Starbucks Faces Backlash for 'Tank Day' Event on May 18: "Inappropriate Date and Phrases"

Criticism Grows Over 'Tank' Reference on May 18

Controversy Deepens With Use of 'Tak on the Desk' Phrase

Starbucks found itself embroiled in controversy on May 18 after holding a 'Tank Day' event. Criticism has spread over the use of the term 'tank' on the anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, as well as the inclusion of the phrase 'tak on the desk', with many pointing out the inappropriateness of these choices.

Starbucks 'Tank Day' event page screen. Online community

On the 18th, Starbucks launched the 'Dante·Tank·Nasuday' event, introducing products such as the 'Color Tank Tumbler Set' and the 'Tank Duo Set'. The event's promotional materials also featured the phrase 'tak on the desk'.

The controversy was triggered by both the timing and the naming of the event. When an event called 'Tank Day' was held on the anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, criticism quickly emerged online pointing out its inappropriateness. Many questioned whether the company was using terms reminiscent of the deployment of military forces and crackdown during the May 18 period for marketing purposes.

Some online users criticized, "Of all days, how could they hold a Tank Day on May 18? Are they out of their minds?", "Linking May 18 and tanks is reminiscent of the kind of mockery seen on Ilbe," and "Given the overlap between the date and the expressions, it's hard to see this as a mere coincidence."

The phrase 'tak on the desk', which was used alongside, also came under fire. This expression recalls the infamous police excuse regarding the 1987 torture and death of activist Park Jongcheol: "He died after we hit the desk and he let out a gasp." For this reason, online users pointed out, "Using both 'tank' and 'tak on the desk' on the May 18 anniversary is even more inappropriate."

As the controversy escalated, Starbucks changed the original phrase 'tak on the desk!' to 'just right for work~' and renamed 'Tank Day' to 'Tank Tumbler Day', but ultimately decided to cancel the event and issued an apology.

In a statement, Starbucks said, "During Buddy Week, which runs until the 26th, we discovered that inappropriate language had been used," and added, "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern we have caused our customers."

The company continued, "The event has now been discontinued, and we will review and improve our internal processes to prevent similar incidents in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.