President Lee Targets Starbucks 'Tank Day': "Inhumane and Outrageous Behavior of Unscrupulous Merchants"

Lee: "Appropriate moral and legal responsibility must be taken"


Chung Yongjin, Shinsegae Chairman, dismisses Starbucks Korea CEO

President Lee Jae-myung strongly criticized Starbucks Korea for holding the "Tank Day" event on the anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement, stating, "I am outraged by the inhumane and deplorable actions of such lowly merchants who deny the values of the Korean community, fundamental human rights, and democracy."

On this day, President Lee condemned the event on his X (formerly Twitter) account, saying, "To hold a '5.18 Tank Day' event that mocks the bloody struggle and sacrifices of the victims and citizens of Gwangju on the historic anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement in Gwangju..."

President Lee Jae-myung delivers a commemorative speech at the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement ceremony held at the May 18 Democratic Square in Gwangju on the 18th. 2026.5.18 Yonhap News Agency.

President Lee further stated, "How many lives were unjustly lost that day, and how severe was the damage to justice and history? With what kind of malicious intent could they have done such a thing?" He stressed, "There must be appropriate moral, administrative, legal, and political responsibility for this." He also criticized, "Have you even apologized to the victims' families of the May 18 Democratic Movement?"

Previously, Starbucks Korea held a tumbler promotion event from the 15th until the 26th, using phrases such as "Tank Day" and "Bang the Desk" on this day. After controversy arose over the event allegedly disparaging the May 18 Democratic Movement and the 1987 torture and death of student activist Park Jong-cheol, the company halted the event.

In response, Chung Yong-jin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, immediately dismissed the CEO and ordered severe disciplinary action against those involved.

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