South Korean police quiz executive in Starbucks 'Tank Day' fiasco

South Korean police are investigating a controversial Starbucks promotion that sparked public outrage, questioning an executive from the operating company, Shinsegae Group. The "Tank Day" campaign, held on May 18, coincided with the 46th anniversary of the Gwangju uprising, a 1980 pro-democracy crackdown where many civilians were killed.

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The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency questioned Yang Jong-hwan, head of Shinsegae Group's audit team, as a witness yesterday.

Starbucks Korea, which operates over 2,000 stores, faced backlash for the promotion, leading Shinsegae Group to fire its Korea chief executive and its chairman, Chung Yong-jin, to issue an apology. A civic group filed a complaint against executives, alleging violations of a law prohibiting the dissemination of false information about the crackdown.

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The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency questioned Yang Jong-hwan, head of Shinsegae Group's audit team, as a witness yesterday.

Yang Jong-hwan, head of Shinsegae Group's audit team, was questioned as a witness by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. The company expressed hope for a swift and transparent clarification of facts and pledged cooperation. As a consequence of the scandal, Starbucks stores across South Korea will close for half a day next Monday for staff to attend a history lesson about the Gwangju crackdown. Senior executives, including the chairman, will attend a similar lesson later in the week.

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The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency questioned Yang Jong-hwan, head of Shinsegae Group's audit team, as a witness yesterday.