Musical actor Jung Min-chan exits ‘Diaghilev’ over Starbucks photo controversy

Musical actor Jung Min-chan has exited the production of ‘Diaghilev’ following a controversy surrounding a social media post. The decision comes just two days after Jung shared a photo from a Starbucks visit on his Instagram account, a move that drew criticism amid ongoing backlash against Starbucks Korea’s controversial ‘Tank Day’ promotion.

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We sincerely apologize to our audience for the concern caused by the matter related to actor Jung Min-chan and for any inconvenience and confusion caused by this sudden decision.

The musical ‘Diaghilev’s production company, Showplay, announced Jung’s departure on May 22, stating that the actor had decided to withdraw after extensive discussions with the company. “We sincerely apologize to our audience for the concern caused by the matter related to actor Jung Min-chan and for any inconvenience and confusion caused by this sudden decision,” the company said in a statement, without specifying the exact reasons for his withdrawal.

Jung’s social media post featured a drink from Starbucks, accompanied by a caption humorously questioning its makgeolli-like taste and color. This post was deemed inappropriate by some netizens, given the ongoing controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea’s ‘Tank Day’ event. The promotion, which coincided with the May 18 anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, used the phrase ‘Tank Day’ in promotional materials, sparking widespread criticism.

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It was wrong not to know and ignorant. I apologize sincerely. I will pay close attention to the news in the future.

Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin publicly apologized for the incident, calling the marketing campaign “unacceptable and inexcusable.” This is not the first time Jung has faced public scrutiny. In February, his name and photo appeared on a promotional poster for a March 1st Independence Movement commemorative concert organized by conservative YouTuber Jeon Han-gil, leading to controversy. Jung had then stated he was unaware of the event's political nature and had not agreed to participate.

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It is an inappropriate marketing that should not happen and cannot be tolerated.