The Born Korea files insult charges against online critics

The Born Korea, the restaurant franchise company led by CEO Baek Jong-won, has filed criminal complaints against users who posted critical comments about the company and its management on online stock discussion boards.

According to industry sources Thursday, The Born Korea recently filed complaints with the Eunpyeong Police Station in Seoul and other authorities, accusing users who posted critical or defamatory content on its Naver stock discussion board of insult and related charges.

The complaints also extend to users of other online communities, including DC Inside, FM Korea and Bobaedream.

The Eunpyeong Police Station confirmed it had received the complaints against investors but declined to provide details — including the number of those named — saying the matter is under investigation.

On Thursday, posts appeared in those online communities from users saying they had received phone calls informing them they had been reported for insult.

One investor wrote: "The police told me about the comment I left — something I wrote about the fourth-quarter loss — and said I have to come in. This is outrageous. I've never set foot in a police station even while criticizing outright fraudulent companies, and now I'm being dragged into one."

Another investor posted a screenshot of a call log from the Eunpyeong station, writing: "I also got a call saying I need to come in for an insult investigation. I believe what I wrote was legitimate criticism — no profanity, just content about the harm done to shareholders and franchise owners who invested. I'm furious that they're doing this through legal complaints."

At least four users in those communities have so far said they were contacted by police.

A company official confirmed the filings in response to a Yonhap inquiry, saying: "Since last year, malicious posts and comments aimed at spreading defamatory content and false information through online communities have been causing direct harm to the company and its franchise owners."

The official added: "We are currently pursuing legal action through a law firm against defamation, abusive language and the spread of false information. This is an unavoidable and legitimate defensive measure to protect the reputation and credibility of the company, its employees and our law-abiding franchise owners from baseless, indiscriminate defamation and insult."

The Born Korea listed on the stock exchange on Nov. 6, 2024, at an initial public offering price of 34,000 won ($25) per share. The stock surged to a high of 64,500 won per share on its first day of trading. As of Thursday's close, shares stood at 14,550 won each.