South Korean police raid the headquarters of Starbucks Korea in Seoul over allegations tied to the company’s “Tank Day” promotional event. Reports say the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency carries out a search and seizure at the company’s offices, focusing on a campaign launched earlier on May 18. Multiple outlets describe the event as a marketing promotion featuring “tanks”-themed branding tied to a line of large tumblers, which drew criticism for evoking painful memories of South Korea’s May 18 pro-democracy uprising.
The controversy centers on claims that the promotion insulted or defamed victims and bereaved families associated with the 1980 uprising, including criticism that the campaign referenced the military crackdown in Gwangju. One outlet reports that a civic group files a complaint against Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin, alleging insult and defamation. Starbucks Korea is described as being linked to Shinsegae Group, with E-Mart—an affiliate of Shinsegae—holding the controlling stake in Starbucks Korea.
Authorities are investigating the allegations connected to the “Tank Day” campaign.
