Starbucks Korea Boss Sorry Over Tank Day Campaign
The head of Starbucks in South Korea said sorry on Tuesday. The apology was over a marketing campaign called 'Tank Day.' Many people saw it as mocking those who died for democracy.
The campaign launched on the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising. In 1980 a military government sent troops and tanks to crush pro-democracy protesters.
Hundreds of people died or went missing in that crackdown. Chung Yong-jin is chairman of the Shinsegae Group which owns Starbucks Korea.
He held a public news event to issue the apology. South Korea's president and Interior Minister both spoke out against the campaign.
Government offices said they will stop using Starbucks products. The company said the sales drop has been very significant.
Klear Note — The May 18 Gwangju Uprising was a 1980 pro-democracy protest crushed by the military government. Hundreds died. It remains a sensitive national tragedy in South Korea.
Key Terms 3
- Gwangju Uprising A 1980 protest in South Korea crushed by the military government
- Shinsegae Group South Korean company that owns and runs Starbucks in South Korea
- pro-democracy movement People who fought for free and fair elections in South Korea