Baek Jong-won, the CEO of The Born Korea, has announced the suspension of his broadcasting activities.
On the 6th, CEO Baek released his third apology through a press release and his YouTube channel, stating, "From now on, I will focus all my passion and energy solely on the growth of The Born Korea as Baek Jong-won, the businessman, not as a broadcaster."
CEO Baek said, "I have already apologized in writing and at the shareholders' meeting regarding many issues and criticisms that have been raised intensively this year," and added, "However, today I want to bow my head and speak directly through this video."
He mentioned, "We are identifying the fundamental causes of all issues, including quality, food safety, and hygiene at festival sites, and are improving them one by one."
He continued, "All the problems lie with me," and stated, "I will make 2025 the year of a complete renewal for The Born Korea, marking the second founding year."
He added, "The most heartbreaking thing is the desperate situation of the franchise owners," and emphasized, "Right after preparing emergency support measures, I visited the site to listen to the voices of the owners. I have resolved that I will not leave even a single owner behind from now on."
CEO Baek acknowledged, "I am well aware of the concerns about balancing broadcasting activities as the CEO of a listed company, along with the recent terrifying allegations of 'broadcast bullying'," and stated, "If my words or actions have hurt someone in the process of creating good broadcast content, it is my responsibility and oversight. Given the excessive love I have received, I should have been more humble."
Additionally, he stated, "I will suspend all broadcasting activities except for the programs currently being filmed," and bowed his head, saying, "I will start over, focusing only on the franchise owners, shareholders, and customers."
Accordingly, he will suspend all broadcasting activities except for the Netflix variety show 'Black and White Chef Season 2' and the tvN variety show 'Business Genius Baek Sa-jang 3'.
CEO Baek had previously issued two apologies regarding the controversy over the quality of his company's products, errors in origin labeling, and allegations of using inappropriate utensils or neglecting ingredients at festival sites, which arose since February.
