Starbucks posted an apology on the Tank Day-related website. Starbucks website

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The fallout from Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' event has now escalated into a broader social conflict. In particular, as some far-right internet users spread content that mocks the May 18 Democratization Movement, the issue is shifting into an ideological confrontation.

On May 21, a generative AI video showing former President Chun Doo-hwan drinking a beverage with a Starbucks tank tumbler rapidly spread on the social networking service X (formerly Twitter). In the video, Chun says, "It tastes good. Gwangju is a single firearm..."—a statement that recalls his past interview in which he described the Gwangju Uprising as "a single riot that rose up with firearms."

Composite image of former President Chun Doo-hwan and Starbucks spreading on social networking service (SNS) on the 21st. Screenshot from X (formerly Twitter).

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The account operator who posted the video has previously uploaded numerous posts in support of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, showing clear "Yoon Again" tendencies. Comments posted on the video include "Eradicate Communists," "Tomorrow I'll have a Starbucks coffee and even a sandwich," and "A clean store with no leftists."

On the 21st, a composite image of former President Jeon Du-hwan and Starbucks circulated on social networking service (SNS). Screenshot from X (formerly Twitter)

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Some far-right users are visiting Starbucks stores and posting proof photos online. In response to signs of a Starbucks boycott following the 'Tank Day' event, some have countered by declaring they will "support with money" (a shortened phrase meaning to reward a store with purchases as a show of support for good deeds).

Recently, on social media, a proof photo was posted of the queue LED screen at the Starbucks Gwanghwamun branch displaying words used to denigrate former President Roh Moo-hyun and President Lee Jae-myung.

A queue LED screen at the Starbucks Gwanghwamun branch displaying words used to denigrate former President Roh Moo-hyun and President Lee Jae-myung. Screenshot from X (formerly Twitter)

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The controversy erupted over the 'Dante·Tank·Nasoo Day' event held by Starbucks on May 18. The event was named "Tank Day," featuring a "Colorful Tank Tumbler Set" and a "Tank Duo Set," and included the promotional phrase "Slam on the desk!"

Some internet users pointed out that the "tank" title reminded them of the armored vehicles deployed by martial law forces in Gwangju during the 1980 May 18 Democratization Movement. In particular, the fact that the event date coincided with May 18 intensified the controversy. The phrase "Slam on the desk!" also drew criticism for evoking the government's statement after the 1987 torture death of Park Jong-cheol.

As the controversy grew, Starbucks Korea issued an apology, stating, "We have discovered inappropriate phrases were used," and halted the event. Chairman Chung Yongjin also released a public apology, saying, "The group as a whole lacked historical awareness and sensitivity regarding the painful history of the Korean community." He also dismissed Son Jeonghyun, CEO of Starbucks Korea.

Nevertheless, public outrage against Starbucks Korea continues to grow, leading to escalated boycott movements. Among consumers, there is a growing belief that "the evidence of distortion and insult is too clear for this to be mere coincidence," and many feel that this incident cannot simply be overlooked.

On social media, photos showing people discarding or damaging Starbucks products as part of the boycott movement are being posted one after another. A new buzzword, "Talbeok" (meaning a complete break from Starbucks), has even emerged to express the intent to stop using Starbucks entirely.

Investigation of Chairman Chung Yongjin's Accusation... Gangnam Police Station Conducts Inquiry

In relation to the controversy over Starbucks Korea's 'May 18 Tank Day' promotion, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station has initiated an investigation. On the 21st, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that the case accusing Chung Yongjin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, and Son Jeonghyun, former CEO of Starbucks Korea, of insult and defamation, has been assigned to the Investigation Division 2 of Seoul Gangnam Police Station. This came just one day after the civic group People's Livelihood Countermeasures Committee submitted a complaint to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against Chairman Chung and former CEO Son.
Photo by Shinsegae Group