Baek Jong-won’s Broadcasting Suspension Draws Backlash Over Selective Exit

Baek Jong-won, the CEO of Theborn Korea and a familiar face in Korean variety TV, has officially announced a broadcasting hiatus to focus on internal reforms—but the Baek Jong-won broadcasting suspension has quickly become a point of controversy itself. While presented as a step toward transparency and accountability, critics argue that his continued presence in several high-profile shows undermines the message.

A Public Apology and Promise of Reform

In a candid YouTube video released on May 6, Baek Jong-won directly addressed the mounting controversies surrounding his company, Theborn Korea. He issued a formal apology and pledged to take full responsibility for the situation.

“I’ve taken time to reflect deeply. I’m now ready to realign the organization and tackle the core issues within the company,” Baek stated, emphasizing that he would approach reform “as if shaving my bones.”

Central to this pledge was a commitment to step away from his numerous broadcasting roles so he could focus on overhauling the company’s culture and management structure from within.

Selective Suspension Raises Questions

However, Baek’s promise of a broadcasting suspension came with clear exceptions—sparking immediate criticism. Despite his statement, he will remain visible in at least three major entertainment projects:

• MBC’s The Chef of Antarctica: Although filming has finished, its premiere was postponed due to national circumstances, with a new air date yet to be confirmed.
• tvN’s The Genius Paik’s Sand Beach: Baek was recently spotted filming this series in France on April 27, which drew attention amid the ongoing controversy. tvN explained that the overseas shoot was logistically too difficult to cancel.
• Netflix’s Black and White Chef 2: Production for the sequel has wrapped and was originally planned for an October release. Netflix has yet to confirm the final release schedule.

The selective nature of the Baek Jong-won broadcasting suspension has led many viewers and industry watchers to accuse him of staging a strategic PR move rather than taking genuine responsibility. Critics argue that by choosing which appearances to cancel and which to continue, Baek risks further eroding public trust.

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Financial Impact and a Tainted Legacy

Baek’s on-screen persona has been deeply tied to his business success. Over the years, hit shows like Mr. Baek, My Little Television, Alley Restaurant, and The Three Kings of Paik Jong-won helped boost his restaurant empire and made him a household name. Now, the very connection that fueled his rise is under scrutiny.

The backlash has already hit Theborn Korea financially. For three consecutive trading days, the company’s stock price has slid. On May 7, shares closed at 26,200 KRW, marking a 2.78% daily drop and a nearly 23% decline from its recent peak of 34,000 KRW, according to the Korea Exchange.

What’s Next for Baek Jong-won?

Whether this suspension signals a temporary pause or a longer-term step back from TV remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Baek Jong-won stands at a crossroads. His intertwined roles as a celebrity chef, business mogul, and trusted TV personality are now under the microscope.

To truly restore public trust, industry insiders suggest that Baek may need more than a partial retreat—he will need consistent, visible changes within Theborn Korea, clear accountability, and perhaps a full break from the spotlight until real reforms take root. For more Korean entertainment news, check out the link below.

Alternatively, watch some of Baek’s releases here: