Victims Demand Shinsegae Chairman Resign Over Starbucks 'Tank Day' Controversy

Victims of past state violence in South Korea have escalated their protest against Starbucks Korea's controversial 'Tank Day' promotion, which coincided with the anniversary of the May 18th Gwangju Uprising. A coalition of victim groups, including the Federation of Victims of State Violence and the People's Solidarity for Victims of State Violence, held a press conference outside a Starbucks in Seoul, demanding accountability and a boycott of Shinsegae Group, the parent company.

The protesters vehemently condemned the 'Tank Day' marketing campaign, arguing that it trivialized the brutal suppression of the Gwangju Uprising, a pivotal moment in South Korea's democratization movement. They specifically targeted Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin, accusing him of a pattern of 'far-right' behavior and a distorted historical perspective. His past controversial 'anti-communism' remarks and support for events aligned with conservative, nationalist sentiments were cited as evidence of a deep-seated ideological bias that they believe influenced the Starbucks promotion.

Starbucks Korea has since apologized and dismissed its CEO, Son Jung-hyun. However, the victim groups remain unconvinced, suggesting the apology may be insincere, driven by contractual obligations with global Starbucks, which holds significant shares in the joint venture. The activists are demanding Chung Yong-jin's official apology and his resignation from all management positions within Shinsegae Group. They also insist on disciplinary action for those responsible within Starbucks Korea. Failure to meet these demands, they warned, could lead to a nationwide boycott of all Shinsegae Group affiliates, extending beyond Starbucks.