'Tank Day' Controversy Draws International Attention... BBC: "Evokes Bloody Suppression of May 18 Gwangju"

BBC, The Guardian, and Others Report on 'Tank Day' Controversy
The Guardian Highlights Jung Yongjin's "I Hate Communism" Social Media Post

As controversy continues over Starbucks' so-called 'Tank Day' promotion, which was held on the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, major international media outlets have reported on the issue.

On the 18th (local time), international media such as the BBC and The Guardian reported the dismissal of Sohn Jung-hyun, CEO of Starbucks Korea (SCK Company).

Shin Yongjin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, issued a public apology regarding Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" event held on the 18th, the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. Photo by Yonhap News

The BBC stated, "The CEO of Starbucks Korea was dismissed after controversy erupted over a campaign that evoked memories of a historic bloody incident." The report added, "The campaign led to a boycott movement among consumers, and President Lee Jaemyung also strongly criticized it."

On the 18th, Starbucks held the 'Dante·Tank·Nasuday' event, introducing products such as the 'Color Tank Tumbler Set' and 'Tank Duo Set.' The event's promotional materials also included the phrase 'Tak on the Desk.'

However, there was widespread criticism that holding an event called 'Tank Day' on the anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising was inappropriate. Many pointed out that the expressions used in the marketing could be seen as invoking the military deployment and suppression that took place during the May 18 period.

The phrase 'Tak on the Desk' also became a source of controversy, as it recalled the police's infamous excuse during the 1987 case of Park Jongcheol's death by torture: "We hit the desk with a bang, and he suddenly died."

Starbucks Korea is embroiled in controversy over the May 18 distortion event. On the 19th, Suwan Kim, Executive Vice President of Emart Group, visited the May 18 Memorial Culture Center in Ssangchon-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju, and attempted to meet with May 18 organizations but the meeting was canceled and he is seen leaving. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

AFP reported that the term 'Tank Day' was criticized because it evoked images of military vehicles deployed to suppress the Gwangju Democratic Uprising in 1980.

The Guardian also revisited a post made by Jung Yongjin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, on his social media in 2022. The Guardian noted, "Chairman Jung previously sparked controversy by posting the phrase, 'I hate communism.'"

The Guardian further commented, "Such anti-communist rhetoric has long been associated with far-right groups in Korea," and explained, "Some on the far right continue to spread the distorted narrative from the military regime era, which claimed that citizens participating in the Gwangju Democratic Uprising were sympathizers of North Korea."

Meanwhile, Chairman Jung personally apologized in response to the controversy over Starbucks' 'Tank Day.' In his statement of apology issued on the 19th, he said, "Yesterday, on the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, Starbucks Korea, a Shinsegae Group affiliate, conducted an inappropriate marketing campaign that should never have happened or been tolerated." He continued, "On behalf of the group, I bow my head in deep apology for the pain we have caused to the spirits of those lost in the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, their bereaved families, and the people of Korea."

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