Alphabiz - Starbucks HQ Issues Apology to May 18 Groups Over ‘Tank Day’ Controversy

Photo courtesy of Yonhap News

[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Starbucks headquarters has issued an official apology to organizations representing victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, following controversy over a so-called “Tank Day” marketing event.

According to the May 18 Memorial Foundation on June 7, Starbucks stated in a recent written response that the event was “an inappropriate marketing activity that should never have occurred,” and expressed its apologies for the historical significance of the May 18 Democratic Uprising and the pain suffered by its victims.

The company also said that the concerns and demands raised by the foundation and related groups had been reported to its senior management.

Earlier, three legally recognized May 18 organizations—including associations of the injured, contributors, and bereaved families—along with the foundation, sent a formal letter of protest to Starbucks headquarters on June 1, calling for a thorough investigation, an official apology, and responsible follow-up measures.

The groups also requested that the National Pension Service, the second-largest shareholder of Emart, review the possibility of exercising shareholder rights over Emart, the largest shareholder of Starbucks Korea.

The National Pension Service responded on June 2 that it would review the proposal, according to the foundation.

Separately, the foundation has called on companies and advertising agencies to halt advertisements placed on the far-right online community Ilbe Storage, where posts distorting the history of the May 18 movement have appeared.

As a result, all related advertisements previously posted on the platform have reportedly been suspended.

Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)