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.
BTS Jin (Credit: YouTube)
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.
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.
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.
The prestigious Golden Disc Awards (GDA) is marking its 40th anniversary with a historic overhaul of its grand prize structure and trophy design.
For the first time in its four-decade history, the awards ceremony will present a total of three Daesangs (Grand Prizes), reflecting the explosive growth and global influence of the K-Pop industry.
This monumental change was announced by the organizers, HLL JoongAng, on November 21, 2025.
The Three Grand Prizes: A New Artist Daesang
The GDA first split its single Grand Prize into two separate awards—one for Digital Song and one for Album—during its 21st year to adapt to the evolving music consumption landscape.
For the upcoming 40th ceremony, a third Grand Prize, the Artist Daesang, will be introduced.
The three Daesangs for the 40th Golden Disc Awards will now be:
- Digital Song Daesang (Song of the Year)
- Album Daesang (Album of the Year)
- Artist Daesang (Artist of the Year)
This new category is designed specifically to acknowledge the “global influence and musical achievements of K-pop artists” beyond the success of a single album or song.
New Criteria for Global Recognition
The addition of the Artist Daesang is a direct response to the K-Pop industry’s massive international expansion.
Like the existing Album and Digital Song Daesangs, the Artist Daesang will be determined using a combination of data and expert evaluation:
- Quantitative Data: 60 percent
- Judges’ Panel Evaluation: 40 percent
To ensure the new award accurately reflects worldwide impact, HLL JoongAng confirmed that the quantitative data for the Artist Daesang will include global chart data.
This data, provided by Circle Chart and previously used in the GDA’s “Golden Chart,” will be reflected in the final quantitative evaluation, linking the award directly to an artist’s success in the international music market.
Golden Anniversary: Venue and Trophies
The 40th Golden Disc Awards will be held on January 10, 2026, at the Taipei Dome in Taiwan.
This marks the seventh time the ceremony has been held outside of South Korea, underscoring its commitment to being a global event.
The venue, with a seating capacity of 40,000, is Taiwan’s largest indoor arena, promising a grand scale for the anniversary celebration.
In conjunction with the new award, the trophy design will also be updated:
- The three newly established Daesangs (Digital Song, Album, and Artist) will feature a design that is fully gold.
- All other trophies will retain a design featuring gold discs on a black background.
This visual change further elevates the prestige of the three top awards, celebrating the recipients’ status as the most impactful artists in the K-Pop industry for the year.
Nominees for the major award categories are scheduled to be revealed shortly, on November 25, 2025.
