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🇰🇷 South Korea /Economy & Trade

Shinsegae Chairman Chung Yong-jin Apologizes for Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' Marketing

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

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

At a glance

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  • Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin apologized for Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" marketing campaign, which coincided with the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising.
  • The campaign, which used military imagery, caused significant public anger and pain, particularly among victims' families and citizens of Gwangju.
  • Chung took full responsibility for the incident and promised a thorough investigation into the circumstances.

Chung Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, has personally apologized for the "Tank Day" marketing campaign launched by Starbucks Korea, which sparked public outrage for its insensitivity. The event occurred on May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, a pivotal moment in South Korea's modern history.

Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, Chung expressed his deep remorse, acknowledging the profound pain and anger the "inappropriate marketing" caused. He stated that the company needed to thoroughly investigate the facts and details of the incident. Chung specifically apologized to the families of the victims of the Gwangju Uprising, the family of activist Park Jong-cheol, and the citizens of Gwangju.

I accept the fact that many people felt deep pain and anger due to Starbucks Korea's inappropriate marketing with great weight.

· Chung Yong-jinShinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin's apology for the 'Tank Day' marketing.

"I will not offer any excuses. I take full responsibility for this incident. It is my fault," Chung declared, emphasizing his personal accountability. Following his apology, Chung left the press conference, leaving company executives to handle questions and provide further details.

I apologize to the bereaved families of the victims of May 18, the bereaved family of activist Park Jong-cheol, and the citizens of Gwangju who have been deeply hurt by this incident.

· Chung Yong-jinShinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin's apology to those affected.

Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" promotion, which featured imagery of tanks, was widely criticized for trivializing the historical significance of May 18 and the sacrifices made during the Gwangju democratization movement. The campaign's timing and theme were seen as deeply disrespectful and offensive.

Shinsegae Group executives later presented the findings of their internal investigation. The company's response aims to address the public's anger and restore trust, though the incident has undoubtedly damaged the brand's reputation in South Korea.

I will not offer any excuses. I take full responsibility for this incident. It is my fault.

· Chung Yong-jinShinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin taking personal responsibility.
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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