Paik Jong-won spotted in viral K-beauty video during US trip

An unexpected sensation is spreading after a person appearing to be Paik Jong-won, CEO of Theborn Korea, was spotted in a video from an overseas K-beauty account with 1.26 million followers. It appears the recent whereabouts of Paik, who is known to be on a business trip to North America, were accidentally revealed.

Recently, a video from the Instagram account 'songofskin', which showcases K-beauty and skincare content, spread through online communities. The video captures a woman sitting in an airplane seat applying 'Ear Seed' to her ear. The video also included a description suggesting it is a daily routine involving Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

However, the scene that caught the attention of Korean netizens was not the protagonist of the video. A familiar face appeared in the window seat behind the woman. Netizens noted that the individual looks like Paik, and interest grew regarding whether the person in the video is indeed the CEO.

The individual appearing to be Paik seems to have no particular connection to the filming, naturally spending time while sitting in the window seat. As a celebrity's appearance was captured in the completely unexpected context of overseas K-beauty content, the 'unexpected guest' became the center of attention rather than the video itself.

Online reactions included comments such as, "Isn't that Paik Jong-won in the back?", "Why is Paik Jong-won suddenly appearing?", and "I was watching a beauty video and saw Paik Jong-won.""

However, based on the video alone, it has not been officially confirmed whether the person on screen is actually Paik.

'songofskin' is an account that produces content centered on K-beauty and skincare, securing approximately 1.26 million followers on Instagram. Given that the account introduces Korean beauty and skincare culture to global users, the accidental capture of a famous Korean figure has drawn even more attention.

The timing is also coincidental. Paik is known to have been continuing business activities targeting the North American market. It is reported that he stayed in the United States and Canada for about two weeks starting from the beginning of this month, meeting with local food distribution companies and restaurant industry officials to discuss potential business cooperation, and seeking ways to expand the local distribution of Theborn Korea products, including TBK sauce.

Therefore, if the video does indeed show Paik, it is possible that the scene was filmed during his North American business trip. However, since the uploader has not provided any separate explanation regarding the filming location or the people appearing, specific details require verification.

The reason Paik's recent activities are garnering interest also lies in the recently resurfaced controversy regarding the 'original thin-sliced pork belly.' As an entrepreneur who previously operated a restaurant in Busan claimed to have sold thin-sliced pork belly since 1983, the anecdote about its development in 1993, which Paik has introduced through broadcasts, has once again become a subject of debate.

Ultimately, while the video was originally content dealing with K-beauty and skincare, it created a separate sensation in Korea because the person captured in the background resembles Paik. Amidst his overseas moves for business expansion and the recent controversy, even a short, accidentally revealed scene is becoming a subject of intense interest.