Starbucks Korea 'Tank Day' Controversy: Shinsegae Group Chairman Apologizes

According to the Central News Agency, the "Tank Day" controversy at Starbucks Korea is escalating. Chung Yong-jin, Chairman of the parent company Shinsegae Group, held a press conference today to apologize, stating, "I will not make any excuses; all responsibility for this incident lies with me." Shinsegae Group also emphasized that it will actively cooperate with the police investigation.

Starbucks Korea used the term "Tank Day" on the 18th, the 46th anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, to promote a series of tank tumblers, which reminded people of the military vehicles deployed to suppress the uprising at that time, sparking criticism from all walks of life.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung Yong-jin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, which operates Starbucks Korea, came forward to apologize today. He said, "I take this matter heavily, as many people have felt deep pain and anger due to this inappropriate marketing by Starbucks." Chung mentioned the bereaved families of the democratization movement, the bereaved family of martyr Park Jong-cheol, the citizens of Gwangju, and all citizens, and then apologized.

Reports indicate that Chung read an apology statement for about 5 minutes starting at 9 a.m., during which he bowed 3 times. This is the first time Chung has personally come forward to issue an apology statement since taking office as chairman in March 2024.

Regarding the recent reports of citizens verbally abusing Starbucks staff, Chung also mentioned the partners and frontline employees working at Starbucks stores. He emphasized, "These people are honest office workers who work hard at their posts for every Starbucks customer from early morning until late at night. I sincerely ask everyone to look at them with warmer eyes."

As for whether the Tank Day marketing was deliberately planned, Jeon Sang-jin, Vice President of Shinsegae Group, stated that the current investigation results have not found clear evidence that relevant employees and senior management deliberately planned this marketing activity. He said that the relevant employees refused to submit their mobile phones, which limited the company-level investigation legally.

Jeon emphasized that they will actively cooperate with the police investigation. If the police find that anyone planned the activity with intent, they will immediately dismiss the relevant employees and pursue all civil and criminal liabilities. Shinsegae Group explained that this marketing activity was planned by 5 employees, 2 of whom submitted their mobile phones, while 3 refused to submit them citing privacy.