Paik Jong-won Faces Outrage: Expired Ingredients Used at Local Festivals? Kim Jae-hwan PD’s Explosive New Video Shakes Korea

Who is Kim Jae-hwan PD? The Whistleblower Behind the Scandal

Did you know? Kim Jae-hwan PD, once a celebrated MBC documentary director, has become a household name in Korea for exposing uncomfortable truths in the food and media industry. His latest YouTube video, released on the 'Studio Oh Jae-na' channel, targets Paik Jong-won, Korea’s most influential food entrepreneur, accusing his company The Born Korea of using expired ingredients at regional festivals. Kim’s reputation as a fearless investigator is rooted in previous works like 'The True Taste Show,' which revealed how money could buy TV food show fame. Now, he’s back in the spotlight, and his new exposé has set the internet on fire.

What Did the Video Reveal? Shocking Details from the Festival

So what exactly happened? In the newly released footage, Kim Jae-hwan presents evidence that at the Yesan Three Kingdoms Festival in October 2024, The Born Korea allegedly used food items such as bulgogi sauce, chicken stock, mayonnaise, fried squid, and even cold brew coffee that were months past their expiration dates. Kim claims these ingredients should have been thrown away as food waste, not served to festival guests. He even shared photos provided by local merchants, showing the dwindling stock of expired goods in the shared warehouse. The implication? Guests at these festivals may have unknowingly consumed food that was unsafe, all under the trusted Paik Jong-won brand.

Media Frenzy: How the News Took Over Korea

You probably couldn’t avoid this story if you searched for Paik Jong-won online in Korea this week. The scandal dominated headlines across all major news outlets, with the phrase 'Paik Jong-won expired food festival' trending on every platform. News articles dissected every detail of Kim’s video, while TV stations replayed the most damning footage. The controversy even overshadowed Paik’s other business activities, with his name almost exclusively linked to this food safety crisis in search results.

Community Reactions: Outrage, Betrayal, and Memes

Korean online communities exploded with reactions. On DC Inside, users mocked the idea of paying to eat what they called 'living food waste.' Theqoo and Nate Pann were filled with posts expressing betrayal, with comments like 'How could Paik, who taught us about food safety, do this?' and 'Is this the end of the Paik Jong-won era?' Some defended Paik, arguing that the company might have stored but not used the expired products, but the majority were furious. On FM Korea, users joked darkly about 'festival guests as human trash cans.' The meme culture around the scandal grew rapidly, with photoshopped images and sarcastic hashtags flooding Instagram and Twitter.

Cultural Context: Why This Hits So Hard in Korea

For international readers, you might wonder why this story is such a big deal. Paik Jong-won is more than a chef in Korea; he’s a symbol of trust, hard work, and culinary pride. His TV shows, restaurants, and food products are everywhere. For years, he’s been seen as the 'nation’s boss,' teaching safe and honest cooking. That’s why the idea of his company serving expired food at public festivals feels like a personal betrayal to many Koreans. The festival culture in Korea is huge, often seen as a way to boost local economies and showcase regional specialties. The thought that these events could be tainted by unsafe practices is deeply unsettling.

The Fallout: Business, Legal, and Social Consequences

The scandal’s impact goes beyond angry comments. The Born Korea’s stock price took a hit, and several local governments have announced they are reconsidering partnerships with Paik’s company for future festivals. There’s talk of new regulations—nicknamed the 'Paik Jong-won Prevention Law'—to limit the dominance of single companies in local events. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has launched an investigation, and some consumers have filed complaints. Meanwhile, Paik Jong-won himself has issued a public apology and announced he will step back from all broadcasting activities to focus on resolving the crisis.

What’s Next? The Future of The Born Korea and Food Festivals

Will Paik Jong-won recover from this? Some industry experts think his brand may never fully regain public trust, given how central his personal image is to his business. Others believe that with transparency, compensation, and stricter oversight, The Born Korea could survive. For now, the company faces a tough road: franchisees are worried, festival organizers are nervous, and the public is watching every move. The scandal has also sparked broader debates about food safety, corporate responsibility, and the power of celebrity in Korea’s food industry.

International Fans: What Should You Take Away?

If you’re a foreign fan of Korean food and culture, this controversy is a reminder that even the most trusted brands can face serious crises. It also shows the power of independent media and whistleblowers in shaping public debate. Kim Jae-hwan PD’s work is part of a long tradition of investigative journalism in Korea, and his willingness to challenge powerful figures is admired by many. For now, if you’re traveling to Korea or attending a local festival, you might want to pay extra attention to where your food comes from—and keep an eye on how this story develops.