Starbucks Korea Faces Boycott Over 'Tank Day' Controversy

SEOUL, May 22 (CNA) - Starbucks Korea is facing a backlash after holding a 'Tank Day' event on May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising. Public service unions have issued official notices urging a boycott, recommending that government units refrain from purchasing gift cards or tumblers as gifts.

According to Yonhap News, the 'National Public Service Union' issued a notice stating, 'Please join the boycott of Starbucks, which is involved in disparaging the 518 Democratization Movement and engaging in hate marketing.' The notice argues that the event mocked the sacrifice of the late Park Jong-cheol and promoted anti-democratic hatred.

The 'Public Service Union General Federation' has also decided to suspend the use of Starbucks gift cards. Following the controversy, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has conducted a full review of Starbucks product usage in internal activities over the past two to three years and issued an internal directive to stop using such products. Starbucks Korea CEO Son Jung-hyun has been dismissed, and Chung Yong-jin, chairman of the parent company Shinsegae Group, is currently under investigation.