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.
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
"What on earth were they thinking, knowing how many lives were taken that day and how seriously that set back our country's justice and history?"
— Lee Jae Myung , Politician
"I pledge to thoroughly investigate the approval procedures behind the event and re-examine the review process for marketing content."
— Chung Yong-jin , Executive
"A ‘Tank Day’ event mocking the blood-stained struggle of Gwangju’s victims and citizens... How many innocent lives were unjustly taken that day (omitted) and with what malicious intent did they commit this act?"
— Lee Jae Myung , Politician
"I apologize for the inappropriate marketing campaign."
— Chung Yong-jin , Executive
"This incident has nothing to do with Chairman Chung Yong-jin's intentions."
— Chung Yong-jin , Executive
"We bow our heads and offer our deepest apologies to the spirits of the May 18 Democratization Movement."
— Son Jung-hyun , Executive
Key People
Chung Yong-jin is the Chairman of Shinsegae Group.
Lee Jae Myung is the President of South Korea.
Sohn Jeong-hyun is the former CEO of Starbucks Korea.
Son Jeong-hyun is the former CEO of SCK Company, which operates Starbucks Korea.
Son Jung-hyun is the former CEO of Starbucks Korea.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
Starbucks withdrew the campaign for its drink tumblers after many said it referenced a bloody crackdown.
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.
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.
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.
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