Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Chef Paik Jong-won apology video reportedly taken down from YouTube

Celebrity chef Paik Jong-won has reportedly taken down a video from earlier this year where he apologized for the controversies surrounding his company Theborn Korea and promised to halt his TV appearances to focus on bettering the brand.

2025-11-24

Joint venture of Paik Jong-won, BTS's Jin referred to prosecution for highball mislabeling

A company established through joint investment by BTS member Jin and restaurateur and CEO of Theborn Korea Paik Jong-won has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly violating Korea’s origin labeling law.

2025-11-21

Theborn Korea CEO Paik Jong-won cleared of falsely labeling ingredient origins

Paik Jong-won, CEO of Theborn Korea, has been cleared of allegations that the company falsely labeled the origin of ingredients used in some of its food products.

2025-11-10

Legal troubles arise for Jin and Paik Jong-won’s liquor brand Jini’s Lamp

Jini’s Lamp, a liquor brand co-founded by BTS member Jin and food entrepreneur Paik Jong-won, has been accused of violating Korea’s country-of-origin labeling laws.

2025-09-24

Theborn Korea CEO Paik Jong-won pledges to fund consultative group with own money

Paik Jong-won, CEO of Theborn Korea, pledged to use his personal funds to finance the company's mutual benefit consultative group amid the company's controversies by taking out a loan of 12 billion won using his private shares as collateral.

2025-09-02

Theborn Korea accused of cooking with foreign soybeans

Police have referred external dining conglomerate Theborn Korea to prosecutors following an investigation into suspected violations of farmland and food safety laws.

2025-08-28

Theborn Korea vows legal action against YouTubers who slander company's brands

Theborn Korea, operated by CEO Paik Jong-won, said it would take strong action against YouTubers who have continued to raise allegations about the company.

2025-08-08

Theborn Korea shuts down Baekseok plant after allegations of using imported ingredients

Theborn Korea, led by CEO and celebrity chef Paik Jong-won, announced on Thursday that it had shut down operations at its Baekseok plant in Yesan County, South Chungcheong, following allegations of violating the Farmland Act.

2025-07-11

Theborn Korea brands see sales rebound after damage control discount campaign

Franchisees of Theborn Korea brands, helmed by celebrity CEO Paik Jong-won, are seeing a sharp rebound in sales after the headquarters rolled out a sweeping discount campaign aimed at damage control and franchisee support.

2025-06-16

500 won Americanos: Paik Jong-won's Theborn Korea rolls out massive discounts across franchises

As public scrutiny intensifies, Theborn Korea — led by embattled food entrepreneur Paik Jong-won — is rolling out aggressive discounts across its franchises this month, slashing prices on signature items.

2025-06-09