Controversy Over Mysterious Numbers at Starbucks: From Sewol Ferry and Park Geun-hye to May 18

Yongjin Chung's Public Apology Fails to Quell Controversy
Suspicions Rise Over 'Park Geun-hye's Prison Number, Sewol Ferry Disaster Date' References

A citizen standing in front of Starbucks. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Starbucks Korea is facing strong backlash after holding a "Tank Day" event on the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. The controversy has intensified as claims have emerged that the event name "Tank Day," the promotional phrase "Tak on the Desk!", and even the product sizes evoke memories of the May 18 Democratization Movement, the Sewol ferry disaster, and former President Park Geun-hye.

The controversy was ignited by the "Dante·Tank·Nasuday" event held by Starbucks on May 18. The event featured the release of items such as the "Colorful Tank Tumbler Set" and the "Tank Duo Set," with the promotional slogan "Tak on the Desk!"

Starbucks homepage capture

"Tank·May 18·Tak on the Desk!... Are All These Just Coincidences?"

Some online users pointed out that the term "Tank" is reminiscent of the armored vehicles deployed by martial law troops in Gwangju during the May 18 Democratization Movement in 1980. The fact that the event was held on May 18 further fueled the controversy. Criticism also arose that the phrase "Tak on the Desk!" recalls the announcement related to the death-by-torture of Park Jong-cheol in 1987. As these specific expressions, dates, and product names came together, many argued, "It's hard to see this as a simple coincidence."

As the controversy grew, Yongjin Chung, Chairman of the Shinsegae Group, issued a public apology on May 19 and promised measures at the group level to prevent a recurrence. In his statement, Chairman Chung said, "We have caused deep pain to the souls and bereaved families of the May 18 Democratization Movement, as well as to the people of Korea," adding, "On behalf of the group, I bow my head in apology."

"Not Just May 18? Also Reminiscent of Sewol Ferry and Park Geun-hye"

However, despite Chairman Chung's apology, the online controversy has not subsided. There are now interpretations concerning product capacity. Some users noted that the tumblers were labeled with a capacity of "503ml," claiming this evokes former President Park Geun-hye's prison identification number, 503.

The controversy has spread to a promotion held a month earlier. On April 16, Starbucks Korea held a "Mini Tank Day" event to mark the launch of its "Mini Tank Tumbler." Some users pointed out that this date coincides with the anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, questioning whether such expressions were inappropriately repeated on a national memorial day.

Starbucks Homepage Capture

"Will Not Go, Will Not Use"... Boycott Campaign Spreads

As the controversy grows, some consumers have begun to organize a boycott online. Some users posted proof shots of themselves smashing Starbucks mugs with hammers or damaging tumblers, expressing their intention to boycott the brand. Comments included, "I broke it out of anger. I will never go to Starbucks or use their products again," "I don't want to use anything with that logo anymore," and "I've even cleared out the cups I'd collected as souvenirs."

Meanwhile, the issue has been reported as major news by foreign media outlets. The Guardian in the UK introduced criticism that the event evoked memories of the suppression of the democratization movement under military rule and reported that the controversy has escalated into accusations of 'malicious mockery'. BBC and Reuters also highlighted that the event touched on sensitive memories in Korea's modern history, such as the May 18 Democratization Movement and the Park Jong-cheol incident, and reported that the controversy has developed into a boycott movement.

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