Shinsegae says no evidence of intent in Starbucks 'Tank Day' controversy, but probe hindered

Shinsegae Group announced that its investigation into the Starbucks "Tank Day" marketing controversy, which sparked accusations of trivializing the May 18th Gwangju Uprising, found no concrete evidence of intentional wrongdoing. The group stated that it could not prove the marketing campaign was planned with malicious intent.

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As of the current investigation results, we have not found clear evidence that employees and executives intentionally planned this marketing.

However, the investigation faced significant limitations. Shinsegae Group revealed that key employees involved refused to submit their mobile phones, hindering the company's ability to fully investigate and establish the facts of the matter. The group also noted that some involved employees approved the marketing materials without even reviewing the design drafts, indicating a systemic failure in the verification process.

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These conclusions are also partly due to legal and procedural constraints on the company's inspection, such as some of the relevant executives refusing to submit their mobile phones.

In response to the controversy and the investigation's findings, Shinsegae Group has taken disciplinary action. Five employees involved in the marketing campaign have been suspended from their duties, and the representative and relevant executives have been dismissed. The company has pledged to cooperate fully with the ongoing police investigation.

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This incident was planned by some responsible individuals without even checking the email attachments containing the marketing design drafts, and they approved it conventionally.

Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin issued a public apology, expressing deep regret to the families of the May 18th victims, the citizens of Gwangju, and the public. He acknowledged the profound hurt and anger caused by Starbucks Korea's inappropriate marketing and accepted full responsibility. The company stated that if the police investigation proves intent, further disciplinary and legal action will be taken against those responsible.

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This incident was planned by some responsible individuals without even checking the email attachments containing the marketing design drafts, and they approved it conventionally.