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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Chung Yong-jin apologizes for Starbucks 'Tank Day' controversy

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin publicly apologized on May 26 for the controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" event, which was perceived as a slight against the May 18th Democratic Uprising.
  • Shinsegae Group's internal audit found no evidence of intent to disparage the May 18th movement but acknowledged flaws in its internal verification system.
  • 5.18 organizations criticized the apology as insincere and demanded Chung's resignation, while Starbucks announced a temporary full refund for its prepaid balance.

Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin bowed his head in apology on May 26, expressing deep regret for the controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" event, which many interpreted as disrespectful to the May 18th Democratic Uprising. The incident has led to widespread public criticism and calls for boycotts.

I sincerely apologize and beg for forgiveness from the bereaved families of the May 18th Uprising, the family of martyr Park Jong-cheol, the citizens of Gwangju, and the people of this nation who felt deep hurt and disappointment.

· Chung Yong-jinChairman of Shinsegae Group, during a press conference apologizing for the Starbucks controversy.

During a press conference at the Josun Palace Hotel in Seoul, Chung stated, "As the chairman of Shinsegae Group, I sincerely apologize and beg for forgiveness from the bereaved families of the May 18th Uprising, the family of martyr Park Jong-cheol, the citizens of Gwangju, and the people of this nation who felt deep hurt and disappointment." He added, "I will offer no excuses. All responsibility lies with me." This public apology comes eight days after the controversy erupted and follows an earlier written apology.

I will offer no excuses. All responsibility lies with me.

· Chung Yong-jinChairman of Shinsegae Group, accepting full responsibility for the Starbucks controversy.

Shinsegae Group conducted an internal audit into the planning of the "Tank Day" marketing event. While the group stated it could not find evidence of intent to "disparage the spirit of May 18th or democratic martyrs," it admitted to deficiencies in its internal verification processes. The group noted limitations in establishing the full facts, as relevant employees refused to submit their mobile phones for inspection.

We could not find grounds to prove the intent to disparage the spirit of May 18th or democratic martyrs.

· Jeon Sang-jinShinsegae Group Management Control Vice President, explaining the findings of the internal audit.

However, organizations representing the May 18th victims and their families dismissed the apology as lacking sincerity. They held their own press conference, demanding that Chung "take responsibility and step down from his position." Starbucks Korea also announced that it would offer a full refund of its prepaid balance from June 1 to June 14, a move intended to appease disgruntled customers. The controversy has highlighted concerns about Chung's perceived political leanings and their influence on corporate activities.

The company's lack of social and historical sensitivity was revealed beyond the fault of the staff.

· Jeon Sang-jinShinsegae Group Management Control Vice President, admitting internal shortcomings.
About this summary

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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