The agricultural corporation JINI’s LAMP, co-founded by BTS member Jin and celebrity restaurateur Baek Jong Won, has been reported to the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (NAQS) for allegedly violating origin labeling regulations.
According to TenAsia on September 23, an individual identified as Mr. A filed a complaint on September 22 via the government’s online petition system, accusing JINI’s LAMP of mislabeling the origin of ingredients in its IGIN highball products, specifically the watermelon and plum flavors. Mr. A claimed the company’s labeling could mislead consumers about the true origin of the ingredients.
Following the complaint, NAQS confirmed that its local Yesan office had launched an investigation. A representative stated, “If violations are found, the case will be prosecuted and referred for further action. Administrative penalties will also follow depending on the severity of the violation. We will review the matter thoroughly from start to finish.”
Although the product labels reportedly listed imported ingredients such as plum concentrate from Chile and watermelon concentrate from the United States. Some product descriptions on the company’s website mistakenly listed the origins as domestic. Critics argue this could easily mislead consumers into believing the IGIN watermelon and plum highballs were made entirely with Korean ingredients.
Under South Korea’s Origin Labeling Act, agricultural and fishery processed products may only be labeled as “domestic” if all ingredients, excluding water, food additives, and sugars, are of Korean origin. Mislabeling or providing misleading origin information can carry penalties of up to seven years in prison or fines of up to 100 million KRW (approximately $73,000).
Jin partnered with Baek Jong Won in December 2022 to establish JINI’s LAMP, headquartered in Yesan, South Chungcheong Province. The company is responsible for producing IGIN, while distribution is managed by Yesan Doga, an affiliate of Baek’s The Born Korea.
Regarding the current case, a JINI’s LAMP representative stated only that the matter is “under review,” declining to provide further comment.