The Real Story Behind Theborn Korea’s Expiry Date Scandal: Why Their Statement Feels Like Wordplay

The Expiry Date Controversy: What Really Happened?

Did you know that Theborn Korea, led by celebrity chef Baek Jong-won, is under fire for allegedly using expired food ingredients at the Samguk Festival? In June 2025, several YouTubers and local merchants accused the company of serving food made from products past their expiry date at the festival in Yesan. Photos of sauces, mayonnaise, fried squid, and even cold brew coffee with expiry dates months overdue quickly spread online, sparking public outrage. The controversy intensified when local vendors claimed they saw expired stock rapidly disappearing from a shared warehouse during the event.

Theborn Korea’s Official Response: Fact or Wordplay?

Theborn Korea responded swiftly, stating that the expired ingredients were never used at the Samguk Festival. According to the company, the products in question were stored in a separate warehouse in Yesan and were not part of any menu at the festival. They insisted that the warehouse was only used for temporary storage and that expired goods were set aside for disposal, not for cooking or sale. The company also emphasized that the photos circulating online were taken in a different location, not at the festival site itself, and threatened legal action against the spread of what they called 'malicious misinformation'.

Why the Explanation Doesn’t Convince the Public

Here’s where things get tricky: the physical distance between the Samguk Festival and the Yesan market warehouse is less than 100 meters. For many, this feels like a technicality rather than a meaningful distinction. Community members and critics argue that, in practice, the festival and the market are essentially the same operational area, making Theborn Korea’s defense sound like clever wordplay rather than a genuine explanation. Furthermore, claiming that expired products were 'just being stored for disposal' is a common excuse cited by businesses caught violating food safety laws. Korean food law is explicit: unless expired goods are clearly marked for disposal, they are considered intended for sale or use.

Community Reactions: Outrage and Distrust

Online communities like Theqoo, Nate Pann, and Instiz are buzzing with heated debates. Many users express anger, saying things like 'Are customers garbage cans?' and 'This crosses a line.' Some share alleged photos and testimonies from local merchants, insisting that expired ingredients were indeed used. Others point out that Theborn Korea’s response mirrors the typical excuses made by businesses caught in food safety scandals. There are also voices defending the company, but the dominant sentiment is skepticism and disappointment. The controversy has become a trending topic, with hashtags like #더본코리아_불신 (Theborn Korea distrust) gaining traction.

Cultural Context: Why Food Safety Is So Sensitive in Korea

For international readers, it’s important to understand why this issue hits so hard in Korea. The country has experienced several high-profile food safety scandals in the past, which have made consumers extremely sensitive to anything that threatens their trust in major food brands. Baek Jong-won, as a celebrity chef and entrepreneur, was once seen as a symbol of reliability and innovation in the Korean food industry. This scandal, however, has shaken that image, highlighting how quickly public trust can erode when transparency is lacking.

Theborn Korea’s Broader Troubles: Not Just One Incident

This isn’t the first time Theborn Korea has faced public scrutiny. The company has recently been investigated for alleged violations of food labeling laws, improper advertising, and even labor issues like maintaining internal blacklists of employees. Each controversy chips away at the brand’s reputation, making it harder for official statements to regain public confidence. Even large-scale discount events and public apologies have struggled to shift the narrative.

Legal and Regulatory Implications: What Happens Next?

Korean food safety law is strict: if expired ingredients are found and not clearly labeled as waste, authorities presume they are intended for use. This means Theborn Korea’s explanation may not hold up if regulators find evidence of expired stock being used or insufficiently marked for disposal. The company has pledged to cooperate with investigations and to take legal action against what it calls false accusations, but the outcome will likely depend on further inspections and possible legal proceedings.

What International Fans and Foodies Should Know

If you’re a fan of Korean food culture or a follower of Baek Jong-won, this controversy is a reminder of the high standards and fierce scrutiny that food brands face in Korea. The incident also reveals the power of social media and community-driven journalism in holding companies accountable. For global fans, understanding these dynamics is key to appreciating both the achievements and the challenges of Korea’s food industry.

Conclusion: Trust, Transparency, and the Road Ahead

Theborn Korea’s expiry date scandal is more than a simple case of food safety. It’s a story about public trust, the fine line between technical explanations and genuine accountability, and the cultural expectations that shape Korea’s food industry. Whether the company can recover its reputation will depend not just on legal outcomes, but on its willingness to embrace transparency and rebuild consumer confidence from the ground up.