also mentioned, “Each office of the Agricultural Products Quality Management Institute has special judicial police officers. Investigations and probes are carried out when issues arise. The evaluation of the charges by the prosecution and the court remains.”

Regarding the unauthorized farmland usage allegations, the South Chungcheong Police are currently investigating. The police are consolidating cases reported from regions such as Yesan and Hongseong in South Chungcheong.

A representative from the anti-corruption investigative team at the South Chungcheong Police Agency informed , “Investigations are ongoing concerning nine charges, including the violation of the Farmland Act. There are currently no plans to forward the cases to the prosecution.” However, the representative added, “Once investigations are complete, all nine cases will be forwarded at once.” When asked about plans to summon Baek Jong-won, they responded, “We cannot disclose details as the matter is under investigation.”

Baek Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea, addressed the allegations on his YouTube channel on May 6th, stating, “I have previously conveyed my apologies through documents and shareholder meetings. However, today, I want to express my sincere apologies through video.” He further stated, “We are identifying and improving the root causes of all issues related to quality, food safety, and hygiene at festival sites,” acknowledging, “All responsibilities lie with me. I have realized that genuine change is possible only if I change.”