As questions arose over the response from the food security bureau chief—who drew attention during the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ministry's briefing to the point of earning the nickname "BeanGPT" (bean + ChatGPT)—with some factual errors confirmed, Minister Song Mi-ryung personally stepped forward to clarify.
Byeon Sang-mun, the food policy director at the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ministry, raised his hand to answer a question about genetically modified food (GMO) and the soybean supply situation during a live-streamed briefing presided over by President Lee Jae-myung on the 11th. His response, which cited related figures, drew attention, and the presidential office even mentioned it as one of the model cases of ministry briefings.
However, voices inside and outside the agricultural sector later pointed out that parts of the response differed from the actual figures. The Minister said on the 17th on Facebook and Instagram that "there was some confusion in the process of understanding and answering the question." The Minister said, "The presidential office checked the facts, and I also reported directly to the president."
According to the Minister, the food security bureau chief answered that this year's domestic soybean production was expected to be 83,000 tons, but actual domestic soybean production this year is projected to be around 160,000 to 170,000 tons. The Minister said, "The president's question was about domestic soybean production, but it appears the response understood it as the consumption of domestic soybeans used in processed foods."
The ministry said the explanation related to genetically modified foods also needed some supplementation. The food security bureau chief answered that among imported corn, feed corn is GMO and corn used for starch sugars is non-genetically modified food, but in reality, GMO ingredients can be used in some starch syrups or corn oil. However, the government explained that genetically engineered components do not remain after processing, so they are exempt from labeling.
The Minister said, "Corn for confectionery and baking is indeed non-genetically modified food, but there are some exceptions depending on the use," adding, "We will make every effort to more thoroughly manage edible corn."
The Minister went on to say, "The reason we disclose the entire process of the briefing is to hear diverse opinions and review policies," adding, "We will work harder to ensure a food supply that the public can trust and to expand consumption of domestic soybeans."