Following the high-priced controversy surrounding comedian Lee Kyung-sil's egg brand 'Uaran', the official sales site has closed, creating aftershocks. Amid this, Lee Kyung-sil posted a lengthy message on Instagram addressing the controversy regarding the egg number and price.
On the 19th, Lee Kyung-sil shared the results of a fresh egg test on her Instagram, stating, "Eggs must be fresh and lively. It is true that the price of 30 eggs numbered 4 is 15,000 won, which is expensive, but the quality is superior to any eggs sold in the market. We strive to provide value that matches the price and have worked hard for consistent quality." She also sincerely apologized, saying, "From the consumer's perspective, what is looked for when choosing food is important, but I regret not considering the consumer's feelings.
Lee Kyung-sil stated, "The product has a quality high enough to compete with any egg number," and added, "The number marked on the egg does not relate to the egg quality grade." She continued, "This issue is not about 'who is right,' but rather a problem that arose from different standards in judging breeding environments and eggs.
The controversy regarding the eggs began on the 16th, when comedian Jo Hye-ryeon posted a photo of Lee Kyung-sil's egg product on her thread. Jo Hye-ryeon praised the product, saying, 'The queen among real eggs' and 'Makes a person elegant,' but the mood quickly changed when it was revealed that the egg's number was 4.
Eggs with number 4 are laid by hens raised in existing cages smaller than A4 paper, considered the lowest standard for animal welfare. Generally, eggs from 1 (free-range) and 2 (barn-raised) are priced higher due to animal welfare standards. Typically, the price decreases as the numbers go to 3 and 4.
However, the Uaran eggs, despite being number 4, are priced at 15,000 won for 30 eggs, making them more expensive or similar in price to some number 1 and 2 eggs, leading to criticism. Following this, online complaints poured in with comments like, "Why is the price like this for number 4 eggs?" and "This is consumer deception.
As the controversy grew, the company clarified, stating, "The high price related to animal welfare is based on respect for the environment and animals, not necessarily indicating better quality. Not all laying hen farms can meet the number 1 standard, and feeding better quality food in a number 4 breeding environment is also one approach." They emphasized, "There are no bad eggs. I hope the purchasing criteria for eggs become based on quality rather than egg number," but consumers are left puzzled, saying, "Quality cannot be completely separated from the environment."
Afterwards, Jo Hye-ryeon, who had promoted the product, deleted her related posts, and the online mall known as the official sales site, Prestige, has shut down its website. As of that day, the site remains inaccessible. Meanwhile, the shopping mall representative is registered as Lee Kyung-sil's son, Son Bo-seung, raising further responsibility concerns regarding the family's involvement in the brand.