Broadcaster Lee Kyung-sil's egg brand has become the center of controversy after it was revealed that the product with shell code number 4 is being sold at a high price. Because she is currently performing, attention is focusing on whether she will be able to complete her engagements without incident.
This controversy began on the 16th when Jo Hye-ryeon promoted Lee Kyung-sil's eggs on her Instagram. Jo Hye-ryeon praised them, saying "the packaging itself is different", "the harmony of yellow and white", but once it was confirmed that the shell code on the product in the photo was "number 4", criticism poured in online immediately.
The problem is the price. Lee Kyung-sil's brand eggs sell for 15,000 won per tray of 30. Critics said this is comparable to or more expensive than the price of shell code number 1 eggs, which are generally from the best rearing environments. Shell codes indicate the hens' rearing environments: number 1 is free-range rearing, and number 4 is conventional cage rearing, so the environmental difference is large. Consumers expressed complaints such as "People choose number 4 because of the price, so why charge number 1 prices?"
As the controversy grew, the company posted an explanatory note on its online sales page titled "thanks to number 4 eggs" to explain. The company said, "Producers should respect each other regardless of shell code," and noted, "Farms today have improved to the point that there is no longer a concern about pesticide detection as in the past."
The company also argued, "The higher price for animal welfare is simply an 'environmental improvement expense,' not a quality difference," and claimed, "If all farms adopted animal welfare, a tray of eggs could cost 3,000 won." It also emphasized that it has obtained HACCP·no-pesticide·no-antibiotic·no-pesticide-chemical·no-medicine certifications and strictly maintains freshness standards.
However, consumers' reactions remain cold. Online criticism continues, with comments such as "They seem to think consumers are fools," "Why charge a number 1 price for number 4?" and "Are they asking fans to buy eggs out of fandom?"
Meanwhile, Lee Kyung-sil's longstanding affection for eggs is being recalled. She previously said on a broadcast, "When I was young I couldn't eat eggs to my heart's content," and "I started the egg business because it became a grudge." But with this high-price controversy, even that backstory is being consumed cynically. There is also a not-small voice of caution saying, "Instead of only criticizing, let's wait a bit longer for an additional statement."
Lee Kyung-sil is currently appearing in the play 'Special Boeing Boeing'. Some worry that if the controversy spreads it could affect her activities, and attention is focused on whether she will be able to finish the performances safely.
[Photo] 'OSEN DB'
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