Gwangju Residents Call for Shinsegae Chairman’s Resignation, Launch Starbucks Boycott

The public outcry in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province against Starbucks Korea and its parent company, Shinsegae Group, over the "Tank Day" debacle represents a significant challenge to corporate accountability and historical sensitivity. Civic groups, deeply connected to the legacy of the May 18 Democratization Movement, have mobilized forcefully, demanding not only an apology but also the resignation of Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin.

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Shinsegae Group and Starbucks Korea, recognizing the gravity of the situation, quickly issued an apology and dismissed the [Starbucks Korea] CEO, but this is just the typical scapegoating to deflect attention from the core issue and avoid responsibility

From our vantage point at Hankyoreh, the "Tank Day" promotion is not merely a marketing misstep; it is perceived as a profound disrespect to the victims and a painful reminder of the 1980 Gwangju uprising and massacre. The swift apology and dismissal of the Starbucks Korea CEO are seen by these groups as a superficial attempt to deflect blame from Chairman Chung, whose management philosophy and past controversial remarks about "eradicating communists" have drawn public ire.

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We want the real culprit, Chairman Chung Yong-jin, to resign

The demand for a criminal investigation, rather than an internal probe, underscores a lack of trust in Shinsegae Group's ability to address the issue transparently. The proposed boycott of Starbucks, with the potential to expand to other Shinsegae developments like the Gwangcheon Terminal and Eodeungsan Tourism Complex, signals the depth of public anger and the economic leverage these civic groups aim to wield.

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The group chairman’s management philosophy and the company’s internal organizational culture undoubtedly had a major influence on the formulation of a marketing strategy that intricately combined two tragedies in our democratization history within numerous decision-making systems

This situation is particularly resonant in Gwangju, a city that bears the historical scars of the 1980 massacre. The community's strong reaction highlights a national consciousness that demands respect for historical events crucial to South Korea's democratization. The call for Chairman Chung's resignation and the potential for a widespread boycott serve as a powerful message that corporate actions, especially those perceived as mocking historical tragedies, will face severe public backlash. This is a story about historical memory, corporate responsibility, and the power of collective action in South Korea.

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He must stop hiding behind Son and immediately resign from management