25.06.23.Today News : The Born Korea Sent to Prosecutors for False Country-of-Origin Labeling

The Born Korea Sent to Prosecutors for False Country-of-Origin Labeling

• Products like “Ddeopjuk” and “Doenjang” cited; CEO Baek Jong-won apologizes amid multiple investigations

The Born Korea, led by celebrity chef Baek Jong-won, has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly violating the Country of Origin Labeling Act. This marks the first official prosecution case amid ongoing investigations surrounding the company.

'Theborn Korea' has been sent to prosecutors for misrepresenting its country of origin.

According to legal sources on June 23, the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service’s Special Judicial Police (SJP) referred The Born Korea to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office on June 4, with a recommendation for indictment.

The company is accused of falsely labeling the country of origin on several of its products, including “Ddeopjuk,” “Baekseok Doenjang,” and “Nakji Bokkeum” sold under Hanshin Pocha. For instance, the company claimed to use domestic shrimp for “Ddeopjuk,” but actual labels indicated the shrimp was imported from Vietnam.

The SJP reportedly launched an investigation based on consumer complaints and regulatory monitoring, ultimately deciding to transfer the case to the Seoul Western Prosecutors' Office, which specializes in food and drug-related offenses.

Earlier in March, the SJP had already issued a corrective order requiring The Born Korea to delete or modify labeling on soy sauce, agricultural products, and doenjang due to violations of the origin labeling laws.

Baek Jong-won publicly apologized during a shareholders’ meeting in March, stating, “Despite record-high earnings, we have caused concern and disappointment due to recent origin labeling issues. We will strengthen our internal monitoring and cooperate with external experts to enhance transparency.”

In addition to the current charges, The Born Korea is under investigation for over 14 other cases, including allegations of false advertising under the Food Labeling and Advertising Act and supplying unapproved chicken bone frying equipment to franchisees, which could violate food safety laws.

One-line summary : The Born Korea has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly falsifying product origin labels.