Jung Cheongrae: "Legislation to Punish Disparagement of May 18... Democratic Candidates Should Refrain From Visiting Starbucks"

Criticism of Starbucks' Disparaging Marketing Related to May 18

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that he would pursue legislation to punish those who mock or disparage the democratization movement, referencing Starbucks’ marketing that belittled the May 18 Democratization Movement. He also urged Democratic Party candidates to refrain from visiting Starbucks stores.

On May 20, during a meeting of the Central Election Committee in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, Jeong strongly criticized the incident, saying, "An outrageous act has occurred. How could anyone come up with such an idea under the guise of May 18 marketing?" He added, "How could the scene of tanks mercilessly massacring and suppressing citizens be used for coffee marketing purposes?"

(Yeoju=Yonhap News) Reporter Hyunwoo Shin = Jeong Cheongrae, the General Standing Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party, attended the on-site election committee meeting held at the Democratic Party candidate Park Siseon’s Yeoju mayoral election office in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province on the 20th, and took a commemorative photo with attendees including Chu Mi Ae, the Gyeonggi Province governor candidate. 2026.5.20 nowwego@yna.co.kr (End)

Previously, Starbucks Korea used phrases such as "Tank Day" and "Bang on the Desk" during a tumbler promotion event on May 18, the anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement.

Jeong commented, "In Germany, those who glorify or justify the Holocaust face severe punishment. We also need to establish stronger laws, as in Germany, to more strictly punish those who mock or disparage the May 18 Democratization Movement or other movements for democracy. I will push for this."

He continued, "For Democratic Party campaigners and candidates, simply entering a Starbucks store could leave a very negative impression with the public. Refraining from visiting Starbucks is in line with the public sentiment."

Regarding the controversy over Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, allegedly stating "I won't go because it's disgusting" after attending the May 18 commemoration, Jeong said, "(Song claimed) he said 'because it's sad,' but according to MBC's report, it was 'because it's disgusting,' and the audio recording does not contain the phrase 'because it's sad.' He must either take legal action or issue an apology—one of the two. I await his response."

He also mentioned the controversy surrounding some People Power Party figures on social networking services (SNS), saying, "This is why we see the re-nomination of those with ties to President Yoon." He added, "I believe that on June 3, our citizens will deliver a stern judgment to those who not only lack historical awareness, but also deny and attack the universal value of human dignity."

Meanwhile, on this day, Jeong visited the site to support Chu Mi Ae, the Gyeonggi Province governor candidate, and Park Siseon, the Yeoju mayoral candidate. Regarding Chu, Jeong stated, "As chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, she played a significant role in accomplishing prosecution reform with her strong charisma and leadership. As a rare female leader in the Democratic Party, she has boundless potential for further growth. The Democratic Party will provide unwavering support to ensure that Gyeonggi Province can soar to new heights together with Chu Mi Ae."

Chu also responded, "Chairman Jeong coming to Yeoju in the lead is a great encouragement. As a representative who takes care of the most marginalized regions of Gyeonggi Province, and as the dependable eldest daughter-in-law, I will tackle difficult issues without hesitation. Even after the election, I will bring energy and vitality to resolving pressing issues as I take responsibility for managing the province."

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