Restaurateur Paik Jong-won's company to advise military to improve dining operations

▲ TheBorn Korea CEO Paik Jong-won (L) and Lee Gap-su, head of the defense ministry's logistics management bureau, pose for a photo after signing a memorandum of understanding on efforts to develop military meals at the ministry's headquarter in central Seoul on Jan. 26, 2024, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

military-dining improvement

Restaurateur Paik Jong-won's company to advise military to improve dining operations

SEOUL Jan. 26 (Yonhap) -- The company of famed food entrepreneur Paik Jong-won on Friday signed an initial agreement with the defense ministry to offer advice to improve dining operations amid efforts to enhance troop living conditions.

The ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with TheBorn Korea to come up with measures to improve cafeteria meals, and develop recipes and kitchen utensils suitable for the military.

Under the MOU, the two sides will choose a trial unit to employ such measures and advice from the company next month, with an aim to ultimately establish a standard model for improvement in mess hall operations, according to the ministry.

They also agreed to make efforts to provide employment support for service members who serve as cooks after their discharge.

At the signing ceremony, Paik said he hoped to make efforts to change the military dining experience, noting his son would have to serve in the military in about 10 years, according to the ministry.

Paik, known for his popular franchise restaurants, such as Paik's BBQ, recently starred in the variety show "The Backpacker Chef," where he showed interest in military dining by cooking meals for soldiers at mess halls.

The restaurateur is a retired Army officer and previously oversaw dining operations at the 7th Artillery Brigade during his service, according to the ministry.

All able-bodied South Korean men are currently required to serve at least 18 months in the military due to constant threats from North Korea.

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