Star chef's father investigated for alleged molestation

By Jhoo Dong-chan

The former head of a regional educational office is under investigation for allegedly sexually molesting a golf caddie.

The suspect is the father of Baek Jong-won, a popular chef here.

Daejeon Dunsan Police said Wednesday that Baek Seung-taak, 80, former superintendent of the South Chungcheong Provincial Office of Education, was recently questioned about the alleged incident.

According to police, the caddie -- a woman in her 20s whose name was withheld -- came to know Baek at a golf club in Daejeon. She claimed that she and Baek met outside of the club in June and he forcibly and repeatedly touched her breast and other parts of her body.

After the incident, the caddie quit her job and filed a complaint with police.

During the recent questioning, Baek strongly denied the accusation. “I’ve never done anything wrong in my whole life,” he told a local daily. “Someone may want to benefit from framing me, but the court will find the truth.”

Baek has been hospitalized for treatment due to side effects from cancer surgeries he has undergone.

Police plan to refer the case to the prosecution, suggesting indictment without detention for molestation.

Besides the superintendent post, Baek has served in various posts in education including a board director of the private Yesan High School.

His son, Baek Jong-won, is a star chef who has recently rose to fame after appearing on a number of cooking shows. He is also a CEO of 26 restaurant franchises with 169 branches across the country.