"Why does the controversy continue despite Starbucks's apology for '5·18 Tank Day' to the public?", 26 May 2026

Jeong Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, bowed in public apology (…) saying: "I sincerely bow my head and ask for the forgiveness of the bereaved families of the May 18th Democratic Uprising, the bereaved family of martyr Park Jong-cheol, the people of Gwangju, and the nation, who have felt deep hurt and disappointment over this incident.

…

Starbucks Korea had designated the 18th as "Tank Day" and held a promotional event offering a discount on the company's "Tank Tumbler" product. Marketing materials included the phrase "Smack it on the desk!"

The campaign was then criticised for evoking the tanks and armoured vehicles deployed in Gwangju during the May 18th Democratic Uprising of 1980. The phrase "Smack it on the desk!" was also flagged for calling to mind the 1987 torture and death of student activist Park Jong-cheol. At the time, police had initially claimed he collapsed after officers "smacked on the desk and he fell", a claim later exposed as a cover-up for torture.

Following a flood of criticism that the campaign had trivialised some of the most symbolic anniversaries in South Korea's democratic history, the company removed the promotional materials from its website and app within hours, and the chief executive of Starbucks Korea was abruptly dismissed.

…Previously, May 18th merit holders and bereaved families, along with Park Jong-cheol's family, had filed a criminal complaint with police against Chairman Jeong and former Starbucks Korea chief executive Son Jeong-hyeon.