Jeju Specialty Liquor Scandal: Brewery Caught Using Imported Fruits to Mimic Local Products

The reputation of Jeju’s premium agricultural sector has taken a significant hit following the exposure of a major food labeling fraud. The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Police Agency announced on May 12, 2026, that it has charged the representative of a local specialty liquor manufacturer with violating the Act on the Labeling and Advertising of Food, etc.

The investigation revealed that a brewery, which began operations in 2022, had been systematically deceiving consumers by marketing liquor made from imported fruits as high-end Jeju specialties, specifically camellia and rapeseed flower liquors.

The Mechanics of the Deception

According to the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Police Agency, the 50-year-old representative, identified as “A,” registered a specific list of ingredients with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to establish the product’s legitimacy. These registered ingredients included:

• Camellia petals
• Rapeseed flowers
• Marigolds
• Barley
• Purified water

However, investigators discovered that these local ingredients were almost never used in the actual manufacturing process. Instead, the brewery utilized imported American lemons, oranges, and Philippine pineapples to produce the alcohol. To further the deception, the company reportedly used regular tap water instead of the purified water promised in their official filings. The manufacturer allegedly chose the product names “camellia flower liquor” and “rapeseed flower liquor” based solely on the color of the finished liquid, rather than its actual composition.

Scale and Financial Impact

The scale of the fraud is substantial, impacting both consumer trust and the regional economy. The investigation confirmed that over 260,000 bottles, each with a capacity of 375 ml, were distributed in the market under these false pretenses. The total sales generated from this deceptive labeling reached approximately 800 million won.

Regulatory Crackdown and Investigation

The police investigation was triggered in February after authorities received intelligence suggesting that a brewery claiming Jeju origins was actually utilizing imported fruit supplies. To build their case, law enforcement secured a variety of critical evidence, including:

• Raw material purchase records
• Sales tax invoices
• Brewery management system entry and exit records

In addition to the food labeling violations, the company is also facing charges under corporate liability regulations.

Key Takeaways for Investors and Consumers

• Brand Integrity Risk: The incident highlights the vulnerability of “place-based” branding, where the value of a product is tied to its geographical origin.
• Regulatory Oversight: The investigation underscores the importance of Ministry of Food and Drug Safety filings and the role of local police in monitoring agricultural authenticity.
• Economic Impact: Fraud of this magnitude can lead to a “trust deficit” for all legitimate Jeju-based specialty producers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific products were involved in the Jeju liquor scandal?

The products marketed were “camellia flower liquor” and “rapeseed flower liquor,” which were falsely claimed to be made from Jeju agricultural products.

What were the actual ingredients used by the brewery?

Instead of Jeju flowers, the brewery used imported lemons from America, oranges, and pineapples from the Philippines, along with regular tap water.

How much revenue was generated through this fraud?

The deceptive sales reached an estimated 800 million won, involving more than 260,000 bottles.