Starbucks Korea sacks CEO over controversial 'Tank Day' promotion

Starbucks withdrew the campaign for its drink tumblers after many said it referenced a bloody crackdown.

Shinsegae Group dismissed Son Jeong-hyun, CEO of SCK Company—which operates Starbucks Korea—on the 18th, the 46th anniversary of the Gwangju Democratic Uprising in 1980, holding him responsible for including inappropriate wording in a 'Tank Day' event.

Starbucks Korea suspended its promotional event and issued an apology on Monday after backlash erupted over its campaign phrases that some perceive mock the victims of the May 18 Gwangju democracy movement.

Retail giant Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin made a public apology over Starbucks Korea’s so-called Tank Day marketing campaign that used phrases reminiscent of military dictatorship on the anniversary of the May 18 democracy movement.

Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin has abruptly replaced the chief executive of Starbucks Korea (SCK Company) after the coffee chain held a 'Tank Day' promotion on the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.