In recent reports, it was revealed that BTS‘ Jin and Baek Jong Won‘s highball brand was reported to the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (NAQS) for misleading information and allegedly violating origin labeling regulations.
On September 23, TenAsia reported that an individual identified as Mr. A accused JINI’s LAMP of mislabeling the origin of ingredients in its IGIN highball products, specifically the watermelon and plum flavors, starting an investigation against the brand.
“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”, said a representative of NAQS.
According to the product details, Jin’s alcoholic beverages include imported ingredients such as plum concentrate from Chile and watermelon concentrate from the United States, but the company’s website mistakenly listed the origins as domestic, causing consumers to believe IGIN watermelon and plum highballs were made entirely with Korean ingredients.
Under South Korea’s Origin Labeling Act, 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), worrying all BTS member fans amid the investigation.
A JINI’s LAMP representative makes a statement regarding the legal case, assuring that the matter is “under review”, declining to provide further comment.