Gunsan City Food Service Industry Development Center, Controversy Over Customized Benefits for Daebon Korea

The construction project for the "Food Service Industry Development Center" being pursued by Gunsan City, Jeollabuk-do, has sparked controversy over allegations that excessive benefits are being provided to a specific company, Daebon Korea.

According to Gunsan City and the Gunsan City Council on the 28th, the city is establishing the Food Service Industry Development Center in Geumdong as part of its urban regeneration project, and approximately 7 billion won is being invested in this project.

After its completion, Daebon Korea is expected to manage the center and develop menus utilizing local agricultural products, offer food service consulting, and conduct training programs.

However, there are criticisms that the public property nature of the Food Service Industry Development Center, which has seen significant city budget investment, is being tailored specifically for Daebon Korea.

Gunsan City modified the building's design based on Daebon Korea's requests and engraved "Daebon" on the cooking utensils.

As a result, Daebon Korea is now able to use the facility almost exclusively while only paying an annual usage fee of about 30 million won (an average of 2.5 million won per month).

Such tailored support for a specific company raises concerns about potential risks in future changes to the operating agency or the sustainability of the project.

In particular, the recent deterioration of Daebon Korea's corporate image, unlike in the early stages of the project, has led to growing objections regarding the excessive dependence on a specific company.

Daebon Korea, a food service franchise led by CEO Baek Jong-won, has faced multiple controversies since its listing last year.

Various issues have arisen, including controversies over the quality of "Baek Ham," allegations of violating farmland laws, and errors in origin labeling. Additionally, incidents like employees inviting female applicants to drinking parties under the guise of interviews or leaving equipment and ingredients unattended at festival sites were reported.

A representative from Gunsan City stated, "In the early stages of the project, many local governments wanted to collaborate with Daebon Korea, but concerns have emerged due to recent image damage," adding, "We will review contractual safety measures to ensure the project proceeds in accordance with its original purpose related to urban regeneration."

Image source: The Daebon Food Service Industry Development Center, newly constructed by Gunsan City in Geumdong and Jangmidong to revitalize the old downtown, April 28, 2025 / News1, Baek Jong-won, CEO of Daebon Korea / News1