Police Launch Probe into Shinsegae Chairman Chung Yong-jin Over Starbucks Marketing Controversy

The Hankyoreh reports that police have initiated a probe into Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin and former Starbucks Korea CEO Son Jung-hyun. This investigation, handled by the Gangnam Police Station, concerns allegations of insult and defamation. The complaint was filed by the civic group Fair Society for People's Livelihoods, which accused Starbucks Korea of disrespecting the May 18th Gwangju Democratization Movement through its marketing. Specifically, the group pointed to the sale of 'tank series' tumblers on the 46th anniversary of the movement, using phrases like '5/18' and 'Tank Day,' which they argue are highly inappropriate and reminiscent of the military crackdown during the Gwangju Uprising. The civic group asserted that these actions constitute insult and defamation against the movement, its victims, and the citizens of Gwangju. In response to the controversy, Chairman Chung Yong-jin dismissed the former CEO and relevant executives and issued a public apology on May 19th. This incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical events in South Korea and the public's expectation for corporations to show due respect.

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The 5/18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, the tank deployment by the martial law army, and the torture death of Park Jong-chul are reminiscent of the very inappropriate expressions.