Baedal Minjok’s newly introduced franchise partnership model, Baemin Only, has come under scrutiny after the Cheogajip Yangnyeom Chicken franchisee association reported Woowa Brothers and franchisor Korea 153 to the Fair Trade Commission for alleged unfair trade. The association argues promised fee cuts and discounts deliver little benefit and restrict dealings with rival apps. Woowa Brothers disputes the claims, saying the promotion is lawful, voluntary and can be exited at any time.

Woowa Brothers, the operator of food delivery app Baedal Minjok, and Korea 153, the operator of Cheogatjib seasoned chicken, signed an MOU to raise franchisees’ online sales revenue and expand customer benefits, the company said on Jan. 28. The partners will strengthen cooperation centered on the Baemin platform, including menu optimization, new menu launches, in-app brand pages and joint promotions. They also plan shared programs for merchants and community contribution activities.