Starbucks Korea CEO Fired Over Promotion Recalling Gwangju Uprising

(CNA Seoul, 19th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Starbucks in South Korea announced today that its CEO has been dismissed after a series of eco-friendly cups sparked a strong backlash. The promotion was heavily criticized for evoking painful memories of military rule on May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju Democratization Movement. According to AFP and Reuters, the controversy centers on Starbucks Korea's use of the term "Tank Day" to promote a series of coffee cups called "Tank tumblers." This series was launched on May 18, which is the 46th anniversary of the deadly 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising. A company representative confirmed to AFP today that Son Jung-hyun, the head of Starbucks Korea, has been dismissed due to the controversy. The term "Tank Day" drew widespread criticism as it was reminiscent of the military vehicles used to suppress protesters during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. This protest was a defining moment in South Korea's struggle for democracy, where students and civilians rose up against military rule, a movement that was violently suppressed by the army within 10 days. Official records list 165 civilian deaths, 65 people missing, and 376 later dying from their injuries, although many believe the true death toll is likely higher. According to Yonhap News Agency, the promotion offered discounts on "Tank" travel mug sets with the tagline "Placed on the table with a 'Bang!' sound." The marketing campaign was quickly slammed by civic groups and netizens. Critics pointed out that the word "tank" was reminiscent of the military vehicles deployed to suppress the uprising, and the word "bang" was interpreted by some as an allusion to student activist Park Jong-chol, who was tortured to death in 1987. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who attended the anniversary event, condemned the promotion, calling it a "mockery" of the victims. He wrote on the social media platform X yesterday: "I am outraged by this inhumane and shameful act, a profit-making gimmick that denies the values of South Korean society, basic human rights, and democracy." Starbucks Korea issued a formal apology yesterday. The statement said: "We sincerely bow our heads and apologize to the heroic spirits of May 18." The statement added: "We acknowledge that the wording used in connection with the online travel mug promotion was extremely inappropriate." Starbucks Korea also promised to strengthen its employees' "historical awareness and ethical standards" through training to prevent similar incidents from happening again. (Translation: Li Pei-shan) 1150519