South Korean police quiz executive in Starbucks ‘Tank Day’ fiasco

South Korean police have questioned an executive from Shinsegae, the operator of Starbucks in the country, as part of their investigation into a controversial promotional campaign. The campaign, dubbed "Tank Day," ignited public anger in May because its date, May 18, coincided with the 46th anniversary of the Gwangju uprising, a pro-democracy movement that was violently suppressed in 1980.

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

Official figures state 165 civilians were killed during the crackdown, though many believe the actual death toll was higher. The "Tank Day" promotion, which involved reusable cups, was seen as deeply insensitive and disrespectful to the memory of the victims. In response to the scandal, Shinsegae Group dismissed its Korea chief executive, and chairman Chung Yong-jin issued a public apology.

Despite these actions, a civic group filed a complaint against Chung and other executives, alleging violations of a 2016 law that prohibits the dissemination of false information about the 1980 crackdown. The complaint also includes charges of defamation and insult. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed they questioned Yang Jong-hwan, head of Shinsegae Group’s audit team, as a witness.

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We hope the facts will be clarified swiftly and transparently.

Starbucks Korea has announced that all its stores nationwide will close for half a day on June 22 to allow employees to attend a history lesson about the Gwangju crackdown. Senior executives, including Chairman Chung, will participate in a similar lesson two days later. South Korea is Starbucks' third-largest market globally. Shinsegae previously acknowledged negligence in the campaign's rollout, citing officials who approved designs without proper checks. The controversy led to protests and a significant drop in sales, with President Lee Jae Myung condemning the company's actions as "inhumane and disgraceful."

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by this inhumane and disgraceful conduct