Starbucks Korea Fires Chief Executive Over ‘Tank Day’ Promotion on Anniversary of Brutal Crackdown

Starbucks Korea is apologizing and has fired its chief executive officer over a “Tank Day” promotion that some customers perceived as referring to a 1980 bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.Monday’s promotional launch was tied to an offer for large coffee tumblers but coincided with the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, which was crushed when the military dictatorship that ruled South Korea deployed troops and large military vehicles to target protesters. The government said 193 people died but hundreds more were believed to have been killed over several days.Stores offered discounts on “Tank” tumblers using the phrase, “Thump it on the desk.” The phrase was seen by critics as referencing student activist Park Jong-Cheol, who died after being tortured by police. The dictatorship claimed Park died after he banged his head on a desk. The phrase became popular for a reference to regime abuses.The South Korean president reacted angrily, saying the promotion mocked the “blood-soaked struggle” of the Gwangju victims.“I am outraged by this inhumane, bottom-feeding behavior from these low-class peddlers who deny the Republic of Korea’s community, basic human rights, and democratic values,” President Lee Jae-myung said in an X post. “They must be held accountable with the corresponding moral, administrative, legal, and political responsibility.”The promotion was pulled after a few hours after an outpouring of negative reaction.The chairman of the conglomerate that operates Starbucks in South Korea, Shinsegae Group, removed Son Jung-hyun from his role and issued an apology on Tuesday.“We have caused deep pain to the spirits of those who died in the May 18 democratization movement, their bereaved families, and the Korean people,” Chung Yong-jin said in a statement. “I bow my head in apology on behalf of the group.” Starbucks Korea also apologized to the Park family.Korean media reported that public criticism persisted through Tuesday with some consumers calling for a boycott. People posted images on social media of smashed and crushed Starbucks cups and mugs.The Gwangju-Jeonnam Memorial Coalition issued a statement saying Starbucks Korea “will face tremendous resistance and strong setbacks from the Korean people if it turns away from rigid historical responsibility demands and is consistent with excuses.”Starbucks Global also apologized on Tuesday and called the marketing campaign unacceptable. “While unintentional, this should never have happened,” the company said in a statement. “We recognize the deep pain and offense this has caused, particularly to those who honor the victims, their families and all who contributed to Korea’s democratization.”

Starbucks Korea Fires Chief Executive Over ‘Tank Day’ Promotion on Anniversary of Brutal Crackdown

More from the New York Sun

‘Top Gun’ at 40: The Real Story Behind the Blockbuster That Sealed Tom Cruise’s Stardom

Justice Alito’s Duty To Sit

Progressive Candidates in Colorado Call for Democratic Governor’s Impeachment

More from the New York Sun

‘Top Gun’ at 40: The Real Story Behind the Blockbuster That Sealed Tom Cruise’s Stardom

Justice Alito’s Duty To Sit

Progressive Candidates in Colorado Call for Democratic Governor’s Impeachment

Women’s Sports Podcasts Are Fueling the Next Media Gold Rush

Trump Drops IRS Lawsuit as DOJ Creates $1.776 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’

New York Times Reporters ‘Exasperated’ by Column Claiming Israeli Abuse of Palestinian Prisoners, ‘Suspicious’ of Sourcing

Israel Reportedly Jams Gaza Flotilla’s Radio With Britney Spears Hit

Judge Throws Out Some, Permits Some of Evidence Collection in Mangione Trial