A corporation co-founded and invested in by BTS member Jin and prominent CEO Baek Jong Won has become the subject of a legal investigation, creating significant buzz among fans and the public.
The agricultural corporation, identified as Baeksuldolga (formerly Yesandonga), along with one of its associates, has been officially referred to prosecution for allegedly violating South Korea’s strict Country of Origin Labeling Act.
This development raises serious questions about corporate responsibility, especially when linked to globally influential figures.
The Core Allegation: Imported Concentrates Misrepresented
The investigation was initiated by the Yesan Office of the Chungnam Branch of the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service.
The agency confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Hongseong Branch of the Daejeon District Prosecutor’s Office.
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The investigation centers on the company’s popular IGIN Highball Tonic series. Specifically, the Plum and Watermelon products sold online were consistently labeled as being domestically produced.
However, the investigation found that the products utilized imported concentrates—sourced from Chile and the U.S.—a violation of the Country of Origin Labeling Act.
Joint Investment and Corporate Responsibility
The two implicated corporations, Baeksuldoga and its associate, share the same CEO, and the article explicitly states that Jin and Baek Jong Won jointly invested in the establishment.
This joint investment structure places a heavy burden of responsibility on both individuals. An accuser stated in the complaint that “Jin, as an artist with global influence, must accept a heavy moral responsibility, regardless of legal liability, for the alleged violation” by the corporation in which he participated.
This statement emphasizes the expectation that celebrities associated with any business venture should uphold a higher ethical standard.
Legal Standards for Domestic Labeling
The National Agricultural Cooperative Federation provided clarity on the precise legal standard that Baeksuldoga is alleged to have breached.
According to the Federation, agricultural corporations selling products online are only permitted to label an item as “domestically produced” if all raw materials—with the specific exceptions of water, alcohol, sugar, and food additives—are also domestically produced.
The Federation confirmed that they conducted a thorough review to determine if the company violated the origin labeling laws, focusing on the validity of the information provided and whether it was likely to cause consumer confusion.
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Shock and Discussion Among Netizens
The news immediately sparked massive reactions online. Many netizens expressed shock, as they were reportedly unaware that Jin was not just a model or endorser for the products, but an actual investor in the company.
Comments circulating on online platforms reflected a mixture of disappointment and criticism.
Responses ranged from simple confusion—“So he wasn’t just a model…”—to sharp criticism of the alleged business practice:
“Label of origin is the standard…they should be doing their work properly.”
The incident has led to a broader discussion about celebrity involvement in business ventures and the necessity of rigorous compliance with consumer protection laws.
Implications for the Idol
While the article highlights that the legal process is now underway, the referral to prosecution places a potential strain on Jin’s reputation, irrespective of the final legal outcome.
The accuser’s call for him to accept a “heavy moral responsibility” underscores the scrutiny that figures with global influence face.
The situation serves as a stark reminder that investment in any commercial venture carries not just financial risk, but also significant public and ethical obligations.
