According to industry sources on December 11, Jin and Baek Jong-won co-invested in establishing the agricultural corporation Yesan Doga, which is set to release a distilled spirit called “IGIN” this month. IGIN is a traditional liquor that incorporates the unique flavors of Yesan, Baek Jong-won’s hometown in Chungcheongnam-do.
In addition to distilled spirit, IGIN will also be available as ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages made with local agricultural products like Yesan apples, watermelon and plums. These RTD products will be marketed under the names IGIN Sweet Tonic and IGIN Sour Tonic.
To support this endeavor, Jin and Baek Jong-won established the agricultural corporation Jinny’s Lamp in December 2022, headquartered in Yesan County, Chungcheongnam-do.
Interestingly, Jinny’s Lamp is a name Jin once mentioned as a potential studio name through a fan communication platform.
Jinny’s Lamp will oversee the production of IGIN, while distribution will be managed by Yesan Doga, an affiliate of The Born Korea.
Yesan Doga is led by CEO Byeon Jun-ho, a former executive of The Born Korea.
The project also features participation from Park Rok-dam, a master craftsman often referred to as the “godfather of traditional Korean liquor”, as an auditor. Ahead of the launch, the company has reportedly begun recruiting managers for liquor stores to support the sales of IGIN.
Jin’s entry into the alcohol industry is expected to gain significant attention, as it marks a rare collaboration between a global star like Jin—part of BTS, the first Korean act to top Billboard’s single chart—and Baek Jong-won, a culinary icon in Korea.
Jin’s passion for traditional Korean liquor has been well-documented through various content.
In a 2022 episode of “Jin’s Traditional Alcohol Journey” on BTS’s YouTube channel “BANGTANTV”, Jin and Baek Jong-won, alongside traditional liquor master Park Rok-dam, showcased and promoted traditional Korean alcohol. Additionally, Jin has shown consistent interest in alcohol development by gifting his creations to friends, including fellow member J-Hope, Chef Lee Yeon-bok and actor Park Seo-ham.
However, a representative from Yesan Doga stated, “There are no details we can confirm at this time.”
Source: Naver