[Sportschosun reporter Kim Jun-seok] Lee Jae-won, a former member of H.O.T., is drawing attention as his once-popular health food business is now reportedly at a standstill.
Lee launched a pomegranate collagen health supplement in 2023 with Chris, a member of FL1X.
The product received an enthusiastic response, selling 75,000 units within two weeks of launch. The business then expanded quickly into overseas markets, including Japan, China, the United States, and Malaysia.
At the height of the business's popularity, Lee appeared on tvN's variety show "Free Doctor" and showed the production and shipping site in person.
He introduced the business by saying, "My main focus is currently the health food business," and showed himself overseeing deliveries with his staff.
On the show, more than 2,200 orders were shipped out in the morning alone. Lee also expressed surprise at the stronger-than-expected results, saying, "I thought it would take about three months for people to notice, but the response came in just three days."
He also said he wanted to thank fans by signing each product that was shipped to them.
But the situation has now changed dramatically. Sales of the health food product have been suspended on both the official online mall and major open-market platforms.
Imports and distribution are also believed to have stopped, and the online store that handled consignment sales has shut down after clearing out its inventory. Anyone who visits the old sales page now only sees a notice saying operations have been suspended.
The official website that promoted the product is still online, but no posts have been updated since September 2023.
Fans have reacted with curiosity, saying things like, "Did the business end?" "Why did they suddenly stop selling it?" and "It looks like he gave up on the business."
So far, however, Lee's side has not issued any official statement regarding the suspension of sales or the operation of the business.
Meanwhile, Lee previously revealed on MBN's "Special Report World" that he had battled thyroid cancer. He said he was declared fully recovered after surgery and has continued to maintain a strict diet for his health.
More recently, he has been meeting fans through solo activities and group promotions to mark H.O.T.'s 30th debut anniversary.
narusi@sportschosun.com
