Baek Jong-won’s Douvon Korea: Hygiene Scandal, Farmland Law Breach, Drinking Interview
- SEOUL, South Korea – Bonbone Korea, a food company facing a barrage of criticism ranging from hygiene concerns to alleged labor violations, pledged to overhaul its operations and...
- “We feel a heavy responsibility for a series of issues, including the inappropriate behavior of local project employees and hygiene management at the festival site,” the company stated.
- Bonbone Korea aims to accelerate fundamental innovation in its organizational culture and work systems.
Bonbone Korea Promises Reform After Scandals
SEOUL, South Korea – Bonbone Korea, a food company facing a barrage of criticism ranging from hygiene concerns to alleged labor violations, pledged to overhaul its operations and restore consumer confidence, according to a statement released Tuesday.

Company Takes Responsibility
“We feel a heavy responsibility for a series of issues, including the inappropriate behavior of local project employees and hygiene management at the festival site,” the company stated. The statement, issued April 15, outlined plans for meaningful changes.
Overhauling Operations
Bonbone Korea aims to accelerate fundamental innovation in its organizational culture and work systems. The company said it is prioritizing ethical management and food safety as it renews its internal systems and external operations.
The company plans to establish audit organizations, implement an external public relations and communication system, strengthen organizational culture, reinforce employee responsibility, and reorganize its food safety and hygiene management protocols.

Past Controversies
The company has faced numerous controversies since the start of the year. In January, its ‘Bakham’ gift set drew criticism for its high price and low pork content. The company has also been involved in allegations of farmland law violations, origin labeling issues, and disputes over citrus material content.
More recently, the company faced scrutiny over an alleged ”drink interview” during a local project hiring process, where an employee reportedly acted inappropriately toward female applicants. Additionally, a photo surfaced showing an employee spraying apple juice onto meat using a pesticide sprayer at a local festival.
Labor ministry Investigation
The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct by executives during the hiring process.
The Cheonan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor is examining potential violations of recruitment procedure laws and whether workplace harassment occurred during the “drink interview” incident.
Bonbone Korea concluded its statement by saying, “We will now innovate with the resolution to fulfill our responsibilities as a listed company and restore our trust beyond apology and explanation. Thank you for the cold intellectual and warm encouragement of many people. Please watch the changes in the future.”
Bonbone Korea: Navigating Scandals and Promising Reform
what’s Happening with Bonbone Korea?
Bonbone Korea, a South Korean food company, is facing a challenging period.The company recently issued a statement promising significant reforms after a series of controversies, including hygiene concerns and alleged labor violations. This commitment to change follows a wave of criticism from the public.
What Specific Issues Is Bonbone Korea Dealing With?
Bonbone Korea has been under scrutiny for several issues:
Hygiene concerns: There have been reports of poor hygiene management, specifically at a local festival site.
Inappropriate employee Behavior: Allegations of inappropriate conduct by local project employees, including during a hiring process described as a “drink interview.”
‘Bakham’ Gift Set Controversy: Criticism surrounding a gift set for its high price, and questionably low pork content.
Farmland Law Violations: Allegations of violations regarding farmland use.
Origin Labeling Issues: Disputes concerning the accuracy of origin labeling for food products.
Citrus Material Content Disputes: Questions arose about the content of citrus materials used in company products.
Apple Juice on Meat Incident: A widely reported incident where an employee appears to have sprayed apple juice onto meat using a pesticide sprayer.
What is Bonbone Korea Doing to Address These Issues?
The company has committed to a extensive overhaul of its operations. This includes:
Prioritizing Ethical Management and Food Safety: Making these core values in its renewed approach.
Internal system Renewal: upgrading internal operations and systems.
External Operations Renewal: Re-evaluating external operations to ensure compliance.
Establishing Audit Organizations: Creating audit entities to oversee operations.
Implementing an External PR and Communication System: Improving public relations and communication.
Strengthening Organizational Culture: Reinforcing a positive internal environment.
Reinforcing Employee Responsibility: Encouraging and enforcing responsible behavior.
* Reorganizing Food Safety and Hygiene Management: Revising protocols for food safety and hygiene.
what is the “Drink Interview” Controversy?
The “drink interview” refers to a hiring process where an employee allegedly acted inappropriately toward female applicants, leading to an investigation. This incident is part of the broader labor violation allegations facing the company.
Is Bonbone Korea Facing Legal Action Related to These Scandals?
Yes, the Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct by executives during the hiring process. the Cheonan Branch of the Ministry is examining potential violations of recruitment procedure laws and investigating whether workplace harassment occurred during the “drink interview” incident.
Who is the CEO of Bonbone Korea?
The CEO of Bonbone Korea is Baek Jong-won.
Key Reforms: A Summary
Here’s a quick glance at the key areas of reform:
| Reform Area | Description |
| ——————————- | ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Ethical Management | Prioritizing clarity,fairness,and accountability in all business practices. |
| Food Safety | Implementing rigorous standards to ensure the safety and quality of Bonbone Korea products.|
| organizational Culture | Fostering a positive and responsible work environment. |
| Employee Responsibility | Holding employees accountable for their actions and behavior. |
| Audit Organizations | Establishing oversight bodies to ensure compliance and integrity. |
| External PR & Communication | Improving and expanding the company’s communication strategy with stakeholders. |
| hygiene Management | Creating new protocols for handling hygiene. |
What Does Bonbone Korea Say About the Future?
In its statement, Bonbone Korea asserted its commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities as a listed company and restoring trust through action, not just explanations. They asked for continued understanding and promised to demonstrate changes in the future.
