Minister Regrets Starbucks 'Tank Day' Promotion, Vows to Monitor Gwangju Uprising Misinformation

The recent controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' promotion on May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, has drawn a strong rebuke from the South Korean government. Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Kwon Oh-eul, has officially expressed his "deep regret" and "grave concern" over the incident, emphasizing that companies, like all citizens, have a societal responsibility to honor the sacrifices made during the Gwangju Uprising.

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I express deep regret and grave concern as the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs over Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' event on the anniversary of the May 18th Democratic Uprising.

Minister Kwon's statement, posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, underscored the importance of remembering the "noble spirit" of the 5.18 Democratic Uprising and the "sacrifices and dedication" of its heroes. He stressed that fostering a mature and correct understanding of history is a collective duty, and that corporations are not exempt from this responsibility. The ministry has pledged to enhance its monitoring of false information and misinformation related to the Gwangju Uprising and to take corrective actions.

In a significant move, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has also issued an internal directive to halt the use of Starbucks gift certificates and similar items for its own events for the time being. This decision follows a broader trend, with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety also announcing a similar policy. These actions signal a unified governmental stance against any perceived disrespect or trivialization of the Gwangju Uprising, especially when it comes from corporate entities.

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Honoring the noble spirit of the May 18th Democratic Uprising and the sacrifices and dedication of its heroes is a social responsibility for all citizens, and corporations are no exception.

The controversy highlights the deep sensitivity surrounding the Gwangju Uprising in South Korea, a pivotal event in the nation's democratization movement. For many, the use of 'Tank Day'—a term that evokes the military suppression of the uprising—by a foreign coffee chain is not merely an insensitive marketing blunder but an affront to national memory and democratic values. The government's swift and firm response reflects a commitment to protecting the historical significance of the event and ensuring that it is remembered with the solemnity and respect it deserves.

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We will strengthen monitoring to prevent the spread of false information regarding the May 18th Democratic Uprising and do our utmost to correct it.