Paik Jongwon Cleared of Ingredient Origin Mislabeling Allegations; Staff Referred to Prosecution

Paek Jongmin, CEO of Theborn Korea, who was suspected of falsely labeling the origin of ingredients in Theborn Korea's products, has been cleared of charges by the police.

The Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced on the 10th that, at the end of last month, it decided not to refer CEO Paek's case to the prosecution, judging that it was difficult to recognize a violation of the Food Labeling and Advertising Act. However, Theborn Korea as a corporation and two employees responsible for practical affairs were referred to the prosecution without detention.

Paek Jongwon, CEO of Theborn Korea, held a press statement and Q&A session after the first regular shareholders' meeting held on March 28 at Space Share Gangnam Station Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, in March, the police began an investigation after receiving a complaint and petition alleging that Theborn Korea had misled consumers into believing that the ingredients of its “Deopjuk” and “Chewy Sweet Potato Bread” products were domestically sourced. In September, CEO Paek was summoned as a suspect and questioned for about five hours.

As for four other cases, including the use of industrial metal cooking utensils and spraying apple juice on meat using a pesticide sprayer at a barbecue festival, which were reported as potential violations of the Food Sanitation Act, the police concluded the preliminary investigation without filing charges, determining there was no basis for prosecution.