BTS's Jin's firm accused of labeling violations. Company attributes mistake to online process. Meanwhile, Jin appeared at Gucci event in Milan.
BTS's Jin has expanded his portfolio beyond music into the world of business through a collaborative venture with a prominent South Korean figure, Baek Jong-won. The renowned restaurateur and CEO of They joined to establish an agricultural corporation named Genie Lamp (also stylized as JINI’s Lamp) in December 2022. Based in Yesan County, Chungcheongnam-do, the company ventured into the liquor market, launching its first distilled spirit product, named "IGIN," in December 2023. This partnership blended Jin's star power with Baek Jong-won's expertise in the food and beverage industry, creating significant public interest and expectations from the outset. However, this business venture has now found itself at the center of a legal and ethical controversy, leading to an official police report.
The issue emerged publicly when a post on an online community gallery dedicated to Baek Jong-won's ventures revealed that Genie Lamp had been reported to South Korea's National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service. The report, filed by an individual referred to as Person A, alleges that the company violated the Country of Origin Labeling Act. The complainant stated that they took action after judging that the origin labeling on Genie Lamp's highball products had the potential to cause significant confusion among consumers. This accusation has cast a shadow over the otherwise promising business collaboration, prompting scrutiny from both the public and authorities.
Source: Instagram/jin
The Origin Labeling Controversy of JINI's Lamp
The heart of the problem lies in the labeling of the plum and watermelon flavors of the "IGIN" highball tonic. Person A pointed out a discrepancy between the information on Genie Lamp's official website and how it was presented on some online marketplace pages. While the website correctly listed the ingredients as "Plum Concentrate (Chilean)" and "Watermelon Concentrate (USA)," the complainant claims that other product information sections incorrectly and repeatedly used the term "domestic" to describe the origin. This, Person A argued, was misleading.
"Despite the inclusion of imported fruit concentrates, the repeated use of 'domestic' on product description pages and product information misleads consumers into believing the country of origin is domestic," he stated, quoted from Chosun.
Person A further emphasized the legal nuance, adding, "If even one imported concentrate is used, the blanket labeling of 'domestic' on processed agricultural and marine products is not permitted."
Person A also addressed Jin's role specifically, highlighting the responsibilities that come with his influence.
"As an artist with global influence, Jin must accept a heavy moral responsibility for this matter, separate from the legal one. In brand collaborations built on public trust, proactive inspection and correction, as well as transparent communication, are essential to ensure the integrity of the label," added person A.
Following the complaint, it was reported that the case was transferred to the South Chungcheong Province Budget Office, where an investigator has begun a preliminary probe. In the wake of the controversy, Genie Lamp adjusted the labeling on its online sales pages to read "Country of Origin: Indicated in the detailed description."
Initially, the company remained quiet, with an early response to media inquiries stating they had "not received any separate notification" and had "no comment." However, a company representative issued an official statement clarifying that all products are legally compliant and that the issue was a temporary mistake during the online listing process, where detailed information from a different product was inadvertently displayed. They stressed that the physical product labels were always correct.
Source: Instagram/jin“All our products are legally compliant and properly labeled with accurate origin information. However, during the product listing process on online marketplaces, there was a temporary mistake where the detailed information from a different product was inadvertently displayed. Once we became aware, we immediately corrected it," stated an official from the company.
BTS's Jin Attend Gucci's Short Movie Premiere in Milan
While his business faced scrutiny at home, Jin himself was making headlines on the international stage for his fashion credentials. The BTS member made a stunning appearance at the premiere of the new Gucci short film, The Tiger, during the Milan Fashion Week.
The event, which showcased the brand's new “La Famiglia” collection, saw Jin sitting in the prestigious front row alongside celebrities like tennis legend Serena Williams and actress Alia Bhatt. For the occasion, the global ambassador for the luxury house opted for a sharp look from the very collection he was celebrating which is a crisp white button-down shirt paired with tailored black trousers. The ensemble was accessorized with a neck chain, a Gucci logo buckle belt, and classic black shoes, embodying a sophisticated and modern elegance.
Fans and fashion commentators were quick to flood social media with praise for his appearance.
"GUCCI ROYALTY JIN," one fan commented on X.
"HE IS A PRINCE. JIN IS PRINCE!?" another replied.
"Jin looks so gorgeous in gucci," fan compliment.
On the other hand, regarding the business controversy, Jin has not made any personal public statement of his business.
Source: X, Chosun, Allkpop, Billboard
Business problems can happen, but hope it’s resolved fairly. Thai idols like Khun hyung always prioritize transparency, maybe a good example here.
He looked elegant and unbothered, love his quiet confidence.
but for real, if you run a biz with your name on it, you gotta double-check every tiny detail. Fame won’t save you from rules.