Comedian Lee Kyung-sil, who was caught up in a controversy over egg shell codes, spoke out herself. She emphasized that shell codes are unrelated to quality grades but apologized, saying she failed to consider consumers' feelings.
On the 19th, Lee Kyung-sil finally spoke. In a phone currency with OSEN that morning, Lee, who had said she would "express her position directly through SNS," immediately delivered a statement containing an apology and an explanation. Lee, whose voice sounded weak over the receiver as if she had suffered a lot emotionally, explained in detail in her statement her feelings and the egg shell codes and quality grades.
Lee Kyung-sil said, "This controversy started because a carton of 30 eggs with shell code 4, priced at 15,000 won, was higher than eggs with shell codes 1 and 2," and added, "Although it is true that 30 eggs of code 4 priced at 15,000 won are generally expensive, 'Uaran's quality is far superior to any eggs sold on the market, and we have worked and researched to provide value that matches the price and have consistently strived for quality."
Lee Kyung-sil emphasized that shell codes 1, 2, 3 and 4 printed on egg shells indicate the "rearing environment" and are unrelated to the eggs' quality grades. She explained, "The reason 'Uaran' maintains a high price is not the rearing environment but the ingredients and rearing methods. We feed expensive ingredients such as turmeric and cordyceps, and significant expense is invested to maintain egg quality and freshness through farm sanitation management and disease control."
Lee Kyung-sil added, "You cannot judge quality by looking only at shell code 4. The message 'Uaran' sends to consumers is clear. From laying to delivery, the most important thing for the egg's quality at the moment the consumer breaks it is not the shell code but the quality (freshness). The reason we emphasize quality is that it is extremely difficult to maintain such a high-quality standard."
Shell code 4 eggs are laid by hens kept in cages smaller than a sheet of A4 paper, and because they are produced in high-stress environments, they have been continuously controversial from an animal welfare perspective. Generally, the larger the shell code number, the cheaper the price tends to be. In that sense, Lee Kyung-sil's eggs for sale under the brand 'Uaran' are priced at 15,000 won for 30 eggs, which is more expensive than animal welfare certified eggs that use shell codes 1 and 2.
Lee Kyung-sil said shell codes are unrelated to quality grades and lamented that the controversy stemmed from a misunderstanding. She said, "From a consumer's perspective, only what they look at when choosing food mattered, and for that I sincerely apologize for not considering consumers' feelings while being proud of making high-quality eggs."
Lee Kyung-sil also replied to comments on her statement. In response to one supportive comment she said, "I am moved to tears that people understand. I haven't been able to sleep for days and wonder what is happening. It hurts that someone like me, who is sincere about food, is being labeled as someone obsessed with money."
Meanwhile, despite the egg controversy, Lee Kyung-sil will continue her run in the play 'Special Boing Boing.' The 'Special Boing Boing' side told OSEN, "We have seen the related controversy and plan to meet Lee Kyung-sil to assess the situation. However, we are not considering replacing the cast."
[OSEN]