South Korean Interior Minister Says Government Will Avoid Starbucks Korea Products
Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung said the government will stop using products from the South Korean operator of Starbucks after a marketing campaign drew criticism. The campaign referenced tanks and a phrase linked to past pro-democracy events.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewInterior Minister Yun Ho-jung said on Thursday that the government will stop using products from the South Korean operator of Starbucks after a marketing campaign drew criticism. Yun made the remarks in a post on X, saying he expresses "deep regret" over the recent action by Starbucks Korea on the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju uprising.
He added that democracy was built on the sacrifice of many citizens and that treating that history lightly is an issue that cannot be taken lightly.
The campaign drew criticism because the word "tank" evoked memories of military tanks used during a 1980 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, while "tak" reminded people of student activist Park Jong-chol, who died in 1987 after being tortured.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency will investigate a complaint filed against Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin and Son Jung-hyun, former head of Starbucks Korea. A civic group filed the complaint on Wednesday over alleged insult and defamation related to the promotional event.
The case was initially filed at the Gangnam Police Station and later reallocated to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- May 21, 2026
Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung said the government will stop using Starbucks Korea products.
1 sourceYonhap - May 20, 2026
A civic group filed a complaint against Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin and Son Jung-hyun.
1 sourceYonhap - Earlier this week
Starbucks Korea launched the "Tank Day" promotion on the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju uprising.
1 sourceYonhap
Potential Impact
- 01
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency will investigate the complaint.
- 02
Government agencies may stop purchasing products from Starbucks Korea.
Transparency Panel
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