South Korea Rejects Starbucks Over 'Tank Day' Controversy

The controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' event has sent shockwaves through South Korea, prompting a swift and widespread backlash from government bodies, public institutions, and the general public. As reported by Hankyoreh, the event, which some interpreted as a mockery of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, has led to a significant reassessment of the coffee giant's partnerships and the use of its gift certificates as corporate or government incentives.

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We will carefully decide the future direction after comprehensively considering public sentiment on this matter and Starbucks Korea's position on social responsibility.

The repercussions have been substantial. The Ministry of National Defense has temporarily suspended its 'Hero Program' with Starbucks, which aimed to support soldiers in remote areas and provide scholarships for children of fallen soldiers. The Ministry of Interior and Safety has declared a policy against using gift certificates from companies that disrespect the values of democracy and human rights, effectively signaling a boycott. Similarly, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is reviewing past uses of Starbucks gift certificates and has issued internal guidelines to cease their use for now.

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Government agencies, including the Ministry of Interior and Safety, have been using mobile gift certificates, such as coffee exchange vouchers, for various surveys, contests, and public participation events. We will not provide products from companies that trivialize the history and values of democracy or use them for commercial purposes.

This wave of criticism extends beyond national ministries. Local governments, including Gwangju Metropolitan City, and public institutions like the National IT Industry Promotion Agency and the Korea Tourism Organization, are also discontinuing the use of Starbucks gift certificates for events and prizes. The financial sector is not immune, with NH Nonghyup Bank and Gwangju Bank changing their promotional offerings. This collective action reflects a strong public sentiment against perceived insensitivity towards a pivotal moment in South Korea's democratization history. The situation is further complicated by a segment of far-right online communities who have rallied in support of Starbucks, posting 'proof of visit' photos and using hashtags like '멸공벅스' (Myeol-gong-bucks, a portmanteau of 'destroy communism' and Starbucks). This has fueled online polarization and the disturbing spread of AI-generated content, including images that appear to mock the Gwangju Uprising by depicting former dictator Chun Doo-hwan with Starbucks products, adding a deeply offensive layer to the ongoing controversy.

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The Korean Federation of Public Employee Unions recognizes the seriousness of this situation and proposes a boycott of Starbucks, urging active participation from all members.